Growing St Johns Wort

There are benefits to growing St Johns wort since it has a long history of folk using it for health and healing, believed to be named after John the Baptist.

Growing St. John's wort is beneficial in treating the liver and nervous system. The chief physicians of ancient Greece administered the herb as a remedy for a variety of illnesses. It is well known for its healing properties as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antidepressant.

The herb's Latin name refers to the belief that it was a deterrent against evil spirits and that a smell of it would cause them to vanish. In the olden days it was planted at the front door for protection. In more recent times, medical research has proven the effectiveness of these herbs. Healing garden plants are essential for gaining and maintaining good health through a natural path to well-being.

Planting

St. John's wort is a shrubby, hardy perennial plant with numerous clusters of bright yellow flowers. The plant is native to many parts of the world, including the United States and Europe.

There are so many more plant varieties available from seed than potted plants found at garden centers. Growing St. John's wort from seeds also saves you money because prescription and over the counter medications can be expensive.

When growing St Johns wort in pots, the suggested pot size is 14 inches wide and 10 inches tall. Start seed outdoors in the spring after last expected frost date has passed. Plants prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Soil

St. John's wort is naturally found in dry, gravelly, warm soils. It grows especially well in southern Oregon and northern California. The preferred soil for growing St Johns wort is in moist, light soils. When you prepare a new site for an herb garden, work ample amounts of compost into the soil to build up fertility.

Care

Position plants in a sunny location. Water daily during hot, dry conditions. Fertilize six weeks after planting and then regularly every two weeks until autumn. Maintain by trimming plants.

Transplanting

Thin or transplant seedlings when they are around two inches high. Propagate growing St Johns wort by dividing the herb and rooting small cuttings.

Harvest

Gather aerial parts of growing St. John's wort as the flowers appear from July through August.

Uses & Benefits

Complementary herbs like St. John's wort and spearmint combined in equal parts can be used to treat depression, sleep disorders like insomnia, and melancholy. Uses for growing St. John's wort include as treatment for nerve pain or damage, burns, and viral infections.

Cheerful Tincture

We want to leave you on a happy note with directions on how to make a St. John's wort tincture. Sometimes it is quicker to take a spoonful of medicine than to brew a tea. Tinctures are made by steeping herbs in alcohol. Vodka is probably the best type to use since it is tasteless. Alcohol extracts the active ingredients of the herbs and preserves them for up to two years.

1. Put 10 ounces freshly picked herbs in a large size canning jar. Pour one pint 30 percent proof alcohol over the fresh herb. Seal the jar.

2. Allow to steep in a warm place for four weeks. Shake the jar well everyday.

3. After a month, strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a pitcher. Compost the remains of the herbs.

4. Using a funnel, pour the tincture into a clean, dark medicine bottle. Store until the St. John's wort remedy is needed.

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