St. John's Wort Oil: Benefits, Types, Uses

St. John's Wort oil is obtained from the flowers and leaves of the St. John's Wort plant, which belongs to the "Hypericaceae" family.

St. John's Wort oil is a herbal medicine that has been used for various medical purposes such as skin care, hair care, and digestive health for centuries. While it is mostly applied through massage, it can also be taken orally. To enhance its effects, it can be added to creams, ointments, moisturizers, and natural medicines. Although St. John's Wort oil has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks, so it should be used with caution. In this article, you can find answers to questions you may have about the benefits, uses, harms, and production of St. John's Wort oil.

What is St. John's Wort Oil?

St. John's Wort oil is derived from the St. John's Wort flower, whose botanical name is Hypericum perforatum, and its use dates back to Ancient Greece. The plant contains many active compounds, including hypericin and hyperforin, which are thought to affect mood. There are approximately 40 different species of St. John's Wort, varying in size and growing regions. It is a small, annual plant. Traditionally, it has been used to treat issues such as wounds, high fever, depression, and stomach bloating. St. John's Wort oil comes in two varieties: yellow and red. Both are made from the same plant; however, yellow St. John's Wort oil is made from dried plants, while red St. John's Wort oil is made from freshly harvested plants. When used in the correct dosage, St. John's Wort oil can offer numerous benefits.

What are the Benefits of St. John's Wort Oil?

St. John's Wort oil, which has been used as a medicinal remedy for many years, has demonstrated various benefits through research and experimentation. Some known benefits of St. John's Wort oil include:

1. Depression
Depression, which is described as a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest, is a common psychological condition today. According to some studies, St. John's Wort oil is believed to be an effective and safe natural treatment for mild to moderate depression.

2. Anxiety Disorders
Research suggests that St. John's Wort oil may be beneficial for anxiety disorders, which are characterized by physical symptoms like pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath.

3. Menopause
St. John's Wort oil is believed to help reduce symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression, which occur due to decreased estrogen production during this challenging period for women.

4. Skin Conditions
It may be used to heal skin wounds and alleviate symptoms of skin irritations, such as itching and inflammation.

5. Hair Health
St. John's Wort oil is also thought to have beneficial effects on hair health.

Additionally, St. John's Wort oil is believed to be helpful for the following conditions:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Hepatitis C
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Burning mouth syndrome
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Genital herpes or cold sores
• Sciatic pain
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia (soft tissue rheumatism)
• Anxiety disorders
• Migraine headaches
• Stomach ulcers
• Weight loss and smoking cessation

What are the Benefits of St. John's Wort Oil for Skin?

What are the Benefits of St. John's Wort Oil for Hair?

St. John's Wort oil is a natural oil used in hair care and has benefits for hair health. The benefits for hair are as follows:

• Prevents dandruff.
• Effective in slowing down and stopping hair loss.
• Relieves dryness and moisturizes hair.
• May help with eczema on the scalp.
• Nourishes hair roots and helps prevent hair breakage.
• May be effective in alleviating scalp itching.
• Helps nourish the hair for thicker and healthier hair.

How to Use St. John's Wort Oil?

What Should Those Using St. John's Wort Oil Be Careful About?

Before using St. John's Wort oil, it is important to consult your doctor to assess potential risks. The use of St. John's Wort oil may be risky for certain individuals. People who should not use it include:

• Pregnant Women: Using St. John's Wort oil during pregnancy may increase uterine muscle tone, raising the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women are advised not to use it.
• Breastfeeding Mothers: Using this oil while breastfeeding can cause irritability and drowsiness in babies.
• People on Medication: Using St. John's Wort oil with medications such as antidepressants, heart medications, and drugs that affect serotonin levels can be dangerous. When combined with serotonin medications, it can lead to rapid pulse, high blood pressure, increased body temperature, and hallucinations.
• People Undergoing Surgery: St. John's Wort oil should not be used during the first five days after a planned surgery due to potential drug interactions.

What are the Risks of St. John's Wort Oil?

While St. John's Wort oil has health benefits, it can also have harmful effects. If used in excessive doses, it can cause sensitivity to sunlight, especially in people with fair skin. Therefore, the use of sunscreen is important. Other harmful effects of St. John's Wort oil include:

• Stomach issues
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Swelling in the body
• Sexual dysfunction
• Increased blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Diarrhea

How is St. John's Wort Oil Made?

St. John's Wort oil can be made using either dried or fresh St. John's Wort. Red St. John's Wort oil is made from fresh St. John's Wort. Here's how to make the oil:

1. To make St. John's Wort oil, first dry the St. John's Wort plant for at least one day.
2. Once the leaves have wilted, transfer them into a clean, large jar.
3. Optionally, you can add olive oil. After adding the oil, mash or chop the flowers to ensure that they come into contact with the oil.
4. To help evaporate excess moisture, cover the top of the jar with a cheesecloth.
5. Let the mixture infuse for about two weeks. As the flowers infuse, the oil will turn red.
6. Some herbalists recommend infusing the oil in sunlight, while others suggest infusing it in the dark. Both methods work for making the oil.
7. After the infusion period, strain the oil and let it sit for a couple of days. There may be a residue layer at the bottom of the jar.
8. Carefully pour the oil into a clean jar, making sure not to include the residue at the bottom. This will help extend the shelf life of your oil.
9. Store the oil in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage. If there are signs of mold, decay, or a bad odor, do not use the oil.
10. The oil you prepare can also be used to make ointments and creams.

As mentioned in the article, St. John's Wort oil has been used as a herbal and natural medicine with many benefits throughout history. The key to using it safely is the dosage. Therefore, it is very important to use St. John's Wort oil in moderation and seek medical help if serious side effects occur.