What is St. Johns Wart?

What St. Johns Wart is–an herb, used for its healing characteristics. St. Johns Wart can be made by you easily.

St. Johns’ Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a common wild plant that grows in much of Europe and North America. If it grows near you, or if you plant this perennial plant in your garden, you can easily make your own medicinal tincture, for a fraction of the cost of store-bought St. Johns’ Wort tincture.

First, get yourself a good plant identification book, and make sure you’re finding real St. Johns’ Wort. I recommend any book written by Michael Moore–his books are a wealth of information about herbal medicine. Or get a knowledgeable “plant person” to show you. Once you see it, you’ll always be able to recognize it. To be sure you’re looking at the real thing, hold one of the tiny leaves up to the light. If it’s St. Johns’ Wort, the leaf will appear to be covered with teeny little holes you can see light through. Remember that scientific name: Hypericum perforatum. That refers to those little pinprick windows in the leaves.

Caution: There is an ornamental plant sold by some nurseries that is called St. Johns’ Wort. It’s not the medicinal kind. Ask for the scientific name and look for those little “holes.”

To make your tincture you need a wide-mouthed jar and lid and some 190 proof grain alcohol (AKA “Everclear”). Please note that this is drinking-type alcohol, NOT rubbing alcohol.

If you can’t get 190 proof alcohol, you can make do with 100 proof vodka, but your final product will be inferior.

When the plant blooms (usually June through mid-August in U.S.) pick the tops–flowers, buds, a few leaves and a bit of stem are fine. Wait until the dew dries to do your picking.

Let the flowers wilt at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. This drives away insects, and makes the next step easier.

Cram the wilted flowers into your jar, packing them tightly. If you don’t have enough to fill the jar, you can save wilted blossoms in your freezer until you have a jarful. Or just do a part jarful–but squish those flowers in there good.

Then pour the grain alcohol over the flowers, just covering them–there should just be a thin layer of liquid over the top. The liquid will immediately start turning red, which is a sign that the essential compounds are being pulled out of the flowers into the liquid.

Shake the jar gently once a day for two weeks, then strain off the liquid. Squeeze the plant mass really well to get all the juice out.

The usual dosage is 20-30 drops, 3 times a day in a little water.

Caution: Prolonged excessive dosages may cause sensitivity to sunlight.

Warning: St. Johns’ Wort can neutralize the effects of some birth control pills, and some medications for cancer treatment and for HIV. Consult your health care provider or pharmacist before using.

St. Johns’ Wort should not be taken if you are taking Prozac or similar anti-depressants. Consult your health care provider or pharmacist before using.