St. John’s Wort Plant And Its Benefits.

What is St. John’s Wort plant?
St. John’s wort plant is a pretty little plant with several-stemmed woody plant and the botanical name is Hypericum perforatum. The blossoms last from midsummer until fall, and they are followed by colorful berries. St. John’s wort plant adapts to both moist and dry soil, and even tolerates occasional flooding. It also withstands drought but grows best with irrigation during prolonged dry spells. You won’t find a plant that will thrive in more situations that’s why it’s somewhat unique it its way.

How to Grow St. John’s Wort Plant:
Growing St. John’s wort plant can be a little bit difficult if you in a location with too much sun. If the sun is much then it can lead to leaf scorch, while too much shade reduces the number of flowers. The best location is one with bright morning sunlight and a little shade in the hottest part of the afternoon. If your soil isn’t particularly fertile, prepare the bed before transplanting. Spread about 2 inches (5 cm.) of compost or rotted manure over the area and dig it in to a depth of at least 8 inches (20 cm.). Transplant the shrubs into the garden, setting them at the height at which they grew in their containers. They grow only 1 to 3 feet (30-91 cm.) tall with a spread of 1.5 to 2 feet (46-61 cm.), so space them 24 to 36 inches (61-91 cm.) apart. Water slowly and deeply after planting and keep the soil moist until the transplants are well-established.

How to Decant St. John’s Wort Plant:
The best period of the month to harvest is from late June till late August and the best time to harvest is in the mid-day when the medicinal properties are at its height. Harvest the flower tops, leaf, and stem. The stems are quite stiff so best to use scissors.

• Put the flowering tops in your jar and Press them down.

• Cover with olive oil. This is the trickiest part – you have to have all of the plant covered with oil or it might mold! As long as all of the flowers are covered with oil, you’ll be fine.

• LABEL YOUR JAR so you won’t forget what it is as nobody is above forgetting.

• Set in a sunny window for at least 2 weeks. 4 weeks is better if you want the oil to take on a bright red color.

• Now strain out the flowers. You can do this with a strainer over a bowl. First pour all the flowers into the strainer, then squeeze out the remaining oil with your hands. Super interesting you know.

• Pour the oil into a clean, dark bottle. It’s always best to store oil in a dark bottle, it preserves it better. Of course, if you don’t have a dark bottle, just keep it in a dark cupboard.

• The oil should last for at least a year if you don’t share with family and friends but I would advise you share as they may be battled with health issues St. John Wort oil can take care of.
• How to use: just rub a small amount into affected area several times daily.
• Remember: with any homemade product, you should test it on a small area first before applying to your whole body!!
• HEALTH BENEFITS: Helpful for ulcers, heartburn, bedwetting, menstrual challenges, menopause, liver tension as it gently decongests and strengthens both liver and the gallbladder, pain reliever and repairing skin tissue.