Herbal Spotlight: St. John's Wort

Chances are you’ve heard of St. John’s Wort touted for its uplifting effect and benefits for those suffering from depression. And while that would be enough to claim it a potent plant ally, St. John’s Wort goes beyond being a mood-lifter. This small, but mighty plant has the ability to capture the sun’s power and transform it into hypericin which is the primary plant constituent that is responsible for its healing effects.

In a bit, I’ll show you just how easy it is to make your own St. John’s Oil. But first here are just some of the ways you can use St. John’s Wort Oil.

  • Bruises

  • Wounds, Cuts, Blisters

  • Dry, itchy skin, i.e. Psoriasis

  • Neck and shoulder tension

  • Menstrual Cramps

  • Warts*

  • Mouth Sores*

  • Muscle Pain

  • Insomnia

  • Back Pain

  • Anxiety

  • And so much more!

In most cases, a direct application of St. John’s Wort Oil at least twice a day will begin to work its magic. For warts and mounts sores use the following oil blend: *1:10 Ratio of Tea Tree Oil: St. John’s Wort - apply several times a day directly on the affected area

Wondering how to make your own herbal infused oil and not knowing where to start? Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog entry where I’ll teach you exactly how to craft your own lovely bottle of ruby red St. John’s Wort Oil! In the meantime, do a little research and find out if this lovely plant is growing nearby. If it is, pick a handful of the flower heads and buds and come back to find out how to make your oil. Happy Wildcrafting!

For a deeper delve into the herbal science & magic of St. John’s Wort, check out herbalist, Rosalee de la Forêt’s website.

Flora Fernandez