Monday, July 27, 2009

St. John's Wort

Saint John's Wort, shown here blooming in the garden, has been used for centuries for nerve pain, anxiety and mild depression. It is an effective remedy but is is suggested you try it for 3 to 4 weeks before deciding whether it works for you. We usually suggest a tincture made of the plant instead of the capsules. I love to make Red oil with Saint John's Wort. Pick the flowering tops of Saint John's Wort and place them in a wide mouth jar. Add enough olive oil so that it rises 2 to 3 inches above the herb. Place in a warm sunny location for 4 to six weeks. Strain and use it topically on any wound, swelling, bruises, sprains, etc. The oil should be a deep blood red, the redder the better.

3 comments:

Donna and Miss Spenser said...

Have been enjoying my Botanical/Herb pictorial 101 class! Thanks...looking forward to more. I smile now when I go for my walk and see the purslane...I feel really smart! ha..
Donna

Comfrey Cottages said...

i just made this oil for the first time this year! so gorgeous! i just started studying herbs (on my own about five years ago). i have slowly been adding different herbs both for medicinal and culinary uses. i have tried to stick with ones that are either native from my area or can survive our illinois winters outside. i repeatedly read about arnicas virtues, but my environment is not really conducive for it, so i was actually exploring herbs with similiar properties in reference to the uses for bruising, swellings, etc, like you mentioned, and came upon st. john's wort! well, i planted it two years ago, and have a lovely stand now so decided now was the time to make the oil. i will combine it with the wax from my own beehives after it has sat in the sun for the 6 weeks or so!
i truly appreciate your posts as i am just loving learning about herbs and you have been a great help along the way! big herbal hugs!! :)

parTea lady said...

That certainly is a versatile plant and it looks pretty as well. The yellow flowers are so cheerful.