St John’s Wort Seed Pack

You think of including St John’s wort whenever there is insomnia, cramps, intestinal colic and irritable bowel, dysmenorrhoea (menstrual cramps), bed-wetting, and anxiety. It also has a reputation for relieving pains, and is taken internally, as well as applied topically, for neuralgic pains and the pain of mild burns and contusions. Think of St John’s wort as a restorative solution for melancholic conditions, depression and the convalescence following concussion and other trauma. This combination of restorative and relaxant effect is not contradictory, and underlies the plant’s recommendation for the treatment of a number of such conditions where tension and exhaustion combine. Its most useful modern application is towards a programme of recovery from chronic fatigue conditions.

Sow indoors anytime from early spring, or outdoors once the soil has warmed up in late spring or early summer. Alternatively, follow the plant’s preferred method by sowing direct in late summer / early autumn, which is when the seeds naturally mature and fall from the plant. Either way, sow seeds on the surface and press into the soil; do not cover with soil as the seed requires light to germinate and keep moist. Thin or transplant with a spacing of 20-30cm. St John’s Wort is an adaptable plant that can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It grows best in well-drained, relatively moist, sandy soil, but happily tolerates most soil types. In the first year, you may only get a few flowers, but once established, it flowers from St John’s Day until the end of the summer.

When in full bloom in mid-summer snip-off the flowering top 10cm and lay out on drying racks to dry. You can also use the flowering tops immediately for making an infused oil. St John’s wort oil has to be made as a sun-infused oil by leaving olive-oil soaked flowering tops for a month in the sun. Make sure all the plant parts are submerged, and when you filter off, allow to settle, and discard the water sitting in the bottom of the jar. Do not go in the sun after applying St John’s wort oil as it can cause photosensitivity. To use as a herbal tea take 1-2 tsp cut herb in a cup of freshly boiled water and leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Because of its astringency it blends well with chamomile, lemon balm and licorice. Note: Because St John’s wort has a special influence on the body’s metabolism and can interact with a range of medications, consult a herbalist and inform your health practitioner before using St John’s wort internally.