“Herb of St. John”, “Grass bites”, “devil-hunting”, “false flax”, “grass of a hundred holes”, “toadflax”, the plant comes in many identities. For English speakers, it is, of course, Yellow Rattle Tea, “St. John’s wort”, but also “Wonder or Grace of God” (Gods’ Wonder plant, Grace of God). This shows the respect they have for it.
The Latin name Hypericum comes from the Greek hyper eikona “who hunts ghosts.” The names hypericum perforatum (“openings” meaning hole) reflect the appearance of perforated sheets. Indeed, if viewed against the light, we observe that they seem carved from a large number of small holes. There are actually little pockets filled with resin and a volatile oil.
In the middle Ages, the scientists had given him the name of Fuga doemonium (devil-hunting), because they gave it the authority to expel evil spirits and witches. It is fascinating especially because there it was not that long ago the fact that it was discovered that the plant has antidepressant properties. However, for the medieval belief, depression and other mental disorders were considered forms of demonic possession.
Harvest and Preparation
We usually harvest the top half of the plant when the flowers are just beginning to open. It is cut finely and dried, according to the same principle: an insect screen mounted on a frame, away from light and moisture, or in an oven set at very low temperature, door ajar, for 4 to 6 hours. With ground ivy and elecampane, this fall you will prepare an excellent herbal tea against bronchitis. So remember to stock up!
The infusion is prepared at 15 g to 30 g of flower heads for a liter of water. It takes 3 or 4 cups a day.
For topical treatments, it was found that the best ways to extract the active ingredients of St. John’s wort was the macerate in the oil. It also gives the company an extraordinary red color reminiscent of those blazing suns for June day. That’s where we understand why English speakers also gave him the name “terrestrial sun”.
I like this tea and I drink it when I have a bad mood.
I personally put a teaspoon of herb in 500ml water, let to infuse 8-10 minutes, then slip in and pour in a cup. And enjoy it 
Interesting Facts about St. John’s wort Tea
At the crossroads of two great cycles – and the circadian solstice – St. John’s wort evokes the great magic of the world. Indeed, it dominates the summer solstice, which marks the beginning of the descent to the long winter darkness. In addition, richer in melatonin – a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in biological rhythms – all other known plant, it gives, the psyche harmonizes with the alternation of day and night. Plant broad daylight, yet it is the peacemaker of the night. Plant of the heart of summer, yet it is the ultimate ally in winter, when seasonal depression strikes the mind more susceptible to large fluctuations in the annual cycle.
