Three Plants That Protect, Soothe, and Release

What we celebrate today as Saint John's Eve (or Litha in Celtic tradition) is undoubtedly one of the most magical dates on the calendar, especially here in A Coruña. But beyond the bonfires, there is an ancient practice that has survived the passage of centuries: the power of herbs .

While preparing one of the prints for the shop, I couldn't stop thinking about it: how a flower we find on any walk in the countryside is the same one our grandmothers used to soothe life and bodies. Today I want to talk about three: St. John's Wort, Mallow, and Dandelion . What I share goes beyond the aroma or beauty of each plant: it's a trace of wisdom left to us by those who came before us.

1. MALVA: The "Shield of Souls" (Ancient Rome)

For the Romans, mallow was not just food or medicine. It was traditionally planted around graves and in the gardens of houses because it was believed to help souls find peace .

• The ritual: It was said that the mallow plant could free the spirit from base passions. Keeping it near the front door was believed to prevent anything harsh (neither bad moods nor evil spirits) from entering. It was a filter of gentleness before crossing the threshold.
  

• In the Middle Ages, it was known as Omnimorbia . Its ability to physically soothe the body (through its mucilage) was believed to reflect its capacity to soften fate . Traditionally, it has been used for its emollient properties: for sore throats and coughs, and as a remedy for irritation or inflammation.
• In some European territories, it was also used as a "reconciler" in friendships. It was said that if two people had a conflict, they should wash their hands with mallow water macerated at the solstice, because its smooth texture symbolized that the offenses would slide off and not remain inside.

2. St. John's Wort or Hypericum

If there's one plant that commands respect in our bouquet, it's this one. St. John's wort doesn't just grow along paths; it seems to guard them. It's our "sunflower herb," ​​and its power is almost magnetic. The name Hypericum comes from the Greek hyper (upon) and eikon (image). It refers to the ancient custom of placing the flowers on images or statues of the gods to protect them from evil during summer festivities.

• In terms of energy , St. John's Wort is protective and luminous. Like a torch when we are going through complex inner states: repetitive thoughts, rumination, or that feeling of being "going around in circles" with no way out. It has a clear character: it doesn't come to adorn, it comes to order .
• In its physical uses (traditional application), it has been used as a tonic on days of mental or emotional lethargy. Externally, its maceration in oil is associated with the care of irritated or reddened skin, as a restorative measure.
• In China, it is known as the " Peach with Golden Threads." It is associated with the Fire Element (because of its yellow stamens that resemble threads of pure gold). It has been used for centuries to "calm the Shen" (the spirit). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, when someone is very agitated, anxious, or experiencing "internal wind," St. John's wort is used to ground the energy. It is as if its bright yellow color helps to bring light back to the center of the body.
• In Japan: Beyond the ancient (and rather dramatic) myths, today its ability to flourish with astonishing vitality under the most intense sun is celebrated. It is seen as a symbol of luminous resilience : the capacity to shine brightly without withering, maintaining its freshness even on the hottest days of the year.

It is incredible how the same flower has been, for millennia, a symbol of protection and light at opposite ends of the world.

3. The Dandelion: The alchemy of transformation and messenger of the wind

It appears on the margins—in a crack in the sidewalk, at the edge of the road—as if it knew a secret we easily forget: life always finds a crack through which to breathe again. That's why, for me, this plant is a symbol of quiet dignity. It doesn't come to decorate; it comes to bring us a message of resilience.

• The Celtic Heritage: The ancients considered it a gift from the earth, heralding the dawn of light. They called it "Bearnan Brìde" (Brigid's morsel), associating it with the goddess of healing, poetry, and the hearth fire. For the Celts, seeing the fields bloom in yellow was a sign that life was once again fertile and vibrant.
• In the Far East: In China, it has been valued for millennia not only as medicine but also as a symbol of vital energy . Its root, which delves deep into the earth, is said to absorb the wisdom of the soil and then release it in the form of light seeds. It represents the ability to thrive anywhere, no matter how difficult the terrain.
• In terms of energy: It represents resilience and clarity. It's ideal for those moments of change when we need to "cleanse" the external noise. It teaches us that to be reborn, we must first have the courage to let go of what has already run its course.
• On a physical level: It's a powerful detoxifier. Traditionally, it has been used to help the body eliminate toxins, acting on the liver and kidneys. It's that "Midsummer cleanse" in plant form, helping us feel lighter and refreshed.

When you're out for a walk, look around your city and see if you can find any of them. And when you do, remember their centuries of wisdom, protection, and light that remain there for anyone who cares to look. In Contemporary Botany , my purpose is precisely that: to reclaim that sacred symbolism and, in some way, let it accompany you in your space.

NOTE: It has finally stopped raining in Galicia, those first rays of sunshine are a blessing, I will go for a walk looking for those first buds before spring.

This is a botanical illustration for cultural and decorative purposes. Information on physical properties does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health treatments.