Homebrew St. John's Wort Oil and Ointment Recipe
St. John's Wort, a plant known for its traditional wound healing properties, has found a place in modern herbal practices for its ability to manage nerve pain and soothe sore muscles. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making your own St. John's Wort oil and salve at home.
Gathering the Ingredients
To create St. John's Wort oil and salve, you'll need a few essential ingredients. Fresh St. John's Wort blossoms, a carrier oil (such as olive oil or almond oil), beeswax, and a clean, dry jar with a lid are the main components. For making the salve, white beeswax is preferred to maintain the bright red colour of the oil.
Making St. John's Wort Oil
- Fill the jar with fresh St. John's Wort blossoms, ensuring they are fully covered with carrier oil. Seal the jar tightly.
- Place the jar in a double boiler and infuse the contents for 4 to 6 hours, maintaining a temperature of approximately 120 degrees F.
- After infusion, pass the contents through a cheesecloth-lined funnel or a fine mesh sieve to extract the oil.
Making St. John's Wort Salve
- To make the salve, pour the oil into a heatproof bowl and place it in the double boiler, adding about an inch of water.
- Add beeswax to the oil in the double boiler and melt it until fully combined with the oil. The amount of beeswax added will depend on whether you like a firm or more spreadable salve, but usually 1 ounce of wax is used for every cup or 8 ounces of herbal-infused oil.
- Pour the liquid salve into the container of your choice and allow it to firm up.
Equipment Needed
Apart from the ingredients, you'll need a few pieces of equipment to make St. John's Wort oil and salve. A half pint Mason jar, double boiler, fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth and funnel, small bowl, digital scale, and salve tins are essential tools for the process. Beeswax pistils are easier to weigh and measure than solid block form beeswax.
Other Uses for St. John's Wort
Besides its traditional use in wound healing, St. John's Wort oil can be used in haircare products and handmade soaps. Additionally, other ways to use St. John's Wort include making tinctures, teas, and body butter. If the infusion doesn't work out, high-quality St. John's Wort oil can be purchased from Herb Pharm or Mountain Rose Herbs.
In conclusion, St. John's Wort oil and salve have a rich history in wound healing and skin care, but their modern applications extend to managing nerve pain and muscle soreness. With the right ingredients and equipment, you can easily make your own St. John's Wort oil and salve at home.
- Incorporating science into the traditional practice of herbal remedies, modern studies have shown that St. John's Wort oil can contribute to mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- For a holistic approach to health-and-wellness, incorporate fitness-and-exercise, proper nutrition, and skin-care routines with the use of St. John's Wort oil and salve for optimal well-being.
- To further explore the benefits of St. John's Wort, consider researching its role in improving overall health, as it may also aid in digestion and promote healthy, radiant skin.
