If this is your first time making St. John’s wort oil, I’m truly so EXCITED for you! Brace yourself: You’re about to experience one of the most magical plant medicine transformations right before your eyes! Not to spoil it, but, a deep ruby red color appears after infusing fresh plant material in oil in the hot summer sun…a perfect way to celebrate the solstice!
To find St. John’s wort: It is listed as a noxious weed in many states and other countries. It appears in soils that are disturbed-like clear cuts, roadsides, and agri-business intensive fields. If you’re not sure if you’ve found the magic, crush a fresh flower between your fingers and if it’s truly Hypericum, it will stain your hand a dark redish-black. There may also be a citrusy smell released as well.
SUPPLIES:
- A Smile
- A basket or Drying Screen
- A Ball Jar
- Olive Oil (I also used Castor Oil once for poultices!)
- Organic Alcohol in a Spray bottle
- Small Piece of Wax Paper to cover the top of the ball jar
- Chop Stick (or stick)
DIRECTIONS:
Harvest St. John’s wort flowers in the early morning or evening. Make sure the flowers are dry (no dew).
Put flowers in a shallow basket or window screen to let them wilt for a few hours or overnight in a cool, dark place away from direct light.
Lightly spritz your flowers with alcohol before placing them in the ball jar (this helps to release more hypericum- (the constituent responsible for the red color and for many of the medicinal properties).
Fill a ball jar to the brim with your flowers and pour olive oil into the jar. Use a chop stick or stick to release any air bubbles.
Make sure all plant material is covered in oil. Place the piece of wax paper over the top and put a lid tightly on your jar and place in the sunshine or in a sunny windowsill.
Everyone has a different time recommendation for how long to macerate the oil, but I like the “folk” method of just feeling into when you think it’s done (usually about 2 weeks). During this time of maceration, rotate your jar and put good thoughts into it!
After infusing your oil for 2 weeks (or however long you’re feeling’ it) you can decant it by pouring the contents out into a strainer lined with cheesecloth or an old thin towel.
Pour your gorgeous ruby oil into dark glass, label and store in a cool place for 6 months to a year. You can use this oil full strength or dilute in a carrier oil (
jojoba, almond, coconut, etc.)
Enjoy
Image: @renegadehoneyherbs
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