”Known as a healing herb this powerful plant has been used for treating wounds and for depression. This perennial has hairless stems and leaves where the leaves attach on opposite sides and are pretty small (0.8 - 3.5cm) and get to around 1 cm wide. The leaves are covered with translucent dots of glandular tissue - as you can see the dots are clearly visible when held up to the light.
GeorgeFlavour Fred
Legend states that these holes were made by the devil, in anger for the power of the plant to thwart him. With the reddish sap exuded by the plant when crushed is also linked to Saint John’s blood.
It’s a very powerful plant and should only be ingested with proper research and not in conjunction with any other SSRI’s or the contraceptive pill. In fact it’s advised not to consume it at all if you are on any other medication.
Topically the healing properties of St. John’s Wort have been recognised for centuries. It has been used to treat wounds and burns due to its ability to promote skin regeneration. I make it into an oil and leave it in the sunlight for 2 weeks before mixing it with beeswax for my kitchen burns and other skin ailments from foraging and more. Worked wonders over winter.
