St John's Wort(Hypericum perforatum)
Other Names:
Tipton's weed, chase-devil, or Klamath weed
Range:
Family:
Clusiaceae – Mangosteen family
Growth Type:
A Herbaceous Perennial/woody plant
Height:
Up to 1 meter in height
Leaves:
It has opposing, stalkless, narrow, oblong leaves which are 12 mm long or slightly larger. The leaves are yellow-green in color, with transparent dots throughout the tissue and occasionally with a few black dots on the lower surface. Leaves exhibit obvious translucent dots when held up to the light, giving them a ‘perforated’ appearance, hence the plant's Latin name.
Stem/Trunk:
Its stems are erect, branched in the upper section. The lower portion of the stem is woody, while the upper section is herbaceous.
Root:
Extensive creeping rhizomes
Flower Season:
Between late Spring and early to mid Summer. The name St. John's Wort comes from the fact that it flowers on or about June 28th, or St. John's day.
Flower Appearance:
Its yellow, five petaled flowers measure up to 2.5 cm across, have five petals, and are colored bright yellow with conspicuous black dots. The ends of the flower petals are often tinged with red. The flowers appear in broad cymes at the ends of the upper branches. The sepals are pointed, with glandular dots in the tissue. There are many stamens, which are united at the base into three bundles. When flower buds (not the flowers themselves) or seed pods are crushed, a reddish/purple liquid is produced. When the plant is at its most potent, crushing the flowers between your fingers will result in purple, or even blackish staining.
Seed/Fruit:
Not observed
Miscellaneous characteristics:
Hypericum perforatum is a yellow-flowering perennial herb indigenous to Europe, which has been introduced to many temperate areas of the world and grows wild in many meadows. The common name comes from its traditional flowering and harvesting on St John's day, 24 June. The genus name Hypericum is derived from the Greek words hyper (above) and eikon (picture), in reference to the traditional use of the plant to ward off evil, by hanging plants over a religious icon in the house during St John's day. The species name perforatum refers to the presence of small oil glands in the leaves that look like windows, which can be seen when they are held against the light.
Habitat:
Transplant to waste areas, meadows, roadsides, and other open areas.
Parts Used:
Flowering plant tops. The herbaceous part of the flowing plant is said to be used, but I typically use just the flowers and leaves above the woody base of each stem.
Culinary Uses:
None Known
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Traditional Medicinal Uses:
St John's Wort has emerged as the best selling herbal remedy for Depression. Outselling Prozac by 20 to 1 in Germany, where it is approved for use in the treatment of mild to moderate forms of depression. It is also used to treat nerve pain. There is anecdotal evidence which shows it to be effective at repairing neuropathways, and regenerating nerve tissue. It has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties. It has been shown to kill staphylococcus aureus, (MRSA, also called golden staph, the most common cause of staph infections). I have also taken a course where the herbalist said he has treated TMJ with St. John's Wort, although I have not tried this, nor can I speak to it's efficacy. I can however say this is an extremely important medicinal plant, which no home should be without. I have used infused oils, and tinctures made from the leaves and flowers. Make sure to gather the plant when it first begins to bloom, as this is when it is at it's most potent. When the unopened flower buds, and fresh new flowers crush and form a dark red or purple dye.
Here is a link to a published study outlining the efficacy of St. John's Wort, Hypericum perforatum, at treating neuropathy.
Indications
Amenorrhea, Amnestic Syndrome, Atopic Dermatitis, Cortical Plasticity, Depression, Juvenile Depressive Disorder, Menopause, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuralgia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Osteoarthritis, Otitis Media, Plaque Psoriasis, Premenstrual Syndrome, Wounds
Usage Citations
The fact that studies concerning all indications listed above have not yet been completed, does not mean said uses are invalid. The plants I have included have a long history of effective use, and most were part of the U.S. Pharmacopia prior to the advent of allopathic medicine.
Amenorrhoea: Arentz S, Smith CA, Abbott J, Fahey P, Cheema BS, Bensoussan A. Combined Lifestyle and Herbal Medicine in Overweight Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Randomized Controlled Trial. Phytother Res. 2017 Sep;31(9):1330-1340. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5858. Epub 2017 Jul 7. PMID: 28685911; PMCID: PMC5599989.
Amnestic Syndrome (Short term memory loss): Yechiam E, Ben-Eliezer D, Ashby NJS, Bar-Shaked M. The acute effect of Hypericum perforatum on short-term memory in healthy adults. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2019 Feb;236(2):613-623. doi: 10.1007/s00213-018-5088-0. Epub 2018 Oct 31. PMID: 30382352.
Atopic Dermatitis (Atopic Eczema): Schempp CM, Hezel S, Simon JC. Behandlung der subakuten atopischen Dermatitis mit Johanniskraut-Creme. Eine randomisierte, placebokontrollierte Doppelblindstudie im Halbseitendesign [Topical treatment of atopic dermatitis with Hypericum cream. A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind half-side comparison study]. Hautarzt. 2003 Mar;54(3):248-53. German. doi: 10.1007/s00105-002-0440-y. Epub 2003 Feb 18. PMID: 12634994.
Cortical Plasticity (Neuroplasticity): Concerto C, Boo H, Hu C, Sandilya P, Krish A, Chusid E, Coira D, Aguglia E, Battaglia F. Hypericum perforatum extract modulates cortical plasticity in humans. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2018 Jan;235(1):145-153. doi: 10.1007/s00213-017-4751-1. Epub 2017 Oct 10. PMID: 29018896.
Depression: Brattström A. Long-term effects of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) treatment: a 1-year safety study in mild to moderate depression. Phytomedicine. 2009 Apr;16(4):277-83. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2008.12.023. Epub 2009 Mar 18. PMID: 19299116.
Juvenile Depressive Disorder: Findling RL, McNamara NK, O'Riordan MA, Reed MD, Demeter CA, Branicky LA, Blumer JL. An open-label pilot study of St. John's wort in juvenile depression. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2003 Aug;42(8):908-14. doi: 10.1097/01.CHI.0000046900.27264.2A. PMID: 12874492.
Menopause: Eatemadnia A, Ansari S, Abedi P, Najar S. The effect of Hypericum perforatum on postmenopausal symptoms and depression: A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Aug;45:109-113. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.05.028. Epub 2019 May 31. PMID: 31331546.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Selek S, Esrefoglu M, Meral I, Bulut H, Caglar HG, Sonuc G, Yildiz C, Teloglu ES, Dogan N, Yuce B, Tiftik E, Bayindir N. Effects of Oenothera biennis L. and Hypericum perforatum L. extracts on some central nervous system myelin proteins, brain histopathology and oxidative stress in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Biotech Histochem. 2019 Feb;94(2):75-83. doi: 10.1080/10520295.2018.1482001. Epub 2019 Apr 8. PMID: 30957550.
Neuralgia (Nerve Pain): Raak CK, Scharbrodt W, Berger B, Büssing A, Schönenberg-Tu A, Martin DD, Robens S, Ostermann T. Hypericum perforatum to Improve Postoperative Pain Outcome After Monosegmental Spinal Sequestrectomy (HYPOS): Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Integr Complement Med. 2022 May;28(5):407-417. doi: 10.1089/jicm.2021.0389. Epub 2022 Feb 15. PMID: 35171041.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Taylor LH, Kobak KA. An open-label trial of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) in obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2000 Aug;61(8):575-8. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v61n0806. PMID: 10982200.
Osteoarthritis (Joint pain due to to wear and tear): Sönmez DZ, Taşcı S. The Effect of St. John's Wort Oil (Hypericum Perforatum L.) in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled and Qualitative Study. Pain Manag Nurs. 2024 Apr;25(2):e115-e125. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2023.12.002. Epub 2024 Jan 19. PMID: 38242739.
Otitis Media (Middle ear infection): Sarrell EM, Mandelberg A, Cohen HA. Efficacy of naturopathic extracts in the management of ear pain associated with acute otitis media. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2001 Jul;155(7):796-9. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.155.7.796. PMID: 11434846.
Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis): Najafizadeh P, Hashemian F, Mansouri P, Farshi S, Surmaghi MS, Chalangari R. The evaluation of the clinical effect of topical St Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) in plaque type psoriasis vulgaris: a pilot study. Australas J Dermatol. 2012 May;53(2):131-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2012.00877.x. Epub 2012 Mar 8. PMID: 22571563.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Canning S, Waterman M, Orsi N, Ayres J, Simpson N, Dye L. The efficacy of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. CNS Drugs. 2010 Mar;24(3):207-25. doi: 10.2165/11530120-000000000-00000. PMID: 20155996.
Wounds: Samadi S, Khadivzadeh T, Emami A, Moosavi NS, Tafaghodi M, Behnam HR. The effect of Hypericum perforatum on the wound healing and scar of cesarean. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Jan;16(1):113-7. doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0317. PMID: 20064022.
Cautions According To WebMD
Contra-Indications
None Known
Possible Side Effects:
When taken by mouth: St. John's wort is likely safe when used in doses up to 900 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. It can cause some side effects such as diarrhea, dizziness, trouble sleeping, restlessness, and skin tingling. St. John's wort interacts with many drugs. Let your healthcare provider know if you want to take St. John's wort.
St. John's wort is possibly unsafe when taken in large doses. It might cause severe skin reactions after sun exposure. Wear sun block outside, especially if you are light-skinned.
When applied to the skin: St. John's wort is possibly safe when it is applied to the skin once a week for four weeks. However, St. John's wort might cause severe skin reactions after sun exposure.
Possible Interactions:
Major Interaction
Do not take this combination
Alprazolam (Xanax) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down alprazolam to get rid of it. St. John's wort can increase how fast the body gets rid of alprazolam. This might decrease the effects of alprazolam.
Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
Some birth control pills contain estrogen. The body breaks down the estrogen in birth control pills to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase the breakdown of estrogen. Taking St. John's wort along with birth control pills might decrease the effects of birth control pills. If you take birth control pills along with St. John's wort, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom.
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down cyclosporine to get rid of it. St. John's wort can increase how quickly the body breaks down cyclosporine. This might decrease how well cyclosporine works.
Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
St. John's wort might decrease how much digoxin the body absorbs. By decreasing how much digoxin the body absorbs, St. John's wort might decrease the effects of digoxin.
Imatinib (Gleevec) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down imatinib to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body gets rid of imatinib. Taking St. John's wort along with imatinib might decrease the effects of imatinib.
Irinotecan (Camptosar) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down irinotecan to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how fast the body breaks down irinotecan. This might decrease the effects of irinotecan.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. St. John's wort might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications for HIV/AIDS (Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down medications used for HIV/AIDS to get rid of them. St. John's wort can increase how quickly the body breaks down these medications. Taking St. John's wort might decrease how well some of these medications work.
Medications for HIV/AIDS (Protease Inhibitors) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down medications used for HIV/AIDS to get rid of them. Taking St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body breaks down these medications. Taking St. John's wort might decrease how well some of these medications work.
Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein Substrates) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. St. John's wort might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.
Phenobarbital (Luminal) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down phenobarbital to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body breaks down phenobarbital. This could decrease how well phenobarbital works and increase the risk of seizures.
Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar, others) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down phenprocoumon to get rid of it. St. John's wort increases how quickly the body breaks down phenprocoumon. This decreases the effects of phenprocoumon.
Phenytoin (Dilantin) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down phenytoin to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body breaks down phenytoin. This might decrease the effects of phenytoin and increase the possibility of seizures.
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down rivaroxaban to get rid of it. St. John's wort can increase how quickly the body breaks down rivaroxaban. This can decrease the effects of rivaroxaban.
Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down tacrolimus to get rid of it. St. John's wort can increase how quickly the body breaks down tacrolimus. This can decrease the effects of tacrolimus.
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down warfarin to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body gets rid of warfarin. This might decrease the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of clotting. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.
Mephenytoin (Mesantoin) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
Mephenytoin is changed and broken down by the body. St. John's wort increases how quickly this medication is broken down by the body. This might decrease the effects of mephenytoin.
Omeprazole (Prilosec) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down omeprazole to get rid of it. St. John's wort can increase how quickly the body breaks down omeprazole. This could decrease the effects of omeprazole.
Docetaxel (Taxotere) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down docetaxel to get rid of it. St. John's wort can increase how quickly the body breaks down docetaxel. This might decrease how well docetaxel works.
Ketamine (Ketalar) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down ketamine to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how fast the body breaks down ketamine. This might decrease the effects of ketamine.
Oxycodone (Oxycontin) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down oxycodone to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how fast the body breaks down oxycodone. This might decrease the effects of oxycodone.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Aminolevulinic acid interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
Aminolevulinic acid can make the skin sensitive to sunlight. St. John's wort might also increase sensitivity to sunlight. Taking St. John's wort along with aminolevulinic acid might increase the chances of sunburn, blistering or rashes on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun.
Clopidogrel (Plavix) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body must convert clopidogrel to its active form. Taking St. John's wort increases how quickly the body converts clopidogrel to the active form. This might increase the effects and side effects of clopidogrel, such as bruising and bleeding.
Fexofenadine (Allegra) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down fexofenadine to get rid of it. St. John's wort might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of fexofenadine. This could increase the effects and side effects of fexofenadine.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. St. John's wort might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. St. John's wort might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
Some medications might make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. St. John's wort might also make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Using these products together might increase the risk of sunburn, blistering, or rashes when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun.
Procainamide interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
St. John's wort extract might increase how much procainamide the body absorbs. This could increase the effects and side effects of procainamide. But it's not clear if this is a big concern.
Reserpine (Raudixin, others) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
Taking St. John's wort might decrease the effects of reserpine.
Tramadol (Ultram) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down tramadol to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how fast the body breaks down tramadol. This might decrease the effects of tramadol.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. St. John's wort might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Gliclazide (Diamicron, others) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down gliclazide to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body gets rid of gliclazide. This might decrease the effects of gliclazide.
Methadone (Dolophine) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down methadone to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how fast the body breaks down methadone. This might decrease the effects of methadone.
Zolpidem (Ambien) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down zolpidem to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body breaks down zolpidem. Taking St. John's wort and taking zolpidem might decrease the effects of zolpidem.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down bupropion to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body breaks down bupropion. This might decrease the effects of bupropion.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. St. John's wort might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Voriconazole (Vfend) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down voriconazole to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body gets rid of voriconazole. Taking St. John's wort along with voriconazole might decrease its effects.
Fentanyl interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down fentanyl to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body gets rid of fentanyl. This might decrease the effects of fentanyl.
Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down finasteride to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body gets rid of finasteride. Taking St. John's wort along with finasteride might decrease its effects.
Ivabradine (Corlanor) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down ivabradine to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how fast the body breaks down ivabradine. This might decrease the effects of ivabradine.
Medications used for lowering cholesterol (Statins) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down some medications to get rid of them. St. John's wort can increase how fast the body gets rid of some medications used for lowering cholesterol. Taking St. John's wort along with these medications might decrease their effects.
Clozapine (Clozaril) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down clozapine to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body breaks down clozapine. This might decrease how well clozapine works.
Indinavir (Crixivan) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down indinavir to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body breaks down indinavir. This might decrease the effects of indinavir.
Serotonergic drugs interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
St. John's wort might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking St. John's wort along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
Methylphenidate (Concerta, others) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
Taking St. John's wort along with methylphenidate might decrease how well methylphenidate works. But it's not clear if this is a big concern.
Theophylline interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down theophylline to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body gets rid of theophylline. Taking St. John's wort along with theophylline might decrease its effects in some people.
Ambrisentan (Letairis) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
The body breaks down ambrisentan to get rid of it. St. John's wort might increase how quickly the body gets rid of ambrisentan. But this effect is probably not a big concern.
Boceprevir (Victrelis) interacts with ST. JOHN'S WORT
St. John's wort contains a chemical called hypericin. Taking St. John's wort with boceprevir might increase the amount of hypericin in the body. This might increase the effects or side effects of St. John's wort.
Medicinal Actions:
Analgesic,
Antidepressant,
Anti-Infective,
Antimicrobial,
Antineoplastic,
Antiretroviral,
Antispasmodic,
Antiviral,
Nervine,
Tonic: Nerve,
Vulnerary
Herbal Preparations For Plant
Tea
Part Used: Leaves and Flowers of Flowering Plant
Plant State: Fresh
Place 2 tsp of fresh chopped leaves and flowers in a large mug. Pour almost boiling water over the plant material. Steep for 20 minutes. Strain to remove sediment.
Dosage: Drink one cup up to three times daily.
Infusion
Part Used: Leaves and Flowers of Flowering Plant
Plant State: Fresh
Place 2 ounces of the fresh chopped plant material into a quart mason jar, and fill the jar with almost boiling water. Cover the jar, place it in a sunny location, and let it sit for 8 to 10 hours. If refrigerated, the infusion will last a couple of days.
Dosage: 2-4 oz up to three times daily.
Infused Oil
Part Used: Leaves and Flowers of Flowering Plant
Plant State: Fresh
Natural Solar infusion method:
In a quart mason jar, thoroughly mix 2 ounces of fresh chopped herb and 6 ounces by weight of the oil of your choice. Cover the jar and place in a sunny spot for a month or so. Strain your oil, return to the cleaned jar and store in the refrigerator until needed.
Crock Pot Method: (My favorite)
Place 2 ounces of fresh plant material and 6 ounces by weight of grape seed oil into a crock pot. Mix thoroughly, set the dial to its lowest setting, and allow to heat uncovered for 12 hours. After this time has elapsed, place the cover on the crock pot and turn the switch to off. Allow the pot to sit covered until the following morning. Then turn the crock pot once again to its lowest setting, remove the cover, and allow to heat uncovered for an additional 12 hours. Once this time has elapsed, allow the oil to cool enough that you can touch it without burning yourself, and then strain the plant material out. Now place the strained infused oil into a pint-sized mason jar and store it in the refrigerator until needed. (When straining my infused oils, I place a coffee filter into a fine metal sieve, and set the sieve over a glass bowl. I then pour the mixture into the strainer, and let it sit until all the oil has drained. Once it appears that it has completely drained, you will notice that there is much less than the 6 ounces of oil you started with. I usually take a large wooded spoon, or something else heavy, and pack the mixture into the strainer. I am always surprised how much oil is still released from the plant material. You can expect to yield just over 5 ounces by weight of your infused oil)
Dosage: You can apply infused oil topically as needed. You can also follow the directions below to turn your infused oil into an ointment or salve.
Ointment or Salve
Infused oils are turned into ointments and salves. I have found a 5:1 ration by weight of infused oil to bees wax yields the best consistency of ointment. In a medium saucepan, heat 5 ounces, by weight, of your previously prepared infused oil over low heat. When the oil is hot enough, stir in 1 ounce of grated bees wax. When the wax is completely dissolved, dip the back of a clean cold spoon into the mixture. Allow it to cool and solidify. If you find the ointment is too hard, add a little more oil, if you find it is too soft, add a little more bees wax, until you reach your desired consistency. To make an even more luxurious feeling ointment, before it cools, try adding 1 tablespoon of lanolin to your ointments. If you are anything like me, you will love the luxurious texture, and soothing effect it has on your skin.
Dosage: Apply topically as needed to alleviate nerve pain
Tincture
A tincture of H. perforatum is only effective when made from fresh leaves and flowers.
Part Used: Leaves and Flowers of Flowering Plant
Plant State: Fresh
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:2
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Fill the jar to the neck with chopped fresh leaves, then pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 250 ml of water. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 20-30 drops up tp three times daily
St John's Wort Video
Note the translucent dots on the stalkless leaves.
