St. John's Wort Oil is a potent oil with a variety of benefits. It is commonly used to help treat anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders (1). St. John's Wort Oil is also great for relieving pain and inflammation. For all these reasons, it's no surprise that this oil is gaining popularity as a natural alternative to conventional medications. It's even easy to make your own at home! Read on to learn how.
One oil, many benefits: St. John's Wort therapies
There are many different ways you can use St. John's Wort Oil. It makes an excellent sunscreen, massage oil, or topical injury salve. St. John's Wort oil has a grassy, herbal aroma that is both refreshing and calming. The oil contains terpenes and other compounds (2) that make it rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a great choice for use in skincare products. It can help to protect some skin types from damage caused by the sun and other environmental factors. You can grow your own St. John's Wort or purchase it from a garden center or online retailer.
Ingredients
Making your own St. John's Wort oil is easy! You will need:
- 1 cup of fresh or dried St. John's Wort flowers
St. John's Wort is a perennial plant that can be grown in a garden (3) or in a pot on the windowsill. The flowers can be dried for use in oil, or you can use fresh flowers. If you are growing your own St. John's Wort, make sure to harvest the flowers when they are in full bloom.
- 1 cup of olive oil or another carrier oil
Olive oil is a commonly used carrier oil, but you can also use almond oil, jojoba oil, or fractionated coconut oil depending on the product you'd like to create.
- A dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid
This will help to protect the St. John's Wort Oil from light damage.
- A strainer or cheesecloth
You will need this to strain the oil before use.
Making the Oil
1. Place the St. John's Wort flowers in a glass jar.
2. Pour the carrier oil over the top of the flowers until they are completely covered.
3. Place the lid on the jar and store it in a dark, cool place for two to four weeks.
4. Shake the jar daily to help the process along.
5. After two to four weeks, strain the oil through a strainer or cheesecloth into a dark glass bottle.
6. Store the oil in a cool, dark place and use as needed.
Some Ideas for using St. John's Wort Oil
Now that you've made your own St. John's Wort Oil, what can you do with it?
-Add a few drops to your favorite lotion or cream to boost its antioxidant power.
-Massage a small amount into sore muscles or joints for relief from pain and inflammation.
-Add a few drops to your bathwater for a relaxing, stress-relieving soak.
-Make a homemade massage oil by combining St. John's Wort Oil with another carrier oil and a few drops of essential oil.
Add it to your wellness routine today!
St. John's Wort Oil is a versatile oil with many uses. Try adding it to homemade sunscreen, massage oil, or topical injury salve. You can also use it in recipes that call for olive oil or another carrier oil. Get creative and enjoy the many benefits of this versatile oil! As with any essential oil, be sure to start with a small amount to judge your body's reaction to it.
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/st-johns-wort-and-depression-in-depth
- https://www.true-blue.co/collections/strain-profiles
- https://morningchores.com/growing-st-johns-wort/
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