(Hypericum spp.) (Also called Hypericum and Klamath Weed.) Found throughout the northwestern United States, but originally from Europe, this is a hardy perennial which is recognized by its yellow five-petaled flowers with many prominent stamens. The flowers and leaves are covered with tiny black dots that contain a medicinally active compound called hypericin. This is often visible as a red stain on the skin after rubbing the leaves and flowers between your fingertips. Although considered by botanists as a noxious weed, it is quite useful for medicinal purposes. It usually blooms from late June throughout July and August.
- Leaves from St. Johns Wort
I(Cat Farneman) use St. John’s Wort both as an infused oil and as an alcohol tincture. In both cases the plant must be fresh and not dried when you make your medicine to be effective, for it will loose most of its medicinal properties when dried. For an infused oil, gather the flowering tips, including a few leaves, and loosely fill a jar, let it wilt overnight, then fill the jar with olive oil, put a good lid on the jar, and store in a warm place for two or three weeks. Shake daily. Your oil will become a dark fuchsia pink color. Strain out the plant material and store your infused oil in a cool, dark place for use topically on ulcerations, burns and wounds. It is reported to have anti-bacterial properties which will heal or prevent infections and it stimulates cell regeneration. It can be effective when applied topically for back spasms and neck pain when these are caused by nerve problems. (It combines well with Arnica and Poplar bud oils to relieve aches and pains of muscles and joints.) The infused oil has also been used internally as a healing medium for gastritis and stomach ulcers.
- Fruit from St. Johns Wort
To make an alcohol extraction, loosely fill a jar with the fresh flowers and leaves, then fill the jar with a grain alcohol-water matrix of 50 to 75% alcohol. Use a tight fitting lid on the jar. Store in a cool, dark place for two weeks, shaking once daily. Then strain out the plant material and your St. John’s Wort tincture is ready for use. As a tea or tincture, St. John’s Wort is reported by many to be a good remedy for diarrhea, worms, dysentery, and bladder infections. Many people use it to treat temporary depression, to relieve stress and frustration, and for injuries and infections of the nervous system. Some laboratory studies have shown the active constituents to be active against some viruses. Some people have reported photosensitive reactions of the skin when taken internally. Both the infused oil and the alcohol tincture will be stable for years.
February 2, 2012
Survival, Survival