DIY St. John's Wort Infused Oil Recipe

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a bright yellow flower known for its skin-soothing and mood-lifting properties. This DIY herbal oil is perfect for minor burns, bruises, and sore muscles.

This remarkable herb, easily recognized by its cheerful yellow flowers that seem to capture the essence of summer sunshine, has been revered for centuries as both a topical healing remedy and mood-supporting botanical. When the delicate petals are crushed between your fingers, they release a deep red oil that contains hypericin and other compounds responsible for St. John's wort's incredible skin-healing properties. This vibrant red oil has the remarkable ability to accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and provide relief for everything from minor cuts and scrapes to deeper bruises and muscle soreness. The slow oil infusion process captures these therapeutic compounds, creating a beautiful ruby-colored oil that's both potent and gentle enough for regular use.

Jojoba oil makes an exceptional carrier oil choice because its molecular structure closely mimics human sebum, allowing for excellent absorption without leaving a greasy residue, while its natural stability helps preserve the herbal preparation for extended periods.

This traditional preparation method creates a versatile healing oil that can be applied directly to affected areas, used for therapeutic massage, or kept on hand as a natural first-aid remedy.

The resulting oil embodies the healing power of this ancient herb, offering a gentle yet effective way to support your skin's natural healing processes while connecting you to generations of herbal wisdom.

Caution: do not ingest.

DIY St. John's Wort Infused Oil

Rebecca Younger, CH, CD

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Author:

Rebecca Younger, CH, CD

Servings

96 teaspoons

Prep Time

10 minutes

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a bright yellow flower known for its skin-soothing and mood-lifting properties. This DIY herbal oil is perfect for minor burns, bruises, and sore muscles.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh St. John's Wort flowers (or 1 cup dried flowers)
• 16 ounces carrier oil (olive oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil work well)
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional, for preservation)

Equipment

• Clean, dry glass jar (pint-sized)
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Dark glass bottle for storage
• Label and marker

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Directions

1. Prepare the Flowers: If using fresh St. John's Wort, ensure it's completely dry to prevent mold. If using dried flowers, you're good to go!
2. Fill the Jar: Place the flowers in a clean, dry glass jar. Pour in your chosen carrier oil, ensuring the flowers are fully submerged.
3. Infuse the Oil: Cover the jar with a lid and place it in a warm, sunny spot (like a windowsill) for 2 to 6 weeks.
4. Shake the jar gently every day. The oil should turn a beautiful reddish color-this means it's working!
5. Strain & Store: After the infusion period, strain out the plant material using cheesecloth. Squeeze out all the oil, then transfer it to a dark glass bottle. Add vitamin E oil if using.
6. Label & Enjoy: Label your bottle with the name and date. Store in a cool, dark place, and use within 1 year.

How to Use:

1. Massage onto sore muscles and joints.
2. Apply to minor burns, bruises, or irritated skin.
3. Use as a base oil for making healing salves or balms.

Recipe Note

Infusion Time: 2-6 weeks

Yield: About 16 ounces

Pro Tip: St. John's Wort can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so avoid applying before sun exposure.