Summer’s Magic Potions

June is an important month for the summer season. The Solstice has always been a day to celebrate, but all over June 24th also has magical potions being created.

I have posted the recipe on the traditional Nocino liquore which is made with the green walnuts harvested on June 24th on my site. 

My friend Kate in Camont has shared her Vin di Noix, which is lighter and drunken as a aperitif.

Our summer was a little late in coming, but is here in full swing now. On my Italian Life coach page you can make  L’acqua di San Giovanni.

This year I have enough Nocino and on the tree I could reach, there were only two walnuts! So I am going to make something easier that I have not made before. Using the St.John’s Wort flower, Iperico in Italian. I am making an infused oil. St. John’s Wort has many powers, I remember people talking about it for depression but it is mostly an anti-inflammatory. We always have some little aches and pains and pulled muscles  so this sounds perfect to have in the house.

 

 

 

Olio di Iperico – St John’s Wort Oil

 

Pick the flowers on June 24th, St John’s the Baptist’s Day. 

The yellow blossoms are steeped in a light oil, I used all sunflower, although the Italians say half Extra Virgin Olive Oil and half Sunflower oil.

Put the blossoms (remove most of the stems) in a jar. 

Cover totally with the oil.

Leave in the sun for 29 days, a lunar cycle.( Some people only leave in the sun the last week)

The oil will become red.

Strain out the blossoms.

The oil is used on irritated skin, sunburns, diaper rash or for back aches and pains.