St Johns Wort Benefits and DIY Salve for Mucles
St. John’s Wort: The Ancient Herb with Modern Skincare and Muscle-Soothing Benefits
At Greenstead Naturals, we know that living life to the fullest can leave you with bumps, bruises, and tired muscles—especially in the summer when outdoor adventures call. Whether you’re hiking, swimming, or simply soaking up that vitamin D, it’s essential to have a go-to remedy to soothe the occasional discomforts of an active lifestyle. One of the most powerful and versatile herbs for both skincare and muscle relief is St. John’s Wort, an ancient remedy that offers a wide array of healing benefits.
The Origins of St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Named after St. John the Baptist, as it typically blooms around his feast day on June 24th, this plant’s golden flowers have been treasured for their medicinal qualities. While originally native to Europe, it has since spread globally and is now commonly found in North America, Australia, and Asia.
We can take a closer look at its potent anti-inflammatory and healing properties that have made it a staple in natural skincare and wellness.
The Skincare Benefits of St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort isn’t just for aches and bruises—its healing properties make it a wonderful addition to your skincare routine. This herb’s natural ability to soothe and repair the skin has made it a popular choice for treating everything from minor cuts to inflammatory skin conditions.
1. Anti-Inflammatory and Calming Properties
St. John’s Wort is packed with bioactive compounds like hypericin and hyperforin, which are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. These properties make it ideal for calming redness, swelling, and irritation, especially in cases of eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. For anyone dealing with sensitive skin, this herb offers a gentle way to soothe and reduce discomfort.
2. Healing and Tissue Repair
This herb has been used traditionally to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. Its powerful healing properties make it effective for treating minor cuts, burns, and even sunburns. St. John’s Wort can speed up recovery time while also moisturizing and protecting the skin.
3. Antibacterial Protection
With natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, St. John’s Wort can help prevent infections in minor wounds and acne-prone skin. By reducing the presence of harmful bacteria, this herb supports clearer skin and a healthier complexion.
4. Moisturizing and Hydrating
St. John’s Wort is often included in moisturizing creams and oils for its ability to hydrate and soften the skin. Its natural compounds help improve the skin’s barrier function, preventing moisture loss and promoting long-lasting hydration, making it a great choice for dry or flaky skin.
5. Antioxidant Benefits
Rich in antioxidants, St. John’s Wort helps protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which can cause premature aging and contribute to fine lines and wrinkles. By incorporating St. John’s Wort into your skincare routine, you can help maintain a youthful, radiant complexion.
The Benefits of St. John’s Wort for Muscle Relief
If you’re anything like me, you love to push your limits when it comes to summer fun—whether that’s hiking through the mountains or swimming in the river. With that level of activity comes the inevitable sore muscles, bumps, and bruises. For that reason, our family has learned to always keep a tin of homemade herbal muscle rub close by. This DIY salve harnesses the healing power of St. John’s Wort along with the warming qualities of cayenne pepper to ease those occasional aches and discomforts.
St. John’s Wort Muscle Rub for Sore Muscles
The combination of St. John’s Wort and cayenne pepper in a muscle rub is perfect for easing discomfort after an active day. St. John’s Wort helps soothe inflammation, while cayenne pepper, rich in capsaicin, delivers a gentle warming sensation that increases circulation and relieves muscle tension.
This St. John’s Wort and Cayenne Salve isn’t just for summer either. It’s a great remedy for the stiffness and aches that come with the colder months. Whether you’re tackling soreness from a summer hike or combating winter’s chill, this salve is a must-have for your wellness cabinet.
St. John’s Wort Cayenne Salve Recipe
Ingredients:
4 oz St. John’s Wort infused oil
2 tsp organic cayenne powder
1/2 oz beeswax or 2 tbsp beeswax pastilles
Instructions:
Combine the St. John’s Wort oil and cayenne powder in a double boiler. Heat gently, ensuring the oil does not bubble—just enough to warm it through.
Allow the mixture to cool and then heat it again gently. This double heating process encourages the release of capsaicin from the cayenne into the oil.
Let the mixture cool, then set it aside to infuse at room temperature for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove the cayenne powder.
Combine the cayenne-infused oil with beeswax in a double boiler and warm gently until the beeswax is fully melted.
Pour the mixture into tins or glass jars and let it cool completely before sealing.
Label your salve with the date and contents and store it in a cool place where it will remain semi-solid.
A Few Cautions
While St. John’s Wort is gentle and beneficial, the cayenne powder in this salve adds heat that can irritate broken skin. Be sure to avoid applying this salve to cuts, and wash your hands thoroughly after use to avoid transferring the cayenne to sensitive areas like your eyes or nose.
Let’s bring it home..
Whether you’re looking for a natural remedy to soothe sore muscles or a way to enhance your skincare routine, St. John’s Wort offers an array of benefits. From its powerful anti-inflammatory and healing properties to its ability to hydrate and protect the skin, this herb is truly a gift from nature. And when paired with the warming power of cayenne pepper, it becomes an unbeatable duo for muscle relief. Keep this versatile herb in your wellness cabinet year-round, and enjoy the benefits of St. John’s Wort for both skincare and muscle care.
Sources:
Healthline: St. John’s Wort Benefits
PubMed: Hypericum Perforatum in Dermatology https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24500363/
