Yesterday I walked around my garden with a few friends who had popped over to chat about a community project that we may start - a kind of environmental, alternative hub with a strong focus on community bonds and alternative economies. She'd given me this twisted, spectacular gourd and I gave her a bunch of lime pickle and a small jar of St John's Wort oil, handfuls of mugwort and tulsi, and a few cherry tomatoes. It felt good being able to share, especially medicinal herbs, which most people don't dive into, though they'd like to.

The St John's Wort was ready just as I was going back to work. Timely, really - it's excellent for soreness, stiffness and sore muscles, which is often a knock on effect from sitting at a desk or anxiety and stress. It's great for the skin anyway, helping with burns and wounds, and optimal skin health - but I'm more interested in it as a sunny ally for my nervous system.

I was lucky to find it wild, as it's listed as a weed here. I saw it on an intersection as we were driving to check out some Landrovers we were looking to buy and made Jamie screech to a halt whilst I picked happy handfuls to take home and cover with olive oil.

Six weeks on, and the oil was ready - the lovely red tint had come through, exactly what I was looking for. It smells divine - a bit like some kind of fruit jam. I use it to massage into my skin at night, just before I go to bed - a bit of a self care ritual that feels decadent in a way and certainly nourishing. I think my nervous system thanks me - it needs all it can get at the moment.

Excuse the dirty fingernails - as usual, I've been in the garden.

Saying that, I just finished my first day of work and I have to admit I loved seeing the kids again. I walked out with a big smile on my face. I do love teenagers - they have such wild and beautiful energy, so much potential. Somehow they manage to pull me out of whatever bad mood I'm in. I tell you what, it's not the kids that make teaching hard, but all the other stuff.

St Johns Wort will be my ally to get me through this working year, I think - both as an oil and taken as a tablet. I think it's better than red wine, anyway - something that can help with stress, rather than stress my body. And just look at those little yellow flowers - that's just a huge clue about the sunniness this powerful little herb can bring into your life.