Lady’s grass (lat. Hypericum perforatum) is just one of the names for a plant also known as St. John’s wort, St. John’s wort, St. John’s wort, St. It is one of about five hundred species from the goračevka family, and it is the most well-known species along with the ploskavica. The meaning of her Latin name is ambiguous, but the prefix hyper is always the same and means above or between. The continuation can be translated as erike or heather because it often grows near it or as exion or thought which emphasizes its healing properties. It got its name perforatum because of the holes on the leaves.
St. John’s wort is a perennial herbaceous plant with a branched root and an upright stem. It can grow up to 80 cm, in the lower part it is bare, while in the upper part it is branched. The leaves are oblong or lanceolate, with jagged edges and covered with white dots, which are actually glands full of essential oil.
The flowers are clustered in inflorescences at the top of the plant and each consists of 5 golden yellow petals. It is very resistant and blooms from May to September, and if it is rubbed on the hands, reddish spots remain. When ripe, it turns into a quiver in which tiny brown or reddish seeds ripen.
Lady’s grass is mostly a wild plant that grows in abandoned meadows, along roads or on the edges of forests. Although it originates from Europe and Asia, it has spread to other parts of the world. In some parts, it behaves like an invasive species because it displaces other plants with its adaptability and rapid reproduction. In Australia, due to over-breeding, they had to introduce a special species of plant-eating woodpeckers to keep the situation under control. Due to its healing properties, it is one of the most sought after and used plants.
Types of St. John’s wort
Since St. John’s wort has spread around the world, several subspecies have emerged that have adapted to local climatic conditions. Their biggest difference is in the time when they bloom and the size of the flower and leaves. Although all subspecies are similar, there are differences in geographic habitat. We bring several species that are similar and closely related, and well-known subspecies that have adapted to different climates.
Hypericum perforatum subsp. China
This St. John’s wort is an autochthonous species for the area of China where it reproduces independently and grows in neglected fields. It blooms from June to August, and the flower is used to prepare medicinal substances. The flower is bright yellow, and the leaves are serrated and covered with brown glands that can be seen as dots. It is propagated by seeds and underground stems and shoots.
Hypericum perforatum subsp. Verona
This variety is widespread throughout the Mediterranean, but also in parts of Southeast Asia. It is very resistant to difficult conditions, and tolerates salt water well. It most often grows in the wild as a wild plant, but it can also be cultivated for medicinal purposes.
Hypericum perforatum subsp. Songaricum
This species was only recently discovered as a subspecies, and it is most often found in the area of continental Eastern Europe. It is characterized by the white, almost transparent glands on the leaves. It differs from the basic species due to its adaptation to lower temperatures and continental climate.
Cultivation of St. John’s wort
Although St. John’s wort grows wild in the wild and is easily found near populated areas, it is often cultivated for its medicinal properties. Below are some tips on how to succeed in this.
Matching cultures
Lady’s grass is most often grown as a perennial crop, so it is not good for combining with other crops and is not grown in a crop rotation. Also, it is sown alternately and it is not necessary to space it properly. As pre-cultures, plants that do not leave weeds are best suited for it, and most often these are herbicidal plants, such as clovers. Also, it is important to protect it from weeds, but also to fence it off from other plants due to its easy spread, so it is desirable to maintain a cleared area around the field where it is grown.
Watering
St. John’s wort does not require much water, so it is not necessary to water it additionally during the spring months. It is necessary to set up an irrigation system during longer droughts and after the first swath to promote the quality of the second swath. The best way to irrigate is by spraying, and it is preferable to use rain water. The plant does not tolerate moisture retention in the soil, so good soil drainage and constant water flow are necessary.
Fertilization
Lady’s grass likes rich soils, and considering that it is a perennial plant, soil fertilization should be started in time and deep enough. Before sowing, in autumn, it is started with fertilization with manure, 30 to 50 kg per m2. Immediately before sowing, NPK fertilizer or other nitrogen-based artificial fertilizer is added. Fertilizing is done twice later, in spring and autumn, during the growing season, and it is best to use mineral nitrogen fertilizers.
Propagation
St. John’s wort is propagated by seed or cuttings. Propagation by seed is optimal for commercial cultivation, and thus the plant reproduces independently in nature. The division of old cuttings is done in the spring, when the plant is divided at the root and transplanted to the desired place or a young cutting is cut, which, after taking root in the ground, becomes a separate plant.
Transplantation
St. John’s wort does not require much space, but if it is grown in a limited area, it should be transplanted into a larger bowl or a place with more space. Transplanting is usually done when the plant has no room for further growth. The plant is taken out with the soil, and the soil can be cleaned from the roots before planting. It is planted at the same depth where it was growing until now, and after being covered with soil, it is well watered.
Rejuvenation
St. John’s wort is a perennial plant that can survive undisturbed for several years in one area. Older plants have fewer flowers over time, so they need to be rejuvenated. This is most often done by mowing or cutting old plants and leaving young ones to encourage growth.
Ground
Lady’s grass is not demanding on the type of soil, so it can grow on poor soils as well as in hilly areas. However, for commercial cultivation, it requires deep and loose soils, rich in minerals and well drained. For better root development and air flow, it is advisable to mix the soil with sand. It completely does not tolerate swampy and excessively wet soils and clay soils that tend to retain water.
Climate
St. John’s wort is very adaptable to the climate in which it is found, so it has no special temperature requirements. It tolerates frosts and low temperatures well, especially if it is protected by snow. However, it likes sunnier positions, especially during vegetation and flowering. It can also thrive in shady areas, but will have fewer flowers.
Planting St. John’s wort
St. John’s wort is most often planted for commercial cultivation as a medicinal plant. Although it is not demanding and easily adapted, good conditions must be ensured for richer cultivation. Below we present what they are.
Planting time
The plant can be sown directly with seeds in the ground or seedlings can be planted. If it is sown directly in the ground, sowing is done with small seed drills in early spring, during March, or in late autumn, at the end of September. For nursery production, seeds are sown in beds at the end of July.
Planting from seed
Sowing St. John’s wort seeds is the most efficient way to grow larger quantities. It is best to sow it in the fall in order to receive the plants until the following year and enable two harvests. The seeds are small and ripen in late autumn, and it is best to use seeds at least one year old for sowing. The seeds are sown alternately with small seed drills, and the optimal amount is 0.5 g of seeds per m2. The seeds are small and if the soil is well pulverized, it is not necessary to cover them. Germinates in 7 – 10 days and needs to be watered to speed up germination.
Planting seedlings
Planting seedlings enables a controlled and proper crop rotation and the cultivation of healthy seedlings. When planting seedlings, it is necessary to choose healthy and treated individuals with developed roots. Seedlings are planted in holes in loose soil in the fall so that the roots can be better received. The distance between plants should be 30 – 40 cm and 50 – 70 cm between rows.
Cultivation in the garden
St. John’s wort is best suited for outdoor cultivation. When it is grown in the garden, it must be kept away from other plants so that it does not spread and interfere with their growth. She likes sunny positions, and she doesn’t mind uphills or exposure to the wind.
Cultivation in a greenhouse
St. John’s wort is an extremely resistant plant, so cultivation in a greenhouse is not necessary. However, when growing seedlings, it is best to start in a greenhouse and under controlled conditions. The seeds are sown in the seedbed during the fall so that the seedling will grow until spring. It does not germinate at a temperature of 5°C, so it must be maintained as a minimum temperature in winter. Young seedlings need to be watered twice a week, and it is best to use drip irrigation.
Cultivation in containers
St. John’s wort is also suitable for growing in pots. It is necessary to ensure good drainage of the soil, so ceramic pieces or larger pebbles are placed at the bottom of the container. It likes loose and deep soil, so it is necessary to choose pots at least 30 cm deep. Plants are planted 20 cm apart and thinned if necessary. It is watered twice a week, and it is kept on the east or west side so that it is not constantly exposed to the sun.
Maintenance and care
St. John’s wort is a rather demanding plant, so its cultivation does not require much maintenance nor does it have high cultivation costs. Below we present how to invest minimally for a rich harvest.
Resting phase
Lady’s grass is dormant from November to March and during that time it does not bloom, and its leaves may also fall off. It tolerates low temperatures well, but during a long cold period without snow it is preferable to cover it with agrotextile. Also, the soil can be mulched or covered with straw so that the roots do not freeze.
Plantation maintenance
Plant maintenance includes weeding. St. John’s wort is sensitive to weeds, so it must be regularly removed by mowing or weeding. For this reason, the cultivation of seedlings is better to ensure sufficient space for passage and clearing of plantations. Also, in the spring, you can use a harrow to break up the cover that was created during the winter to allow better oxygen penetration.
Thinning
If the plants are planted too close to each other in some parts of the plantation, there will be suffocation, which is evident by the weaker development of leaves and flowers. If necessary, the plants are thinned by pulling out the excess ones, which can later be transplanted to another place.
Harvest
In the first year of cultivation, the number of harvests depends on the area where St. John’s wort is grown. If it is grown in a lowland area, the first harvest can be during June, while the second at the end of August. If it is grown above 900 m above sea level during the first year, only one harvest is possible during August because the plant matures more slowly. Inflorescences with a stem at a height of 25 cm are harvested when there is an equal number of open and closed ones, and harvesting is done by hand on smaller areas, while on larger areas it is harvested by machine. In the second year, new flowers develop faster, so harvesting is possible in 40 – 50 days. In the first year of harvest, a yield of 2,000 kg/h is expected, while in the second, 3,000 – 5,000 kg/h.
Drying
St. John’s wort is usually dried to make medicinal preparations. Smaller quantities are air-dried for up to a week with constant turning to prevent the lower parts from becoming moldy. Larger quantities are dried in dryers at temperatures up to 50°C. On average, 1 kg of dried plants is obtained from 4 kg of fresh plants.
Storage
The dried plant is kept in dry and dark warehouses, and if necessary it is converted into other products. During storage, the plant is kept in small quantities in paper bags, while larger quantities are stored in cloth bags. The plant can be stored unprocessed for up to 3 months, after which it begins to lose its properties. It is important to keep it in a dry and protected place.
Preparation for the next season
It is important that the plant is cut properly, to a maximum height of 25 cm, in order to prepare it for the next flowering. In the spring, the plants are encouraged to grow by fertilizing the fields, so higher incomes can be expected during the second year. Apart from the mentioned maintenance, no other preparation is necessary because the plant will automatically continue to grow.
Diseases
Although the leaves of St. John’s wort are covered with brown dots, they are not infected, they are glands. However, there are several conditions in which the disease develops, and we present their symptoms below.
Leaf lesion
The lesion or yellowing of the leaf is caused by a fungus that most often spreads in warm and humid weather. It primarily affects the lower leaves, which, in addition to the yellow color, develop spots almost as wide as the leaf itself. The plant eventually dies and dries up, and the infection is transmitted further into the ground. In order to prevent the occurrence, the plants must be treated with a fungicide in the spring. Infected plants or the area should be removed and burned.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease caused by several types of fungi in the spring. The most common symptoms are reddish or brownish spots on the leaves that curl during the winter. This disease is easily spread by water, so it is necessary to avoid staying in water for a long time. Also, it is important to use fungicides as protection against occurrence, and in case of infection, it is necessary to mow and destroy all infected plants.
Pests
Lady’s grass is resistant to many pests that attack plantations. However, there is one type of insect that can severely damage it, and in parts of the world where it is considered an invasive species, that insect serves as an aid in the solution.
Chrysolina hyperici
This hardwing is most responsible for the destruction of St. John’s wort. It feeds on young leaves, and large swarms can eat all the leaves, causing the plant to dry up. It also leaves eggs on the plants, from which the individuals reproduce. It can be solved by spraying with an insecticide.
The use of St. John’s wort
St. John’s wort is an extremely medicinal plant, which is why it is cultivated to a large extent. In the areas of North America and Australia, it is considered a weed and harmful for livestock in the diet, so it is massively exterminated, while in our area it is considered a highly valued plant. Below we present how it is processed and what it can be used for.
Cookery
Bees collect pollen from St. John’s wort to make honey. Its honey is not particularly valued and is not produced as an independent product, but is often part of meadow honey. St. John’s wort can also be stored in brandy sweetened with honey, which gives a sweet red liqueur.
Cosmetics
St. John’s wort can be used in anti-wrinkle creams and to smooth the skin, but also in preparations that help with eczema, skin diseases and rashes. It is best to combine it in face creams. Some of the receptors in St. John’s wort are strong, so direct application to the skin and exposure to the sun can cause skin burns, swelling of the lips or redness, so application before going out in the sun should be avoided.
Medicine
St. John’s wort has medical and scientific evidence that confirms its medicinal properties, which has been published in several of the world’s most famous magazines. It is one of the leading natural remedies for depression, and below we present how it can be prepared and for which ailments it is taken.
St. John’s wort tea
St. John’s wort tea is prepared from dried flowers that are poured with hot water and left for at least 10 minutes. After straining, it can be sweetened as desired. However, it has a pleasant taste unlike other teas and a blood red color. The tea is drunk as an anti-depressant and should be taken for a minimum of one month. It is recommended not to mix with other antidepressants. It is also good for alleviating PMS symptoms and regulating menstruation. It also helps with concentration, but taking it for too long and exceeding the dose can cause sleep problems and headaches. Tea is also drunk to treat liver disease, bladder problems, sadness and insomnia, gastritis and cough.
St. John’s wort oil
St. John’s wort oil is also called St. John’s wort oil and is its most common product. Dried and sometimes fresh flowers are covered with olive or other high-quality oil. The jar prepared in this way is covered and left in the sun for at least 6 weeks. It is shaken occasionally, and after that time it is filtered and stored in a dark bottle. St. John’s wort oil is widely used, it is used to treat scabs and wounds, skin diseases, rashes and hemorrhoids. Wounds and burns are also treated, but it is also great for diseases of the female reproductive system. A tampon soaked in oil is inserted into the vagina and held for 15 to 20 minutes. It treats viral or bacterial diseases, and is also good for the self-regeneration of these organs after damage.
St. John’s wort tincture
St. John’s wort tincture is made from fresh flowers that are poured over with brandy. After straining, use up to three times a day, 30 drops in tea or water. Bruises or sprains are also treated with it, but it is most often used as a long-term drug for depression because it is in proportion to active hypericin. if it is used for external injuries, it is better to rub it into the injured area. When taken for depression, it should not be mixed with antidepressants as it has the opposite effect. There is conflict and the receptors cannot recognize the purpose, so too much serotonin and too much energy can be achieved or lead to anxiety, which can further disturb the psyche.
St. John’s wort water
Bach St. John’s wort water is used as a remedy for psychological disorders and anxiety. It was also used for insecurity, lack of self-confidence and anxiety.
St. John’s wort wine
Medicinal wine made from St. John’s wort is prepared in a greenhouse. Fresh flowers are poured over with a quality vein and honey or a natural sweetener is added. After it has been left for a month, the wine is filtered through a cheesecloth and the flowers are squeezed to release as much juice as possible. It is drunk before meals for better digestion, and it also has a beneficial effect on the liver.
History
St. John’s wort has been known since ancient times, although its origin is not precisely determined. The ancient Greeks and Romans knew it and attributed its healing properties, and Hippocrates described it in detail. During the Middle Ages, Paracelsius became interested in it, and its medicinal properties were then described in more detail. Today, it is one of the most researched plants, and its antidepressant properties are both scientifically proven and medically based. Today it is grown in Germany, Russia, Poland and some South American countries.
Interesting things
It got the name Lady’s grass because it changes to red color when it comes into contact with oil. Throughout history, its name was associated with this change, so in Greece it was also called Androhaimon, which in translation means human blood, and in Western Europe it is also called the blood of St. Ivan. Christian names began to be given to this plant because of the transformation of colors, which was associated with miracles from the Bible, such as when Jesus turned water into wine.
Lady’s weed is part of culture and tradition, so it was used in several situations. It was used to make wreaths for Ivanje that were worn on the head next to a traditional bonfire, and then it was also given to livestock between two slices of bread because it was believed to protect them from illness. It was believed to be able to drive away witches and ghosts, but also to protect against lightning. Barren women were recommended to pick it naked in order to conceive, and unmarried women were advised to put it under their pillow to make it easier to fall in love, and it was believed that they would also dream of their future husband.
Photo: Manfred Antranias Zimmer / Pixabay