St John’s Wort: Discovering and using the medicinal plant of summer

As the days grow longer and sunnier, the season for St John’s Wort begins. 

From June onwards, this versatile medicinal plant thrives best in sunny, dry and stony locations. It has been valued for centuries for its beneficial properties – both in naturopathy and in modern herbal medicine.

Harvesting it correctly

When collecting St. John’s wort, timing is crucial. It is best to cut the plant with scissors a few centimetres above the ground. Important: only harvest in good weather! Warm, sunny days ensure that the valuable active ingredients are at their best.

How to recognise genuine St John’s Wort

Genuine St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) can be clearly identified by a number of characteristic features:

• The bright yellow flowers consist of five petals and numerous stamens. If you rub them between your fingers, a reddish colour emerges.

• The stem is two-sided.

• When held up to the light, the leaves appear ‘perforated’ – an effect caused by fine, transparent oil glands.

Making St. John’s Wort red oil

A valuable red oil can be made from St. John’s Wort flowers using just a 

few ingredients.

Preparation

1. Pluck the flowers from the stems and chop them coarsely – a few leaves are welcome.

2. Fill a clean, sealable jar about two-thirds full with the plant parts and cover them completely with vegetable oil (e.g. olive, almond, jojoba or sunflower oil).

3. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously.

4. Leave to stand in a warm, sunny spot for about four weeks, shaking regularly.

After the infusion period, strain the oil through a cloth or filter and pour into clean containers. Stored in a cool, dark place, the red oil will keep for about a year. It is excellent for treating skin problems: simply apply to the affected areas and massage in gently.

More than just oil: St. John’s wort as a tea

The sunny yellow flowers have even more to offer: they can also be used to make a soothing tea that lifts the mood and strengthens the nerves. Studies show that St. John’s wort is one of the most effective medicinal plants in terms of its antidepressant effects.

To achieve a noticeable effect, the tea should be drunk regularly over a longer period as a course of treatment.

Precautions for use

When taken internally, for example as a tea, St. John’s wort can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light. This raises the risk of sunburn or pigmentation spots. Intense sunlight, solariums or prolonged sunbathing should therefore be avoided.

When used externally – for example as St. John’s wort oil – this risk is, however, extremely low.

St. John’s Wort is a remarkable plant that impresses with its versatility. 

Whether used as a nourishing oil or a mood-lifting tea – when used correctly, it can be a valuable ally for both body and soul.