Perforated Hypericum (Hypericum perforatum) or commonly balsam is also known as balsam or sword grass is a perennial herbaceous plant, reaching a height of 80cm. This is the famous Balsam of the ancient Spartans, which was used by warriors to heal wounds from the swords of opponents.
The leaves are small rounded, have the opposite arrangement and have small black spots on the edges. They also have small oil glands which make it look like it has small holes from where the name perforated came from.
The flowers are bright yellow and appear at the tops of the stem. It blooms from June to September.
Main active substances: Hypericin, Hyperforin
Mythology & History
In medieval Europe, balsam was called “fuga daemonum”, meaning a plant that casts out demons. They collected it on the feast of St. John and hung it over the sacred icons of the house to ward off demons and protect the house from evil.
Traditionally, the balm was used in the form of the “red oil” that was prepared by leaving the tops of the flowers in oil for several days in the sun.
Spatula oil was used by the ancient Spartans, with which they healed their wounds after battles.
Used to treat malaria and cholera.
