St. John’s Wort- Medicinal Benefits and Solar Infusion Method for Herbal Body Oil

Being a healer, herbalist and a person diagnosed with Lyme Disease, Mold toxicity issues and Epstein Barr, I have dove deep down the rabbit hole of healing my various symptoms with plant medicine over the years. From my formal education in Holistic Herbalism, to years of research and studying books, different methods, protocols and experimentation, I have never come across a more trusted plant ally for sore muscle aches and nerve pain than the St. John’s Wort plant. It also is helpful in relaxing the body and mind as it is an herbal antidepressant and restorative tonic. This herb is often said to be an adaptogen as it helps our bodies adapt to different stressors in our life. If you are a person dealing with autoimmunity and all of the nasty symptoms that can come along with it, St. John’s Wort should be a consideration of yours. However, this plant friend is for ANYONE who is experiencing pain, skin issues and/or the blues. I often recommend this herb internally and externally to many of my clients experiencing nerve pain and tension, soreness or anxiety and depression. However, it is contraindicated for those with light and very sensitive skin in very hot, sunny weather. If you have super sensitive skin and are planning a day where you be out on the beach under the hot sun, maybe skip it use for that day. Always do your research and use with awareness and caution.

St. John’s Wort blooms around the summer solstice and is known as “sunshine in a bottle” which is exactly how I describe the infused oil I make from this plant! This is very fitting considering that SJW is so closely affiliated with the energy of the sun. Because of this connection, I prefer to make my herbal infused St. John’s Wort Oil using the solar infusion method. This low-heat method is preferable when using delicate plants as high heat extraction causes aromatic oils in plants to evaporate and certain constituents to break down. I also believe the natural and powerful energy from the sun’s rays is a special addition, adding to the actual potency of the medicine. I feel the energy of the sun whenever I use it topically, nourishing my body so it’s relaxed but building power, fire and resiliency just as the biggest star does for our planet. Without the sun, there would be no life as it is our main source of energy for this planet.

Where I live in the Pacific Northwest the best time to harvest is on or around the summer solstice when the plant first starts to bloom it’s glorious yellow flowers. We are not a region that experiences much sun year round so the window to harvest and infuse the oil is limited. I have to wait for summer when I know it will be sunny and we have much less rain fall. Every June 21st is exciting for me, because that’s when I know I can harvest more of my favorite plant ally to make medicine for myself and others to heal. However, if you live in a region where you receive more sun you can have flexibility in using this method.

To try experiment this method yourself follow these instructions

What you will need: 1. Harvesting basket or bag 2. scissors 3. carrier oil 4. wide mouth mason jar 5. SUN 6. cheesecloth 7. black sock

Solar Infusion Method

1. Research an area where there is an abundance of SJW plant that you are sure is not sprayed with herbicides or pesticides.
2. Harvest toward the top of the plant using harvesting shears or scissors leaving 6- 8 inches to the ground for the rest of the stem to grow.
3. Shake off any insects, etc. and remember to take only what you need. Give gratitude and love to the plant you are working with. Bring a mesh bag, basket or paper bag to harvest the flowers in.
4. Cut or blend the flowers up so they are smaller to fit into a wide mouth mason jar. Level the plant matter down as much as possible using a clean utensil.
5. Pour oil of your choice in to the top of the jar. I like olive oil for this plant. Make sure you use 100% organic oil!
6. Leave outside or in a sunny windowsill for 4 weeks (one moon cycle). Shake the jar once a day to help extract the plant medicine. Check the lid for condensation daily. Wipe with a clean towel if any. You can use a light piece of cheesecloth under the lid or put a black sock around the jar for the month to help with this. You must be cautious your plant doesn’t mold! Make sure the lid is on tight.
7. After 4 weeks, strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and bottle using a tiny bit of vitamin E oil or rosemary essential oil to preserve the oil for a longer shelf life.