St. John’s wort, whose scientific name is Hypericum perforatum L., has been known from the ancient times for its healing properties. The Fathers of the Medical Science, Hippocrates and Dioskourides, used to produce and use it in order to treat several kinds of their patients' diseases. A characteristic of its properties is seen through its Greek name “valsamo” which means taxidermy. The round yellow blossoms of the plant concentrate the largest quantity of its beneficial substances and the most significant of them are hypericine and hyperforine which cooperate in order to increase the levels of the brain's transmitters such as serotonine and noradrenaline.
These neuro transmitters maintain the normal human mood and the emotional stability. Ηypericine has also antiseptic effects against viruses and bacteria, helps treat wounds and works against infections. Finally, another substance, called “tannin”, is responsible for the styptic properties of the herb while flavonols reduce inflammations and help to treat backaches. Today, because of the scientific confirmation of its healing value, combined with its minimal to nonexistant side effects to the human body, its use has become popular again all over the world.
Common names: perforate St John's-wort, St. John's wort oil, Hypericum perforatum.
Beneficial properties: St. John’s wort oil is produced by the extraction of the overground part, when the plant is fully bloomed. It is used internally or externally (it depends on the case) to:
- Relieve from irritations - inflammations
- Treat wounds (due to injuries or immobility during bedtime)
- Treat burns or skin diseases
- Treat hemorrhoids
- Treat venous ulcers
- Relieve from backaches, sciatica, lumbago or muscle aches
- Relieve from dislocations, rheumatisms, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Relieve from insect bites
- Fight diarrhea (styptic action), gastric or stomach ulcers and gastritis
- Treat internal burns (cooling effect), worms in the intestinal track and sputum (expectorant effect)
- Help in the good function of the menstrual
- Fight insomnia, anxiety disorders, mild and medium forms of depression, it works as a tranquilizer
- Help tone up and restore the nervous system
- Give good mood and well-being, while enhancing the immune system
Use: First clean carefully the area where the problem exists and then apply the quantity of the St. John’s wort oil needed so that the area is fully “oily”. Let it act for a few minutes (30-60') until it is absorbed. You should use it 2-3 times per day for as long as it takes, until the problem is eliminated.
Precautions - Contraindications: Hypericine can affect the metabolism of other enzymes so it needs attention when taken with other medicine as well. Moreover, due to the fact that it influences the neurotransmitters, St. John’s wort oil should not be combined with antidepressants. Hypericine is a substance sensitive to light, so it is recommended that you keep the oil in a dark bottle away from the sun and the sunlight. It is also recommended that you do not expose yourself to the sun or sunlight right after using St. John’s wort oil, because there might be a reaction that can cause skin irritations on some skins. The appearance of sediment at the bottom of the bottle is natural.
The above information is not medical advice nor substitute advice of another health care professional. They are provided for information only. Do not stop any other medical care recommendations without consulting your doctor.
