Hypericum perforatum
St. John’s wort is a popular herb for depression and insomnia. Herbalists also recommend the herb for relieving chronic nerve pains like peripheral neuropathy, and for trauma and injuries involving nerve damage. St. John’s wort has long been used for bedwetting of children. The herb is also valuable used externally for reducing inflammation and the pain of scrapes, bruises, strains, burns, and other trauma.
The red-colored oil is easy to make from the wild flowers. Simply cut the flowering tops from the plants, blend in organic virgin olive oil, adding enough oil or more flowers so an inch of clear oil remains over the blended flowers. Shake every few days and let it sit in a place with filtered sunlight for a few weeks to months and it will turn dark ruby read. Press or squeeze out the oil and bottle for use during the year. Because of its strong antiinflammatory properties it can be applied frequently to the face to slow the aging process and reduce wrinkles, and to ease sunburn or other inflammatory skin conditions, even acne.
St. John’s Wort oil should be an essential part of your medicine chest. Reach for it and apply for burns, cuts, abrasions, strains, sprains, and nerve pain.
