Wisdom from St. John's Wort
Introduction:
St. John's Wort has the ability to calm depression, heal wounds, and relieve pain.
Get to know this fine herb!
Background:
Folklore is... - Named after St. John. - The purple reddish hue of the plant's juices was said to represent the passion of Christ and His blood. - Once known as Klamath Weed.
Physical Attributes are... - Has a yellow 5 star flower. - The stem is reddish in color.
Healing Properties
- Best known for its mild antidepressant effect, as well as a soothing tonic to the nerves (nervine antidote).
- Can help with PMS and menopausal symptoms. - Acts as a steroid and can accelerate the body's healing process up to 3x the rate. - As an oil, this herb is caring to bumps, bruises, sores, and internal wounds.
- Source: https://draxe.com/nutrition/st-johns-wort-uses/
Growing & Harvesting
- Only harvest when in flower. Take only the top third of the plant. It will re-grow on its own, in strength. - Likes to grow in rocky, hard soiled and dry areas. Enjoys full sun. - Pick the herb around 10am in order to visit it when it holds the least amount of moisture. Harvest it within 30 minutes if picking to keep it dry and potent. - Dry the plant in a bag with paper towels to cover. Dry upside down, hanging freely. - Use tinted glass for storage of herbs (amber, green, blue) to protect from UV rays.
Making & Using the Oil
- Blend/infuse St. John’s Wort with Extra Virgin Olive Oil- cold pressed. * Hint: The greener the olive oil, the better. - Take the dried herb. Crush it. Place in glass bottle. Take olive oil and pour over herb until completely covered (about ½ inch over the top of herb). Swirl the mixture around, and do so daily. - Cover jar. Label it. Date it. Set jar in sun for 6 weeks. Strain with stainless steel strainer or cheesecloth. - Store in cool, dry place. Good for 2 years if kept cool and away from sun/light. - Use oil on mild burns, scars, cuts, and muscle pain. Preventative care against depression, mood swings, panic attacks, insomnia, anxiety, lack of focus, severe pain, and auto immune diseases such as fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis.
Making & Using the Tincture
- Use 100 proof vodka (brand does not matter). Cover herb with alcohol in glass (just like you did the oil). - DO NOT set in sun. Keep cool and let sit 2-3 weeks. - Tincture can be used in any liquids- tea, coffee, soup, juice, water. - Natalia Bragg of Knott II Bragg Farm in Northern Maine states, "Unless genetic, auto-immune diseases are caused by catastrophic events; St. John’s can reverse the damage within 8- 14 months". - Regimen: Take 3 drops in 3 days, then 6 drops for 3 days, then 9 drops for 3 days, then 12 drops for 3 days, then 15 drops for 3 days, then 18 drops for 3 days, then 21 drops for 3 days, and so on. - Do not exceed 90 drops of tincture a day.
Not in the mood to create your own tonics? No problem! Check out these other St. John's wort products to support overall well-being:
Gaia Herbs St John's Wort 60 Vegetarian Capsules https://bit.ly/3tBt4Tk
Oregon's Wild Harvest Organic St. John's Wort Alcohol-Free 2 fl oz https://bit.ly/3tCTFPK
Celebration Herbals Organic St John's Wort Tea Caffeine Free 24 Herbal Tea Bags https://bit.ly/3HpxDpb
In Grace,
Cara
➽Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only, and NOT intended as medical health care claims, cures, or therapies. Please consult with your doctor/specialist if you have any health concerns or questions about herbal medicine.
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