St. John’s Wort tincture has been used for centuries as a powerful herbal remedy. It’s known for its bright yellow flowers and has been used since ancient times to help with mental health problems. The tincture is made from a concentrated extract of the plant and can be used to support emotional well-being, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of mild depression.
Ingredients:
Fresh St. John’s Wort flowering tops (dried plant material is less effective)
Vodka or any other palatable alcohol that’s at least 80 proof (40% alcohol)
Equipment:
Clean glass jar with a lid (preferably amber glass to protect from light)
Funnel
Cheesecloth
Fine mesh strainer
Amber glass tincture bottles with droppers
Harvesting Fresh St. John’s Wort:
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) grows wild in many parts of Europe and North America. Look for the plant in sunny, open areas such as meadows, fields, and roadsides.
Identify the plant by its bright yellow flowers with five petals and numerous stamens. The leaves have tiny perforations that can be seen when held up to the light.
Harvest the flowering tops when the plant is in full bloom, typically in late June to early July.
Purchasing:
If you cannot find St. John’s Wort in the wild, consider growing it yourself or purchasing it from a reputable source.
Ensure that the herbs are organic and free from pesticides.
Preparing the Jar:
Clean and sterilize the glass jar and lid to ensure there are no contaminants.
Filling the Jar:
Fill the jar about two-thirds full with the fresh St. John’s Wort flowering tops. Do not pack the jar too tightly.
Adding Alcohol:
Pour the vodka (or other alcohol) over the herbs until they are completely covered. Ensure that the alcohol level is at least one inch above the herbs to prevent mold growth.
Sealing and Storing:
Seal the jar tightly with the lid.
Store the jar in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
Shake the jar gently every few days to help the extraction process.
Infusion Period:
Allow the mixture to infuse for 6-8 weeks. This extended period ensures that the active compounds are fully extracted from the herbs.
Straining the Tincture:
After the infusion period, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much liquid as possible from the herbs.
Bottling:
Use a funnel to pour the strained tincture into amber glass tincture bottles.
Label the bottles with the date and contents.
Use Fresh Herbs:
Fresh St. John’s Wort is more effective than dried. The plant rapidly loses its medicinal properties when dried.
Proper Storage:
Store the tincture in amber glass bottles to protect it from light, which can degrade the active compounds. Keep the bottles in a cool, dark place.
Dosage:
The typical dosage for St. John’s Wort tincture is 20-30 drops, three times a day.
It can be diluted in water, juice, or tea to mask the strong taste.
Consistency:
Consistent use is key. It may take a minimum of two weeks to feel the first results, and the tincture is usually taken over a period of 4-6 weeks.
Precautions:
Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid using St. John’s Wort, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.
Consult with a healthcare provider if you are taking any medications, as St. John’s Wort can interact with certain drugs.
By following these steps and tips, you can create a potent and effective St. John’s Wort tincture at home.
1www.myfolkmedicine.com2www.outdoorapothecary.com3practicalselfreliance.com
Start by harvesting fresh flowering tops of the plant in late June to early July, or purchase organic herbs from a reputable source.
Combine two-thirds full of the fresh herbs with vodka (at least 80 proof) in an amber glass jar, ensuring the alcohol level is at least one inch above the herbs. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl, squeezing out as much liquid as possible from the herbs. Pour the strained tincture into amber glass bottles with droppers, labeling them with the date and contents.
St. John’s Wort tincture has been used for centuries to support emotional well-being, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of mild depression. The typical dosage is 20-30 drops, three times a day, which can be diluted in water, juice, or tea to mask the strong taste.
Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid using St. John’s Wort, especially during the first three months of pregnancy, and consult with a healthcare provider if taking any medications that may interact with the herb.
Making your own St. John’s Wort tincture at home is a simple process that requires minimal equipment and can be a cost-effective alternative to commercial products.
For further learning, visit websites such as myfolkmedicine.com, outdoorapothecary.com, or practicalselfreliance.com for additional resources on herbalism and natural remedies.