BODY. An Easy (and safe) SJW Recipe.
My first lesson about St. John’s Wort reputation as a healing plant first came when I was working as a guide in Italy. I had a broken arm at the time, and I had a cast as proof. One of the bus drivers I would see weekly brought me a red oil from her daughter after seeing the state of my upper limbs. “Per tua braccio,” she said, and demonstrated to put the oil on my arm. I was not sure what snake oil she just gave me, as it was unlabeled and she spoke it so quickly in Italian I just nodded and said “grazie,” but I gratefully accepted the mysterious gift. Six months later, I was learning about the medicinal properties of Hypericum perforatum in my botanical medicine class. The mystery was solved when I learned when the buds and fresh flowers are infused into an oil, it turns a deep ruby red. Italia for the win - again.
St. John’s Wort oil is now not only a staple of my harvesting season, but a staple of my everyday. I think that St. John’s Wort oil is something that every household should have on hand. I use it as the oil base for my homemade cream for its effects as a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and skin-soothing properties. I have heard stories from many a naturopath and herbalist that when used after a burn (sunburn, kitchen burn, fireplace burn), the healing of the skin goes so much more quickly. Being a fair-skinned lady who also loves being outside, this is another reason why I use it daily after I am out in the sun.
The best part is… it’s widely found, easy to harvest and easy to make a medicinal oil. Here are my step-by-step instructions:
Harvest buds and early flowers of St. John’s Wort, usually around end of June through mid-July, pending latitude, sun exposure, elevation, etc.
Fill a glass jar of choice with the harvest herb. Allow the herb to wilt for 12-24 hours.
Cover the herb with oil of choice. This also packs a medicinal punch, so use wisely. I usually use a cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil from Italy. Make sure all parts are completely covered.
To prevent mold growth and oxidation, pack a coffee filter over the herb to ensure there are no parts sticking above the oil.
Place in indirect sunlight and macerate (shake) once daily for at least two weeks. You will see the oil change color before your eyes.
After 2-4 weeks, strain your oil through cheese cloth for improved filtration.
Now you have an oil that can be used topically for nerve pain (think sciatica), even on gums following dental procedures, or for someone like me, on areas exposed to sun that need a little extra herbal care. Unlike internal SJW use that is controversial in the medical world due to drug interactions, topical use is widely safe for most everyone (but always check with you naturopath/doctor if right for you).
I can’t wait to harvest mine and refill my stock for the year!
