We will continue in Gardenprue with our particular struggle to complete all the existing plants and to have. A great challenge that we hope one day we can complete 😉. Today St. John’s wort or  Hypericum perforatum has its place on this website ,  a plant that has been known since ancient times and is full of medicinal uses. We are going to know it through the different ways of cultivating it.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ST. JOHN’S WORT ( HYPERICUM PERFORATUM )

Already in his time, Hippocrates recommended St. John’s wort as a refreshing herb and its anti-inflammatory potentials were also known . Today little has changed in this regard, except that even more properties of  Hypericum perforatum are known.

St. John’s wort belongs to the Hypericaceae family  ,  where there are around 560 species. We can see this plant growing in many places in Europe and at different altitudes. In addition, they have also adapted to the climate of countries such as China, some of the African continent, Australia, etc.

THE CLIMATE WHERE HYPERICUM PERFORATUM GROWS

This plant has a great capacity for adaptation . As we have said, it can grow in a dry soil in Australia or Africa, than in a European Forest. Beware of intense cold and frost, which can cause problems. In addition, if you can avoid being hit by the wind, the better, although it is not a special condition.

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

The  Hypericum perforatum is a plant medicine that usually grows in dry soils. No matter the characteristics of the soil (although it prefers light soils) and the pH. A good condition for a successful St. John’s wort crop is that your soil has good drainage . Don’t worry if it’s not the case, because we have a few ways to change it. Check it out!

FERTILIZER AND IRRIGATION NEEDS

Few studies have been done regarding the fertilization of St. John’s wort, so it is recommended to maintain a soil with a medium level of fertilization . For this, you can practice a bottom fertilizer ,  knowing the level of organic matter from which we start in our soil.

Likewise, the irrigation needs are normal, given the growth and characteristics of its aerial parts. In summer, however, if you appreciate frequent waterings, let them leave the soil moist for a while.

HYPERICUM PERFORATUM MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

One of the properties attributed to Hypericum perforatum, in  addition to those previously mentioned, is to accelerate the healing of wounds, such as Aloe Vera .  On the other hand, what most intrigues researchers is the ability of this herb to treat mild and moderate depression .

In fact, in Germany, St. John’s wort is considered a medicine and is used for this purpose. We still have to continue studying the possible adverse effects and contraindications that the consumption of this plant may cause in the future.

We give you an example. Not all the forest is oregano, especially for animals. It is a photosensitizing agent for cattle, causing inflammations and skin wounds.