(Tip: Use a paper or plastic bag and rubber band over drying blooms to catch seeds)
A pretty evergreen with yellow flowers. St John’s wort is today most widely known as an herbal treatment for major and minor depression. The aerial parts of the plant can be cut and dried for later delivery of the active ingredient hyperforin in the form of an herbal tea with a pleasant, though somewhat bitter, taste. Hyperforin has also been found to have antibacterial properties, and is believed to stimulate the release of the neuro transmitter nor epinephrine, leading to speculation that it might alleviate the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). St. John’s Wort can be a remedy for many ailments, including: insomnia, depression, bladder problems, and pulmonary complaints. Planting: Plant St. John’s Wort by seed in the spring. Seeds can take up to three months to germinate, so leave some to reseed every year until rootlets are established.
Harvesting St. John’s Wort seeds is simple and ensures the continued growth of this beneficial herb. With perennial St. John’s Wort, allow the flower heads to dry on the plant. Collect the St. John’s Wort seeds from the dried heads into a paper bag. Harvest by cutting off the top 1/3 part of the plant in July. Allow some to go to seed.
Heirloom St. John’s Wort is popular for its mood-lifting properties. Prepare herbal tea by steeping dried leaves and flowers in hot water for 10 minutes.
St. John’s Wort oil enhances skin health. Infuse dried flowers in olive oil for several weeks, then strain. This oil is effective for treating minor wounds, burns, and skin irritations.
Create a tincture by soaking dried St. John’s Wort in alcohol for several weeks, then strain. Taking small doses can mitigate discomfort from conditions like sciatica and neuralgia.
Receive emails about ARK,
new products, specials and more!
