St. John’s Wort oil, known for its healing properties, is easy to make at home. This oil is used for various purposes, such as soothing burns, wounds, and skin irritations. Let’s explore how to make it and its many benefits.
How to Make St. John’s Wort Oil
Ingredients:
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Fresh St. John’s Wort flowers
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A carrier oil (such as olive oil, sunflower oil, or almond oil)
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A clean glass jar with a lid
Instructions:
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Harvest the Flowers: Collect fresh St. John’s Wort flowers on a sunny day when they are fully bloomed. Ensure the flowers are dry and free from moisture.
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Prepare the Jar: Fill the glass jar with the fresh flowers, packing them loosely.
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Add the Oil: Pour the carrier oil over the flowers, ensuring they are completely submerged. Leave a bit of space at the top of the jar.
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Seal and Shake: Close the jar with the lid and shake it gently to mix the flowers with the oil.
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Infuse the Oil: Place the jar in a sunny spot, like a windowsill, and let it infuse for about 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days.
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Strain the Oil: After the infusion period, strain the oil using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the flowers. Transfer the strained oil to a clean glass bottle for storage.
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Store Properly: Store the oil in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency. It can be used for up to a year.
Uses of St. John’s Wort Oil
**1. Skin Healing: St. John’s Wort oil is excellent for treating minor burns, cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties promote faster healing.
**2. Pain Relief: The oil can be massaged into sore muscles and joints to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. It’s particularly useful for conditions like arthritis.
**3. Skin Conditions: Use it to soothe skin irritations such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry, itchy skin. The oil helps to moisturize and calm irritated skin.
**4. Nerve Pain: St. John’s Wort oil is known to be effective in treating nerve pain, including conditions like sciatica and neuralgia. Gently massage the affected area with the oil for relief.
**5. Massage Oil: It can be used as a general massage oil to relax and rejuvenate the body, thanks to its calming properties.
By making and using St. John’s Wort oil, you can take advantage of its natural healing benefits for various skin and health issues. Enjoy the soothing and restorative properties of this homemade herbal oil.
