St. John's wort has been valued as a medicinal plant for over 2,000 years. The characteristic bright yellow flowers appear at the end of June, and then the time has come to collect them. In this article you will learn how to harvest and use the medicinal plants of the year 2022 correctly.

St. John's wort in bloom can be harvested from June to August

Determine St. John's wort

If you want to use wild specimens as a medicinal herb, it is important to identify them without a doubt:

  • The flower: St. John's wort has five petals that look like small tufts of hair. If you rub this between your fingers, red juice will come out.
  • The leaves: These are one to three centimeters in size and oval. If you hold it up to the light, you can see isolated light and dark, punctiform spots.
  • The berries: These appear in August. They are initially red, later black in color.

Collect St. John's Wort

Whether growing wild or in the garden: As soon as the real St. John's wort is in full bloom, it can be harvested. Cut the long stems about a hand's breadth above the ground.

The preservation of medicinal plants

St. John's wort can be dried or preserved in oil. Before further processing, the medicinal herb is freed from coarse dirt, but not washed, since water deprives the herb of valuable aromas.

The manufacture of red oil

  • Roughly chop the stalks with the flowers.
  • Pour into a glass jar and crush with a mortar.
  • Pour over olive oil or sunflower oil, preferably organic.
  • Seal and leave in the sun for six to eight weeks.

When the oil has turned a bright red color, strain and pour into glass bottles. The red oil has a shelf life of about a year.

Dry St. John's Wort

Tie the branches into loose bundles and hang them in an airy place.

How does St. John's wort work?

Red oil is a proven household remedy that accelerates wound healing thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also has a soothing effect on minor burns, sprains and bruises.

You can take advantage of the mood-enhancing influence of the medicinal plant in the form of an infusion. Pour 150 milliliters of water over two teaspoons of St. John's Wort and let the tea steep for ten minutes. Drink one or two cups of this in the morning and evening.

tips

Please note that St. John's wort can weaken the effect of some medicines. This applies, among other things, to anticoagulants and the birth control pill. If you take medicines regularly, you should definitely coordinate the internal use of St. John's wort with your doctor.

Category:

Herbs