St. Johnswort blossoms along the roadside.
St. Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum), was all the rage in the 90’s as a herbal remedy for depression. As is often the case with health fads, people soon lost interest, the effects of this common summer-blooming weed being too subtle for those accustomed to aggressive pharmaceutical solutions.
Since then, through my forays into the world of herbal skin care, I’ve gained a high regard for this lowly plant and look forward to its blooming each summer. Infused in extra virgin olive oil, the bright, yellow flowers mysteriously transform the golden liquid into a deep auburn-red.
I especially love the way St. Johns wort oil imparts warmth in winter. It envelopes cold, moisture-starved skin like an August heat wave. It feels so good that once experienced, capturing those little yellow flowers and the sunshine they contain becomes a summer foraging priority.
To make hypericum oil, fill a jar loosely with flowers, avoiding the green parts and including any plump buds. Then submerge in olive, sweet almond or grape seed oil. Shake the jar well and leave in a sunny windowsill, giving a shake once or twice a day. After about 6 weeks, strain through cheesecloth, and bottle in a sterilized jar and store in a cool dark place.
The oil can be used as-is for massage oil, serum or worked into home made lotions, scrubs and salves. Money just can’t buy such a high quality skin care product and one that preserves the essence of summer happiness. But you have to pick and make it yourself to get the maximum therapeutic effect.
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