St. John’s wort
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum): Small, egg-shaped leaves grow on a two-edged stem, arranged in opposite directions.
Due to the essential oil contained in it, small black dots appear, which make the leaves look holey.
The yellow flowers are arranged in racemes in umbels. They turn blood red when rubbed between the fingers.
St. John’s wort
Image source: 364447797 – stock.adobe.com
Family and collection time
St. John’s wort belongs to the family of hardy plants.
Parts of the plant used: Flowers
Collection time in detail:
- Flowers: Best around St. John’s Day (June 24), when it is in full bloom. However, they can be collected even into September.
Healing effect and application
Healing effect:
Decongestant, astringent, antibacterial, soothing, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic.
Caution when used during pregnancy: labor-inducing!
Application in naturopathy:
In depressive moods, anxiety, nervous restlessness, insomnia, headaches, migraines, post-treatment of first-degree injuries and burns (including sunburn), muscle pain, muscle strains, neuralgia, sciatica, back pain.
Caution when used during pregnancy: labor-inducing!
Ingredients: (selection)
- Much vitamin C
Recipe for the kitchen: St. John’s wort oil
Ingredients
- Freshly collected St. John’s wort flowers
- 1 jar with screw cap
- Olive oil
The jar is filled one-third with the flowers and topped up with olive oil. Allow the mixture to infuse for about six weeks, shaking it frequently in between. Gradually, the oil should turn red. Then strain the St. John’s wort oil through a clean cloth and decant the red oil into a dark bottle.
References:
Beiser, Rudi: Our edible wild plants. Kosmos Nature Guide 2018
Bühring, Ursel: Praxis-Lehrbuch der modernen Heilpflanzenkunde; Grundlagen – Anwendung – Therapie. Sonntag Publishing House Stuttgart 2005
Pahlow, M. Pharmacist: Medicinal Plants. Bechtermünz Publishing House Augsburg 2001
Schneider, Christine: Finding wild herbs. Ulmer Publishing House Stuttgart 2017
Recipe by Dr. Markus Strauß www.dr-strauss.net
