ENGLISH NAME: Hairy St. John’s
wort
LATIN NAME: Hypericum hirsutum
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Třezalka chlupatá
Turkey: Tüylü kantaron
Bulgaria: КОСМАТ ЖЪЛТ КАНТАРИОН (Kosmat zhǎlt kantarion)
Georgia: ბუსუსიანი წითელყვავილა (Bususiani tsitelqvavila)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Bohemian Highlands (Czechia), Western and Central Anatolia (Turkey),
Sredna Gora and Rhodope Mountains (Bulgaria), Racha and Shida Kartli (Georgia)
Elevation: 300–1500 meters
Terrain: Forest clearings, sunny slopes, meadow edges, and bushy hillsides
DESCRIPTION:
A tall, perennial herb up to 1 meter high with softly hairy stems and leaves,
giving it a grey-green appearance. The pale yellow flowers have five petals
with black dots on the edges and bloom in loose clusters. It is closely related
to Hypericum perforatum (common St. John’s wort) but distinguished by
its softer texture and lighter-colored flowers.
USABLE PARTS: Aerial parts –
flowering tops and upper stems
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used as a mild antidepressant, nerve tonic, and
anti-inflammatory. Supports mood, wound healing, and digestion. While less
potent in hypericin than H. perforatum, it shares many of its
therapeutic properties including use for anxiety, mild depression, neuralgia,
and minor burns.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
May increase photosensitivity in fair-skinned individuals. Can interact with
medications (e.g., antidepressants, birth control, blood thinners). Not
recommended during pregnancy without supervision.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Often combined with lemon balm or passionflower for calming effects; with
calendula or plantain for skin salves.
PREPARATION:
Used as an infusion or tincture. Fresh flowering tops can be infused in oil
(traditionally olive or sunflower) for topical use on bruises, wounds, and
sunburn. Dried herb is used in teas for mood and nerve support.
HARVEST TIME:
Mid to late summer, during peak flowering (usually July–August)
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut the upper third of the plant while in full bloom. Harvest on a dry, sunny
day when flowers are fresh and aromatic.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry in small bundles in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated space. Store in
airtight containers away from sunlight. Use within 12 months for best effect.