St. John's Wort — FarmPal
Bright yellow herb for lifting spirits and healing nerve damage. A natural mood enhancer.
Medicinal Properties
Parts Used
Traditional Uses
- •Mild to moderate depression
- •Anxiety and nervous tension
- •Nerve pain and damage
- •Burns and wounds (oil topically)
- •Seasonal affective disorder
- •Shingles and cold sores (topical oil)
Preparations
Fill jar with fresh flowering tops, cover with vodka. The tincture will turn ruby red. 4-6 weeks.
Dosage: 30-60 drops, 2-3 times daily for mood support. Allow 4-6 weeks to see full effects.
Pack jar with fresh flowers, cover with olive oil. Solar infuse 4-6 weeks. Oil turns brilliant red.
Dosage: Apply to nerve pain, burns, bruises, or shingles rash topically
Steep 2 tsp dried herb in 8 oz hot water for 10 minutes.
Dosage: 2-3 cups daily for mild mood support
Harvesting Guide
Timing: Harvest when flowers are just opening, typically around St. John's Day (June 24).
Method: Cut top 6 inches of flowering stems. Flowers should feel slightly oily.
Drying: Dry quickly at low heat for tea. For oil, use fresh within hours of harvest.
⚠️ Cautions
- •MAJOR DRUG INTERACTIONS consult healthcare provider
- •Interacts with birth control, antidepressants, blood thinners, HIV medications, and many others
- •Causes photosensitivity avoid excessive sun exposure
- •Not for use during pregnancy or nursing
- •Do not combine with other antidepressants