Why is it worth planting St. John's wort in your garden?

Greens and herbs

Since ancient times, people have used St. John's wort for its beneficial properties. It was harvested and used medicinally for many ailments. Nowadays, it's more often purchased at pharmacies, but you can grow this plant in your own garden. This easy-to-grow herb thrives in any soil, requires little care, and produces two harvests per season.

Description of the plant

St. John's wort is a perennial plant that doesn't bloom in the first year after planting. It looks like a small shrub and can grow in the same location for about ten years. It reaches a height of 60 cm and bears yellow flowers that release a red sap when crushed.

Properties of St. John's wort

St. John's wort has numerous beneficial properties, making it popular in traditional and folk medicine. The shelf life of prepared raw materials stored in a dry place is 3 years. Its medicinal properties include:

antispasmodic;
calming;
antiseptic;
regenerating;
general tonic;
antibacterial;
hemostatic;
anti-inflammatory.

This plant also has contraindications. It should not be used by pregnant women or those with hypertension. If overused, it often causes stomach pain and temporary impotence. The herb also negatively impacts the skin's UV protection. For this reason, avoid sun exposure after using it.

What is St. John's wort used for?

St. John's wort is used in the form of decoctions, tinctures, poultices, essential oils, and tea. It is often prescribed by doctors as an expectorant for colds, pharyngitis, tracheitis, and bronchitis. It helps with gum disease, reducing inflammation in cases of stomatitis or gingivitis. It alleviates colitis, gastritis, cholecystitis, and diarrhea. It stops uterine bleeding and reduces menstrual pain. St. John's wort compresses are used for women with breast diseases.

A St. John's wort decoction is beneficial for kidney and cardiovascular problems. It is used as an anthelmintic and helps with insomnia. When applied externally, it treats diathesis and rashes in children when added to bath water. It accelerates the healing process in patients with tuberculosis of the skin. It reduces pigmentation in vitiligo. It accelerates the healing of wounds and burns.

Important!

In cosmetology, St. John's wort is used to combat acne and dandruff, prevent hair loss and rejuvenate the skin.

Features of cultivation

St. John's wort tolerates cool weather well, so it can be sown in early spring or fall. The most comfortable temperature for seed germination is 20 degrees above zero. Germination is best when sown in the fall. Seeds are available in specialty stores, and seedlings can be grown on a balcony or in a greenhouse.

The soil for sowing should be thoroughly cleared of weeds; previously harvested onion or carrot beds are ideal. Choose sunny or partially shaded locations for planting. In a plowed and fertilized area, sow the seeds in rows at least 35 cm apart. Furrows should be 1 cm deep. Young seedlings require regular weeding; weeds weaken them, preventing normal growth.