"St. John's Wort" is a hardy, partially woody perennial, an upright growing, unpleasant smelling, clumping plant. Its small, smooth, oval leaves have numerous tiny oil glands, borne in opposite pairs along the stems. The small golden yellow flowers are borne in large dense cymes in midsummer. The small, ovoid seed capsule contains round black seed. The crushed flowers ooze a red, blood-like pigment containing hypericin.
"FOR BEST RESULTS ADJUST YOUR GARDENING PLANS TO MOON CALENDAR"CULTURE"
The wonderful thing about this herb is that it's also very easy to grow.
"Seed Spasing" Push the seeds just below the surface at a depth not over two millimetres.
"Seed Germination" 8 to 14 days. Speed germination by soaking the seeds in warm water for 20 minutes.
"Plant Spacing" About 18 inches apart.
"Soil Requirements" This plant prefers well-drained sandy or clay soils.
"Sun ">"Water Requirements " Water the herbs twice a week
"LEARN NEW SEEDING TRICKS"USES"
"ST. JOHN'S WORT" is one of the most popular "herbs" in North America and Europe. Although it's known primarily as a herbal antidepressant for mild to moderate depression, it has a long history of use as an antiviral, an anti-inflammatory, for nerve injury and pain, and as a topical treatment to promote wound healing. Recent preliminary studies have found that "St. John's Wort" may also decrease alcohol intake. " ST. JOHN'S WORT" has been used to treat a variety of conditions. Taken internally, St. Johns Wort has a sedative and pain reducing effect, which gives it a place in the treatment of neuralgia, anxiety, tension and similar problems. It is especially regarded as an herb to use where there are menopausal changes triggering irritability and anxiety. In addition to neuralgic pain, it will ease fibrositis, sciatica and rheumatic pain. Externally it is a valuable healing and anti-inflammatory remedy. As a lotion it will speed the healing of wounds and bruises, varicose veins and mild burns. The oil is especially useful for the healing of sunburn.
The calming properties of "St. John's Wort herb" have been useful in treating bedwetting, insomnia, and other nervous conditions, as well as some form of melancholy. An oil extract of the herb can be taken for stomach ache, colic, intestinal problems, and as an expectorant for the congestion in the lungs.
A herbal tea made from the flowers is good for anaemia, headache, insomnia, jaundice, chest congestion, and catarrh. A tea made from the herb has been used for uterine cramping and menstrual difficulties. The oil extract also make a good external application for burns, wounds, sores, bruises, and other skin problems.
It is believed that burning the plant in bonfires would drive away evil spirits, purify the air and promote healthy crop growth.
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