Fresh vs. Dried: Why It Matters for St. John’s Wort Infusions

Our infusion process is a labor of reverence and precision, honoring the plants and the rhythms of nature.

We begin by harvesting fresh, immaculate St. John’s Wort blooms — which only appear during a narrow two-week window on either side of the summer solstice — once the morning dew has lifted, when the plant’s vitality is at its peak. These blooms then rest gently in a shady breeze for up to 21 hours, allowing a delicate, nearly imperceptible amount of moisture to evaporate, preserving their living essence.

Next, the flowers are infused in biodynamic Olive oil under both sunshine and moonlight, with a loose lid for 24 hours to allow additional moisture to escape naturally. The jar is then sealed for a slow, tender infusion lasting up to one full moon cycle — drawing out the plant’s subtle power in rhythm with the season.

After cold pressing, the oil rests for two days. We carefully baste off the top layers to separate the pure oil from any sediment. Finally, the serum is stored under argon gas in dark biophotonic Miron glass to protect it from oxidation, preserving its vibrancy and efficacy until it reaches your hands.

Why This Matters

Nearly all commercial skincare products that include St. John’s Wort use it in dried form — a method that skips the plant’s most vital, active expression. When infused fresh, as we do, the oil turns a vivid ruby red — a visible sign of hypericin and other compounds drawn out only when the plant is alive and vibrant. That deep red hue isn’t just beautiful — it signals potency.

This fresh infusion method yields an oil that is noticeably more active on the skin: more soothing, more reparative, and more energetically alive. It brings a heightened ability to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and support regeneration — not just because of what’s in the plant, but because of how it is raised, harvested, and treated.

How To Experience Fresh, Wild Saint John's Wort

You can experience this vibrant plant in three of our most loved creations:

• Summer Solstice Serum — A facial oil that captures the fullness of midsummer with biodynamic flowers and fresh St. John’s Wort.  

• Restorative Body Serum — A grounding daily ritual for skin and spirit, with wild Saint John's Wort and freshly infused botanicals to soothe, nourish, and restore.

• Ryokan Serum — A minimalist serum inspired by Japanese bathing traditions, featuring St. John’s Wort alongside Lemongrass and Clary Sage.

All three serums are made by hand, from our garden to your skin.