trends & technology
Hypericum perforatum
Our second test was with Hypericum perforatum (or, St. John’s
wort), a long-living plant which spontaneously grows in
most uncultivated areas. It is called “perforatum” because
the leaves, when held to the light, show little translucent
dots that look as if they were perforated. In reality, the dots
are not holes, but vesicles of colorless essential plant oils
and resin. Hypericum contains many active ingredients with
therapeutic virtues, including hypericin and hyperforin. In
summer, it blooms into bright yellow-orange flowers with
petals that are peppered with black dots. These dots, when
rubbed between the fingers, become red. According to
herbalists, the translucent “perforations” and black-red dots
contain the most active medicinal qualities.
Hypericum perforatum is an exceptional plant. In the
Middle Ages, it was considered a magical plant, capable of
chasing malicious spirits away. It was mainly employed to
treat nervous diseases. It was also used as “red oil” to cure
burns, the preparation of which consists in macerating the
flowers with olive oil in a sunny spot for a few weeks. Once
the oil becomes red, it is filtered and kept aside to use on all
kinds of burns and bruises.
Abandoned for a few decades, Hypericum was rediscovered
lately thanks to modern research that put into perspective its
numerous curative properties. It is today a highly appreci-
ated plant, and you can find it on the shelves of most organic
stores and pharmacies worldwide. Hypericum is generally
used to treat moderate depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder.
“Abandoned for a few decades,
Hypericum was rediscovered
lately thanks to modern research
that put into perspective its
numerous curative properties.”
88
grow cycle