In the olden days, artistic renderings were the only way to study the herbs (on paper). |
Then, modern cameras gave us the ability to see the BIG picture, like this field of SJW. |
Still, the ability to focus in on the perky flowering tops allows us to see the true nature and botany of this healing plant. |
The flowering tops on an overcast day, waiting to be harvested. |
A good closeup of the flower. You cannot see the little oil glands that 'perforate' the flower and leaves, but they're there. You have to hold the flowering top up to the light to see the glands. |
Now you have to 'test' the crop. The flowering tops are at the peak of potency when you rub them together and they stain your fingers red/purple. Photo copyright Henriette Kress, http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/ |
I don't live in an area where SJW grows, so I have to have it shipped, overnight, on ice, from up north. It is exciting when it arrives, and very busy, since it HAS to be infused while fresh. |
Here is a batch, in a 20qt bain-marie, after simmering for hours. The tops are 'spent', and they have given up their beautiful red color to the oil. |
Sometimes, I also infuse them in the sun for about two weeks, then strain them and bottle them in sterile jars (see instructions on main page). |
This is a good tool to press out the SJW oil -- a unit known as a wine or fruit press. |
A pretty sight, a good harvest, lots of pain relief to come from the ruby-red oil. |
I have no photos of the
tea, or tincture, or
capsules of SJW used to relieve depression, because I do not make it for that purpose. Besides, how exciting is a picture of a capsule? |