St. John’s Wort is an herb I use often. Even though I cannot grow it myself because of the climate I live in , I love making my own recipes from this plant as it is used for wounds and mood disorders.
It is recognized as an invasive weed in most parts of North America and gets its name for its ability to bloom on the feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24th.
It grows in the fields and the meadows along the roadsides.
The genus name hypericum comes from the Greek hyper eikon meaning “over an apparition” mainly used to protect others from evil spirits back in the day.
For medicinal purposes the flowers and leaves are used as medicine and are best fresh if available.
When you purchase it from a supplier you are looking for a sun shiny yellow flower. The flowers have five petals with pointed sepals which have noticeable black dots.
Once you have your flowers picked or ordered you can use them as a tincture, infusion, oil, salve or liniment.
It is an herb that is astringent, bitter and sweet and energetically is known for being a drying and a slightly warming herb.
Uses
Like I said before I have this herb on hand for wounds that my children might have as it helps to soothe hot pain that is related to nerve pain.
Because of this quality, I’ve recommended it to people that might have sciatica or rheumatism and Bells Palsy. To use it for such things you can apply an oil or salve on the affected area.
Because of it’s anti inflammatory and antioxidant effects it’s also great for an after sun oil if you feel like your skin needs help to repair after sun exposure.
St. John’s Wort is commonly used for treating depression, restlessness, anxiety and insomnia without any side effects. However, people with bipolar disorders are advised not to take it internally as well as people that are already on SSRI medications.
When we lived in NYC, I was prone to SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and my herbalist friend recommended SJW, ever since then I take it when I know there will be a season without much sun.
Even though it is popular in helping with depression, it does take time to see its effects. Some people have to continually take it for a few weeks before one will see its effects on emotional states.
Cautions
SJW interacts with a lot of modern medicines. It can cause sun sensitivity to fair skinned people and interact with SSRI medications.
It may also interact with Warfarin, Digoxin and HIV medications.
If you plan on having surgery do not use this herb internally and if you are on any medications it is best to ask your doctor before using this herb.
On hand recipes
When using this herb it’s best to have these two on hand for when you might need it in your life. As always, fresh is best because you will be working with an active constituent than if using dried material. The oil should turn a deep red when infused.
Tincture
A tincture has a longer shelf life and also can be used in an oil to create a liniment to be used topically if needed. Internally it is generally used for nervous tension, stress and overall mood improvements.
Ingredients:
St. John’s Wort flowers and leaves
80 proof grain alcohol or vodka
Clean jar with tight fitting lid
Loosely pack the flowers and leaves into the glass jar filling it to the top. Add your alcohol covering the flowers and leaves. Cap the jar. Label. Add more alcohol if needed to replace evaporation. Shake the jar daily and allow 4-6 weeks to steep. Strain the herbs out. Cap the jar and keep in cool dark place. Take tincture for prolonged period as needed for chronic conditions.
St. John’s Wort infused Oil
This oil is good to have for skin issues. It helps to repair tissues and aids recovery for external wounds. It also has the ability to help nerve pain with its topical application. Therefore it’s great for general burns, sunburns, skin inflammation, diaper rashes, cuts and bruises. It’s great to have as a first aid oil as you travel.
Ingredients:
4 oz of SJW flowers
2 cups organic olive oil
Mix the herbs and oil in a double broiler and place them over very low heat.
Steep for 2-3 hrs keeping it at a low simmer.
Strain the oil and remove the herbs.
Store in dark cool place.
Even though it works good on its own adding in other healing herbs will boost this oils potency.
Final thoughts
If you do deal with seasonal mood disorders, then you can prepare this tincture in the summer so you have it on hand during the cold and long winter days.
St. John’s Wort is an herb I use alongside adaptogenics for women that deal with anxiety and need long term support.
You can definitely make these things yourself and try it out to incorporate more natural remedies into your life and see its effects.
Hope it helps your journey.
Much love,
Krystina
