Terra di Toscana www.terraditoscana.com

Iperico, Hypericum perforatum

Family of iperiaceae

This plant is related to magic practices of Middle Age; people believed it could chase away the devil and for this reason it was used during exorcisms and for its medical properties. The plan is picked up for the celebration of San Giovanni (24th of June).

Use
If the tops of the plant are dipped in olive oil and beeswax it is possible to obtain an ointment which has a beautiful red colour and which is very useful against rheumatic pains, sciatica, sprains and bruise. The plant is also used as innocuous colorant for syrups and home-made liqueurs.

Picture and text of Tebaldo Lorini
Translated by Gianna Toni

Terraditoscana © Polimedia - All rights reserved
Press registration n. 5528 10/11/2006 - Editor Polimedia - P.IVA 06790950486