My Apothecary - St Johns Wort

in #homesteading7 years ago (edited)

I have decided that Mondays I will be sharing My Apothecary.
I have been foraging for plants for many years, and I have decided to share what I have been collecting.
This is also helping me get everything catalogued and organized. Seems like a win win for everyone!

Please know that I do not sell my remedies, and I am not doctor. My advice is to research everything. We should always be mindful in what we do to heal our vessels, our body. Many of these remedies are good for the spirit to. We are all spiritual beings, the plants are just as connected to mother earth as we are. Even more so.

It is very important to honour all beings, with respect and love. There have been times that I have gone to pick medicines, and I have heard NO. I offer the tobacco and give thanks for the wisdom.


source

6 Proven St. John's Wort Uses and Benefits

-Works as an Antidepressant.
-Relieves PMS Symptoms.
-Improves Mood During Menopause.
-Fights Inflammation and Skin Irritations.
-Improves Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
-Has Anti-Cancer Properties.

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I usually make dried, tinctures and tea.

Dried
I pick the plants around 10 am. After the dew and moisture are off the plants. I hang them upside down in small bunches to dry in a warm area out of the sun. You could also use a dehydrator.

Tinctures
Cover fresh flowers/leaves/stems with 95 proof vodka, I generally use a grain-free traditional potato vodka and a 1:2 fresh herb ratio. Sometimes I use a good quality sherry. Shake gently every day, and let sit for 4-8 weeks, out of sunlight. Strain out the flowers/leaves/stems and cap tightly. I often repeat the process with the used leaves. I find that the tincture properties are increased each time . Personally I do that up to 3 times. To use: Take drops daily.

Tea
Using fresh or dried flowers/stems/leaves, lightly crush and add to boiled water. Let steep for desired time. Teas are good for internally. I also use strong teas for baths, compresses, and washes.

Looking forward to hearing your comments and stories.
We all have the knowledge to our own well being.


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I like the my apothecary Monday idea. I am new to using medicinal herbs and could use some direction. I seem to remember something in the recesses of my mind, my grandmother using a poultice of St. John's wort to treat planter warts. Am I remembering correctly?

Its a great idea, right? It gives me a reason to look forward to Mondays :p
I used to get planters wart as a child. My mother told me it was because my friend and I would share shoes. It would be something to know incase I get it again or if my kids get it at any point in time.

Yes! That would absolutely work! I would add lemon balm to it. I would be tempted to use an oil infusion, to seal the area. But a tea compress would work awesome I would think! Its amazing what we can recall from our ancestors! :) I am excited to get myself organized!! Thank you for your support!! Much love!

Ahhh, one of my favorite herbs... I use it for it's strong drawing action on splinters, bites and stings and for minor burns. Had a friend once who got bit by a copperhead on her leg. She treated it with just two herbs- topical St. John's Wort and echinacea as well as echinacea internally. Healed just fine. What a wonderful herb.

I will add that to my book!! how amazing is that!! :) We don't have copperheads here..praise god! But that information is invaluable. Echinacea is a favourite for me too!! Thank you for sharing!! thank you for the resteem!!!

I wish that St. John’s wort grew wild here. I planted some once, but it didn’t thrive. Maybe I will try it again. Just found you and definitely following. 😊🌿

Hello!! thank you so much for finding me!! :) I find that st johns wort grows in the poorest soil, roadside here. I live close to an abandoned sand pit. It thrives in there. :) Have a fantastic day!!

Ok, you and I, woman, are going to pic some this summer!!!! It is a must to have. Up for the adventure?

You know I am there for sure!! I just might let you borrow the sacred book, if this goes well! lol