Oil infusion of fresh flowering and budding tops only: Combine 1 part by weight of the fresh herb:3 parts by volume of olive oil. The dried herb does not extract in oil. The fresh herb should be thoroughly bruised or mashed prior to combining with the oil. The flower stems serve the function of allowing oil flow around the mashed flowers and leaves, which otherwise tend to clump. Set in a warm, sunny window for 2 weeks. This hypericum oil is a useful external application for bruises, sprains, swellings, varicose ulcers, hemorrhoids, and old burns -excellent applied externally for neuralgia and can ease the pain of sciatica.