Making St. John's Wort oil at home is a straightforward process. I prepared it myself today after I picked some fresh herbs from the village Gopesh. Now I have to wait 40 days for the oil to mature and be ready for use. Here's a step-by-step guide how to prepare this very healthy remedy at home:
Ingredients and Supplies:
- Fresh St. John’s Wort flowers (Hypericum perforatum)
- Carrier oil (e.g., olive oil, sunflower oil, or almond oil)
- A clean, dry glass jar with a lid
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer
- Dark glass bottle for storage
Instructions:
1. Harvest Flowers:
- Collect fresh St. John’s Wort flowers when they are in full bloom, preferably on a sunny day when the flowers are dry.
2. Prepare Flowers:
- Remove any insects or debris from the flowers. You can gently shake the flowers to dislodge any small bugs.
3. Fill the Jar:
- Fill the glass jar about two-thirds full with the fresh flowers. Do not pack them too tightly; the flowers need space for the oil to circulate.
4. Add Oil:
- Pour the carrier oil over the flowers until they are completely submerged. Make sure the flowers are covered by at least 1-2 inches of oil to prevent mold growth.
5. Seal and Steep:
- Seal the jar with a lid and place it in a sunny spot, such as a windowsill. The sunlight helps to activate the properties of the flowers and infuse the oil.
6. Steeping Period:
- Let the jar sit for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to help with the infusion process.
7. Strain the Oil:
- After the steeping period, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine strainer into a clean bowl, pressing the flowers to extract as much oil as possible.
8. Store the Oil:
- Transfer the strained oil into a dark glass bottle to protect it from light, which can degrade the quality of the oil. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place.
Tips:
- Fresh vs. Dried Flowers: While fresh flowers are preferred for their potency, dried flowers can also be used if fresh ones are not available. The process remains the same.
- Shelf Life: Properly stored St. John’s Wort oil can last up to one year. If the oil develops a rancid smell, it should be discarded.
Caution:
- Photosensitivity: St. John’s Wort can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Use the oil with caution, especially if applying to skin that will be exposed to the sun.
- Patch Test: Conduct a patch test before using the oil extensively to ensure there is no allergic reaction.
By following these steps, you can create your own St. John's Wort oil at home, harnessing its natural healing properties for various uses.
Uses of St. John's Wort Oil
1. Skin Care:
- Burns and Wounds: Apply 2-3 times daily to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Dry/Irritated Skin: Massage a few drops to soothe and moisturize.
- Insect Bites: Apply to reduce itching and swelling.
2. Pain Relief:
- Muscle Aches: Use as a massage oil for sore muscles.
- Joint Pain: Apply to affected areas to relieve pain.
3. Hair Care:
- Scalp Health: Massage into the scalp for 30 minutes, then shampoo out.
These applications leverage the oil’s natural healing, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.
