This St. John's wort infused oil and salve is wonderful to use on sore muscles or minor wounds and abrasions. It is also soothing for dry and itchy skin conditions. Fresh St. John’s wort flowers and buds will impart a beautiful deep red color to the infused oil.
Put the wilted St. John’s wort tops in a pint jar, then cover them with the olive oil, making sure that all of the plant material is submerged (add a little more oil if needed).
Cover the jar with a lid and put in a cool and dark place to infuse for 1-2 weeks, then strain out the flowers with a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much of the oil from the plant material as possible. The oil will be a dark red color.
Because fresh plant material is used, this infused oil should be used up within a month or two to prevent spoilage and rancidity.
For the Salve
Create a makeshift double boiler by putting a small bowl or a glass Pyrex measuring cup over a pot with about an inch of simmering water.
Put the St. John’s wort oil and beeswax into the small bowl or Pyrex, and heat until the beeswax completely dissolves into the oil, stirring occasionally.
Carefully pour the mixture into small jars or tins and let sit until the salve sets up completely.
Notes
Use this salve on sore or aching muscles, joints, or areas where there is nerve pain. It can also be used on minor wounds, scrapes, scratches, and dry and itchy skin conditions.