Home-made Medicinal Oil for Sunburn

Did you know that St John's Wort oil is a natural balm for sunburn? St John's wort (Hypercum perforatum) has been used for centuries. It's oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and healing properties that soothes sunburn and even quickly healing burns. The plant has also other healing qualities : it' s oil helps the skin to renew itself and regain suppleness. used in a compress it can help relieve the pain of deep bruising and it makes a good rub for painful joins, varicose veins, muscle strain, artritis, and rheumatism.

St john's wort oil is widely available in health stores and pharmacies, but you can also make it yourself relatively easily. here's how from the book "Sun Protection" by marie Borrel : Simply soak 250g (1/2lb) of St John's wort (both stems and flowers) in 1/2 litre (1 pint) of olive oil mixed with 250 ml (1/2 pint) of dry white wine for 7 days. then boil the mixture in an uncovered bain-marie until all the wine evaporated. leave to cool and then filter very carefully. Store the red, sweet-smelling oil in dark container with an airtight lid. You can use this soothing, healing balm in combination with your usual skin-protection measures. the medicinal oil will maintain it's potency for two years or more.