Hypericum perforatum
Certified Organic
Dried Herb
.5 oz Sealed Compostable Pouch
Considered a holy herb, St. John's wort was employed for a number of folkloric uses during the Middle Ages. It was once believed that the herb helped to protect people from curses, demons, and lightning.
St. John's wort has a fascinating history and is surrounded by quite a bit of lore. The name "St. John's wort" comes from the fact that it often blooms around St. John the Baptist's Day (June 24th). "Wort" is an old English word for plant.
In medieval times, people believed that St. John's wort had protective powers. It was thought to ward off evil spirits and was sometimes hung over doorways or placed under pillows for protection.
The yellow flowers of St. John's wort were often associated with the sun and were seen as a symbol of light and warmth. St. John's wort was often used in Midsummer bonfires and celebrations. People would sometimes throw the plant into the fire or even leap over the flames for purification and good luck.
In traditional folk medicine, St. John's wort was used for a wide range of ailments, including wounds, burns, digestive problems, and even mental health issues.
- St. John's wort can be used in a compress or bath tea, primarily for potential topical benefits related to skin irritations or minor wounds.
St. John's Wort Compress:
What you'll need:
- Dried St. John's wort herb or flowers
- Hot water
- Clean cloth (muslin, cheesecloth, or a clean kitchen towel)
Instructions:
- Prepare the St. John's wort infusion: Place the dried St. John's wort (or tea bag) in a bowl. Pour hot (but not boiling) water over the herbs, enough to saturate them.
- Steep: Let the mixture steep for about 10-15 minutes.
- Apply to the cloth: Soak the cloth in the warm St. John's wort infusion. Squeeze out excess liquid, but keep it moist.
- Apply to affected area: Place the moist cloth on the affected area of skin.
- Leave in place: Leave the compress in place for 15-20 minutes. You can re-soak and reapply the cloth as needed to keep it warm and moist.
St. John's Wort Bath Tea:
A bath tea infuses the benefits of herbs into your bathwater.
What you'll need:
- Dried St. John's wort herb or flowers
- Hot water
- A muslin bag, cheesecloth, or a clean sock
Instructions:
- Prepare the St. John's wort infusion: Place the dried St. John's wort flowers (or tea bags) in a large bowl. Pour hot (but not boiling) water over the herbs.
- Steep: Let the mixture steep for about 20-30 minutes.
- Fill the bag: Pour the steeped mixture (including the herbs) into your muslin bag, cheesecloth, or sock and tie it securely.
- Add to bath: Fill your bathtub with warm water. Place the bag containing the St. John's wort infusion into the bathwater.
- Soak: Soak in the bath for 20-30 minutes, squeezing the bag occasionally to release more of the St. John's wort extract into the water.
Important Considerations for Both Compress and Bath Tea:
- Photosensitivity: St. John's wort can make your skin much more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Avoid sun exposure after using it on your skin. Use sunscreen with a high SPF even on cloudy days.
- Patch Test: Before using St. John's wort on a larger area, do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the infusion to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs.
- Temperature: Use warm, not hot, water.
- Concentration: Start with a lower concentration.
- Frequency: Use once or twice a day, or as directed.