Sep

St John’s Wort – cheer up and keep out of the sun!

Posted by frann under Common garden herbs

St John's Wort for depression St John’s Wort, Hypericum perforatum – sometimes labelled Hypericum vulgare, is also called Goat Weed, Hypericum, Klamath Weed and Tipton’s Weed. It is an attractive perennial (hardy to zone 3) which bears yellow flowers with very prominent stamens, almost like a hibiscus, to which it is no relation. The “perforatum” part of its latin name was given because, if you hold the leaves up to the light, it looks as if they are covered in very tiny holes, like a teabag.

St John’s Wort isn’t fussy about soil, so long as it is both free-draining and moisture-retaining. Incorporate plenty of organic matter to help provide both of these requirements. It will grow in semi-shade, but for the most beautiful display of flowers, find it a spot where it gets the sun all day. It can reach a height of about a meter (3′) and because it is rhizomatous, can spread over quite an area – I’ve seen banks of it growing in Jersey, Channel Islands – although individual plants only reach about 60cm (2′) in width.

If you’re growing it from seed, these should be sown as soon as they are ripe in a greenhouse or heated propagator at a temperature of 10ºC (50ºF); they can take anything from 1-3 months to germinate, so don’t give up on them too soon. Once the seedlings are big enough, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on under cover until spring, when they can be planted in their final positions.

Existing plants can also be propagated by division in spring or autumn.

Wear gloves when you handle it, as the sap may cause skin allergies and sometimes also causes photo-sensitivity. This is interesting, as sunburn is one of the conditions for which it may be used as a treatment.

St John’s Wort is well known as an anti-depressant (with a 67% success rate, which is pretty good), but unfortunately there are important exclusions, which you need to pay attention to: 1. It is not suitable for use by pregnant women. 2. Don’t take it if you are using oral contraceptives, as St John’s Wort stops them working. 3. Don’t sunbathe, and in particular don’t use an electric sunbed or solarium if you are taking St John’s Wort, as there have been reports by some people of greatly increased risks of burning.

The plant is banned from cultivation in certain countries. Check local laws first!

In Germany, the herb is actually prescribed for depression, but herbalists use it mainly for neuritis (inflammation of the nerves). Because it helps prevent hemorrhages, it was once prescribed for patients convalescing after surgery. Other conditions which can be treated with St John’s Wort include bedwetting, bladder problems and diarrhea. For all these ailments, make a standard infusion using 2-3 teaspoonfuls of fresh or 1-2 teaspoonfuls of chopped flowering tops to a cup of boiling water. Leave to infuse for at least 10 minutes before straining.

The same infusion can also be used externally when cool to treat blisters, scalds and minor wounds, as well as sunburn.

As with all herbs grown for remedial use, St John’s Wort should be grown organically to avoid taking in noxious chemicals along with the remedy. To find out more about growing organic St John’s Wort, visit the Gardenzone.