What You’ll Need:
- Dried hypericum flowers
- Glass jar with lid
- Carrier oil (such as olive, almond, or sunflower oil)
- Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer
- Amber glass bottle for storage
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You can find dried hypericum flowers at herbal stores or purchase them online. Ensure that your glass jar and amber glass bottle are clean and sterilized to maintain the quality of your homemade hypericum oil.
Step 2: Prepare Your Glass Jar
Place the dried hypericum flowers into the glass jar, filling it about two-thirds of the way. Ensure that the jar is completely dry to prevent any moisture from affecting the oil infusion process.
Step 3: Add the Carrier Oil
Pour your chosen carrier oil into the jar, completely covering the hypericum flowers. Make sure the flowers are completely immersed in the oil. Olive oil is a popular choice due to its long shelf life and beneficial properties, but you can also use almond or sunflower oil.
Step 4: Infuse the Oil
Seal the glass jar tightly with the lid and give it a gentle shake to ensure the hypericum flowers are evenly distributed. Place the jar in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry, where it won’t be exposed to direct sunlight. Let the oil infuse for at least four weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days to enhance the extraction process.
Step 5: Strain and Store
After four weeks, it’s time to strain the oil. Place a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or another clean jar. Pour the infused oil through the strainer, allowing the liquid to pass through while filtering out any plant material. Squeeze the cheesecloth or strain the remaining oil to extract every last drop. Finally, transfer the strained hypericum oil into an amber glass bottle for storage.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Homemade Hypericum Oil
Your homemade hypericum oil is now ready to use! Apply it topically to soothe minor burns, wounds, bruises, or to relieve muscle and joint pain. Always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin before using the oil more extensively.
Remember, while hypericum oil can be a fantastic addition to your natural medicine cabinet, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are on medication.
Now that you know how to make hypericum oil at home, you can enjoy the benefits of this wonderful herbal remedy. Give it a try and experience the healing properties of hypericum firsthand.