Bumbleseeds / Seeds

Saint John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) St. John's Wort Medicinal Heirloom Herb

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Saint John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) St. John's Wort Medicinal Heirloom Herb

Perennial

Height 1 M

Hypericum perforatum, known as St. John's wort, is a flowering plant in the family Hypericaceae and the type species of the genus Hypericum.  There are several varieties of Saint John's Wort, this is the standard variety.

Saint John's Wort is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, though it now grows throughout the United States and is typically found in woodlands, fields and pastures all over the world. This woodland shrub blooms with cheery bright yellow flowers with oval elongated leaves that appear perforated when held up to the light; hence its Latin name perforatum.

For thousands of years, the flowers and leaves were used to create herbal remedies and supplements as an alternative treatment for various ailments including insomnia, depression, and kidney and lung ailments. It also has a surprising number of additional benefits: it reduces menopausal symptoms, and symptoms associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and for its antimicrobial, astringent, vulnerary and anti-inflammatory properties as it may be used topically to promote wound healing and reduce muscle pain.

There is not enough data to provide a standard recommended dose of Saint John's Wort.
The appropriate dose of Saint-John's-wort will depend on such factors as your age, sex, and medical history. Note: when taken in large doses, Saint John's Wort may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Speak with your healthcare professional before using this herbal remedy. It can have serious interactions with certain medications. Do not take Saint-John's-wort if you are taking antidepressants, as a life-threatening increase in serotonin may result. Bumble bees are the primary pollinators.

Can be made into a topical oil or salve for minor injuries, bruises and sunburns; prevents infection, stops bleeding and speeds up healing. It is recommended to work with your healthcare professional, pharmacist, and/or an alternative health practitioner who will personalize your dose to ensure effectiveness and safety.

  • Full sun to part shade
  • Moist well draining slightly acidic soil
  • Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost; press seeds into soil without completely covering, as seeds need some sunlight to germinate. 
  • Transplant the seedlings when they are 2 to 3 in tall and all frost risk has passed.
  • Germination typically 10 to 20 days. 
  • OR direct sow after all risk of frost has passed. Scatter and do not cover as the seed will germinate better with light. 
  • Harvest medicinal flower tops between June and August. Gardeners say the best day to harvest is Saint John's Day (June 24th) which is when flowers first appear.  
  • Seed Count: 25