This herb is known for its cheerful, soothing, and protective powers. It's a beautiful and powerful herb that lifts mood, soothes inflamed skin and joints, and is a strong anti-microbial. The yellow blossoms last from mid-summer to fall. (Hypericum perforatum) Why We Love It Here are some of the reasons why we love St. John's Wort... 1) CHEERFUL - In addition to bringing cheer because of its beauty, this herb is known to elevate mood. It can be used internally as a tincture for this purpose. It's important to consult your physician if you're on any medication. 2) SOOTHING- The flowers and young buds can be soaked in oil to make a gorgeous, red healing oil that can be used on scrapes, cuts, strains, sprains, rosacea, eczema, and stretch marks. For some people, St. John's Wort can increase sensitivity to the sun, so make sure to keep yourself covered or wear sunscreen in the areas where you use this oil. 3) PROTECTOR - St. John's Wort has traditionally been used as an anti-viral and anti-biotic. It can be used whenever you feel symptoms coming on or as part of an immune-boosting formula. How to Grow It Here's how to grow St. John's Wort: SUN FULL OR PART SUN MOISTURE NOT PICKY, BUT DOES BEST WITH SOME SUMMER WATER GROWING ZONES USDA 5-10 (Not sure? Find your growing zone here) SIZE 2-3 FEET TALL & WIDE PRO TIP If your St. John's Wort is happy, it will want to spread. Simply pull up any runners and share your joy with a friend! Winter Sowing is the easiest way to start these seeds. Here's a seed-starting tutorial for you. You won't believe how easy it is! How to Harvest & Use It We love making soothing infused oil with St. John's Wort. This can help with any trauma to the skin and is also helpful for joint paint. This is a great oil to keep in your natural remedy chest. Here's a recipe: Ingredients: Fresh St. John’s wort flowers and young buds Organic extra virgin olive oil (or your oil of choice) Glass jar Clean rock or fermenting weight Directions Fill the glass jar 3/4 full with flowers and young buds. Cover plant material with oil so there are no plant parts sticking above the oil. If you have it, weigh down the plant material with a weight or clean rock to hold it below the oil. Put on a cover and let infuse for 3 weeks. Warmth helps the infusion, so putting the jar in a paper bag in the sun or on a sunny windowsill works great. When the oil is deep red, strain and label. Store your healing oil in a cool and dark place. Use it topically on scrapes, bruises, strains, strains, and anywhere that could use some soothing. Remember to use sunscreen on the places where you apply the oil, as St. John's Wort can increase your sensitivity to the sun!
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