As the snow piles up and the days slow down in Midwinter, I find myself at my work bench working on remedies to see us through the rest of this season.
This time it was bottling the St John’s wort tincture, I made some weeks back. It’s color a vibrant gold, so much so it’s quite fitting that it is known to support the body as it works through seasonal affective disorder (SAD): also known as the winter blues. For generations it has been used to heal wounds and lift downheartedness. There is even clinical research into how it works well in soothing an exhausted nervous system. A lot of us, especially in this new world we are living in, are grappling with anxiety and depression, both of which in turn affect our sleep and general well being. This yellow summer flower is also known to work with the body’s hormone, melatonin to remedy that. But a word to the wise: it is always recommended checking with your doctor or herbal practitioner before taking St. John’s wort as it can interact with conventional medicine.
Called St. John’s wort due to the fact it was traditionally harvested around St. John’s Day (June 24th); it is an example of the potent power of our plant allies.
Olea Apothecary 