Around 21 June comes the solstice, the time of year with the shortest night and, therefore, the longest day; it marks the start of summer. It is the triumph of light over darkness, and it has been celebrated as such since time immemorial. From then on, almost imperceptibly at first, the days grow shorter minute by minute until the winter solstice, when exactly the opposite happens.
Midsummer's Eve (Saint John's Eve) celebrations include jumping over bonfires, burning what we no longer want, dancing, music and something very much for witches and healers: gathering St John's wort flowers (Hypericum perforatum), popularly known, as it could hardly be otherwise, as Saint John's herb. It is easy to recognise because, when held up to the light, its leaves look perforated, although they are actually tiny sacs containing the essential oil.
At this time of year, the plant's active ingredients are at their peak, and the flowering tops (flowers and the leaves around them) are used to make St John's wort oil. They are steeped in a vegetable oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, in a glass jar, and the jar is left out for 40 days in the sun and the night air (moonlight), shaking the contents at least once a day.
After that time, the flowers are strained and the resulting oil has "magically" turned a deep red (it's actually due to hypericin, one of its active ingredients, but we're not going to spoil the spell, are we?). This infused oil has fascinating properties: it is applied to burns, and it is regenerative, anti-inflammatory, soothing and healing.
Just one word of caution: this oil makes the skin sensitive to light, so it's best not to sunbathe after applying it, as it could cause skin blemishes.
Otherwise, it's a liquid gold surrounded by magic and mystery that's always worth having to hand.
Mar, from Marmitas y Redomas