Part of the plant used for medicinal purposes: St. John’s Wort plant (Hyperici herba)
Description and harvesting
A perennial plant that grows up to 70 cm tall, it thrives on dry grassy slopes, near forests, and on limestone soils. It flowers yellow from June to September. Primarily, the flowers without the green calyces are used, although the green plant (without roots) can also be utilized. The flowers are crushed, soaked in olive oil, and left to infuse for 15-30 days in the sun or in a warm kitchen. The oil turns a bright red, and it is then strained into a bottle, sealed tightly, wrapped in thick paper, and stored in a cool, dark place.
Constituents and medicinal use
The oil is used for burns, swelling, scalds, acid ulcers, eye injuries from hot grease, wounds, abrasions, insect bites, rheumatism, and gout. It is an excellent remedy for sunburns, whether at the beach or in the mountains. It works well for massaging the spine, worn-out vertebrae, and joints. It heals wounds, aids sprains, dislocations, and bruises. It also works against gallstones, bladder stones, and kidney stones. A tea made from the leaves and flowers, combined with yarrow and sorrel, heals the blood, kidneys, bladder, lungs, jaundice, as well as nervous disorders such as depression, hysteria, insomnia, and nervous exhaustion. It can expel intestinal worms painlessly. It is highly effective for bedwetting and diarrhea. It helps with issues related to the intestines, lungs, stomach, and gallbladder. The tincture effectively disinfects wounds and is used for rubbing trembling limbs in the elderly. For liver tea, adding aloe increases its effectiveness. Be cautious! Allergic reactions are possible for sensitive individuals. The oil may cause slight constipation in some people, which can be alleviated by adding some buckthorn, wormwood, or rhubarb. The oil can also be used in gynecology, both preventively and therapeutically. It heals wounds on the uterus quickly and effectively, treats inflammation, and alleviates menstrual cramps. For cramps, a teaspoon should be taken three times a day; in other cases, women use it with tampons. The oil is also used for sciatica and trigeminal nerve pain in cases of neuralgia. It greatly relieves or even eliminates pain.
Monk Simon Ašič’s product containing St. John’s Wort:
Sources:
1. Domača lekarna patra Simona Ašiča. Priročnik za nabiranje zdravilnih rastlin. Celjska Mohorjeva družba.
2. Domača lekarna patra Simona Ašiča. Recepti. Celjska Mohorjeva družba.
3. Willfort R. Zdravline rastline in njih uporaba. Založba obzorja Maribor.
