There is a legend that the blood of St John the Baptist is hidden in the St John’s wort. If you rub the yellow flowers of this herb in the palm of your hand, a red dye will appear.
In folk medicine it is known as St. John’s herb, St. John’s herb, or St. John’s bell. Its healing abilities have been known for several generations, dating back to the Middle Ages.
It is said that if the herb is collected on St John’s Night, its magical powers and healing effects will be stronger.
The red dye it hides in its flowers is responsible for its magical name.
Kapitoly
Growing St. John’s Wort
Growing St. John’s Wort is a matter primarily for growing in gardens. The seeds of the herb are sown in the soil in autumn about half a centimetre deep. Over the winter they do not freeze properly and in spring the plant starts to grow nicely.
When pre-growing seedlings, make sure that the plants have enough moisture, light and warmth.
Seeds for pre-growing are sown between February and April.
Next, we plant the seedlings in the soil, keeping a 25×30 cm staple. The following year after planting we can harvest the flowers and the buds. St. John’s Wort is grown in a location where there is partial shade. Always cut the plant back in spring (about 15 cm) so that it grows abundantly.
How to store the herb
First of all, harvesting is important. We harvest the plant when it is flowering. Harvest whole flowers and only harvest the flower heads where the woody part of the plant is not present.
Dry the plant in a dry place with plenty of air.
The plant must not get damp, then it could be thrown away as it would turn brown and all the healthy effects would disappear. Never dry St. John’s Wort in direct sunlight. The best place to dry herbs is in the soil. The dried herb is then stored in paper containers such as boxes or bags.
St. John’s Wort can also be processed fresh in the form of Genoa oil, which has a peculiarity in the resulting colour.
The colour depends on which flowers we use to make the oil.
In the case of dried flowers it will turn yellow, when fresh it will be red. We can also process St. John’s Wort into drops by soaking the flowers in high alcohol. The finished tincture is then excellent for calming the nerves.
Tea of comfort
To prepare the tea, we will need two teaspoons of dried herb, which we boil in boiling water. After a period of 15 minutes, strain the tea and drink lukewarm in sips.
St. John’s wort tea is suitable to drink in case of nausea, stomach disorders and poor digestion. A drink from this herb will also be appreciated as a natural medicine for calming down. This tea will put you at ease and inner peace.
St. John’s Wort can also be added to various herbal blends in which it contributes to the medicinal effects of the resulting tea. Together with calendula, hops and valerian root, it has a calming effect in tea form. Suppresses nervousness and cures insomnia.
With sea buckthorn, rose hips, belladonna and buckwheat, in turn, the tea helps our blood vessels.
Healing BenefitsSt. John’s Wort has a plethora of excellent medicinal benefits that benefit not only our body but also our mental health. The plant is sure to be welcomed as a natural antidepressant, especially in these times when the world is fast-paced and we have to face more mental strain. It will also be appreciated especially by those who suffer from insomnia.
When St. John’s Wort Heals
St. John’s Wort is still a rather mysterious plant to scientists, as all its medicinal effects have not yet been revealed, which it nevertheless possesses in very abundance.The positive medicinal effects are:
The advantage of this medicine is also that it is suitable for long-term use and can be taken by people weak at heart. Due to its content ofresin, red dye, tannins, glycosides, vitamin C and provitamin A, St. John’s wort is very popular.
However, St. John’s Wort also harbours side effects
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Caution should be taken by people suffering from diabetes, people with pollen allergies, or those with low blood pressure and metastasis. The herb is not recommended when taking medication for cholesterol as well as HIV.
Furthermore, in more sensitive persons, hypersensitivity to sunlight, which manifests itself in various spots on the skin, may occur. If you pay attention to this versatile herb, you can enjoy its excellent effects on our health.
