By Mary Drew at Pasty Central (Mdrew) on Saturday, July 27, 2019 - 07:58 am:
We received an E-mail reminder from Joe Kirkish that it’s time for the St. John’s Wort plants to come out again, along with a couple photos of the plant itself. Joe said you can find this pretty flower growing wild from Lake Superior in the Copper Harbor area, down to the Calumet area. Joe had this to add about St. John’s Wort:
“It’s an amazing plant, noted for the tea made from it (dried, then steeped) - a real pick-me-up which lasts for hours. Generally considered safe - except perhaps for pregnant women and people taking meds for the heart - they should ask their doctor first.
Plants are about a foot to 2 feet tall. I pick them when they’re in full bloom, lay them out on paper (newspaper is fine) to dry, then separate the flowers & leaves from the stems (which I throw away or burn). Preserve the leaves & stems in plastic sandwich bags. Store in a dark place. They last for months in effectiveness. I drink them “straight,” but it’s possible to sweeten the tea if desired.”
If you’re unsure about what you’re looking for, today’s video will give you a few more tips to help identify St. John’s Wort.
As with any medication, whether natural like this one, over-the-counter or prescription, please check with your Doctor before taking, to make sure it won’t be harmful to your condition or interact with any other medications you are taking.
