Come in and experience the offerings of foraging! Welcome Summer! HOTM, Books on Wild Foraging, Classes & Practitioner Offerings!
Herb of the Month: St John's Wort!
Herb of the Month- Meet St. John's Wort #vervainHOTM!
St. John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) What is St. John's Wort?
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) often blooms around the summer solstice and can be identified by its bright yellow flowers and pinprick perforated-looking leaves that "let the light shine through." It has been used for centuries by herbalists for its mystical qualities: St. John's Wort ("SJW") was associated with fairies and witches (female herbalists?) and many people believed it served as protection from demons and evil spirits. From at least the sixteenth century to the present day, herbalists have used SJW preparations to treat wounds, alleviate depression and "melancholy," and soothe burns, sore muscles, and nerve pain. SJW has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties, and is such a powerful liver detoxifier that some pharmaceuticals are cleared from the liver before they have had a chance to work (it's important to check the contraindications of your Rx if you're adding SJW to your healthcare regimen).
St. John's Wort Infused Oil
To make the infused oil, pick the buds from the plant and pack them loosely in a half-pint canning jar, filling it almost to the top. Fill the jar with a carrier oil, stir well, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Check the oil every day for several weeks to make sure all plant parts are covered with oil. Once the oil has turned to a brilliant dark red, strain off the flowers and store in a dark, cool location.
Identification & Harvesting
As soon as SJW starts poppin' in our area, crush some of the bright yellow blooms between your fingers and if your fingers turn blood red, you've found Hypericum perforatum! Another identifying feature is the pinpoint holes in the leaves that "let the light shine in" so cheerfully. SJW is an invasive species so feel free to wildcraft this magical herbal ally, and make your own potent plant medicine!
Ready for more St. John's Wort?
Vervain carries St. John's Wort oil, bulk herb & tincture among other wonderful, uplifting blends.
If you'd like to learn more about springtime and early summer foraging, check out these great resources:
As always, follow the Black Forager on Instagram! @blackforager & youtube
Books you can find in the Book Nook at The Vervain Collective:
Mountain States Medicinal Plants book
Meet our New Practitioner!
Thayne Breezee, now offering Amma Therapy at The Vervain Collective.
AMMA - Traditional Chinese Medicine. AMMA is a specialized form of skilled touch therapy that combines deep tissue bodywork with the application of pressure, friction, and touch to specific acu-points, superficial primary and tendino-muscle energy channels, muscles, ligaments, and joints. It is rooted in the fundamental principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, focusing on the balance and movement of Qi within the body.
Practitioner Appointments Available!
Book an appointment with one of our Practitioners at The Vervain Collective!
If you're a practitioner who would like to be more involved with The Vervain Collective community, please get in touch! We have many entry points - including using our apothecary for custom blends, teaching classes, meeting with patients/clients, and more! Here is our "For Practitioners" resource page.
Join Us for Class!
We are constantly adding more amazing classes, teachers, and events to our calendar! Click her to view the calendar and to register online. If you're interested in leading a conversation or teaching a class, you can find our application form on the same page! Due to popular interest in our Rosemary Gladstar Science & Art of Herbalism Course, we are considering opening up a second session! If you are interested in being added to a waitlist, please send us an email with your name and contact information, noting interest in Rosemary Gladstar Science & Art of Herbalism Course.
Please NOTE our Hours! The Vervain Collective apothecary is open Tues-Sat 11-7, and Sun 11-5. Our online store is open 24/7 for shipping and pickup.
We can't wait to see you!