St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort, also known as Hypericum perforatum, is a flowering plant with numerous medicinal properties. Native to Europe, this herb can also be found in North and South America, Asia, and Africa.

Usage:
St. John’s Wort is commonly used to treat mild-to-moderate depression. It is believed to work by increasing levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. Additionally, it has been used to treat symptoms of anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. When applied topically, it can also help soothe burns, wounds, and other skin irritations.

Look:
St. John’s Wort is a hardy perennial plant that can grow up to three feet tall. It has small yellow flowers with five petals that bloom from June to August. The leaves, opposite and sessile, are oblong and dotted with black oil glands that give them a perforated appearance. When the leaves or flowers are crushed, they exude a red oil.

Energetics:
St. John’s Wort is thought to have a warming, drying, and relaxing effect on the body. In traditional herbal medicine, it is classified as a nervine, and is used to tonify and strengthen the nervous system.

Recipe:
St. John’s Wort Infused Oil
Ingredients:
1 cup St. John’s Wort flowers
2 cups olive oil
Instructions:
1. Fill a jar halfway with St. John’s Wort flowers.
2. Pour olive oil over flowers, making sure they are fully submerged.
3. Stir well to remove any air bubbles.
4. Cover jar with a lid and place on a sunny windowsill.
5. Let infuse for 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
6. Strain oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle.
7. Label and store in a cool, dark place.

This infused oil can be used topically to help soothe skin irritations or as a base for salves and creams. It should not be ingested.