St. John's wort, which grows in many regions of Turkey, has antidepressant, antiseptic and wound-healing effects. Various products can be obtained from this plant: macerated oils, medicinal teas, standardized tablets (extracts), each with specific uses. Extracts obtained from St. John's wort are usually used in cases of mild to moderate depression, as a support.
The oil obtained by maceration in cold-pressed olive oil has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and can be used for minor wounds, burns, dermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids and rheumatoid arthritis. St. John's Wort Oil is not consumed internally.
(Source: Dr. Serdar Özgüç – “How to Use St. John's Wort”, July 25, 2022. With permission from Dr. Serdar Özgüç)
What Is St. John's Wort, the Raw Material of the Oil?
St. John's wort oil is obtained from the five-petaled yellow flowers of the plant, harvested during the flowering period, and macerated in cold-pressed olive oil. It is a process known as maceration: the flowers are left for 4–6 weeks in the dark, in a glass jar, and the oil takes on the active substances of the plant, such as hypericin and other beneficial components. The jars are turned weekly, and when the oil turns completely red, it is strained through cheesecloth and stored in glass containers, preferably amber, to protect it from light.
How to Grow St. John's Wort?
Popularly known as "God's herb" and in English as St. John's Wort, St. John's Wort is a perennial plant, native to Europe, Asia, North Africa and America. In Turkey it grows spontaneously in almost all regions. It is cold-resistant and it is recommended to be grown organically, to avoid the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil. At Homemade Aromaterapi we use organically grown St. John's Wort flowers to produce safe and quality oils.
The Difference Between St. John's Wort and Red John's Wort Oil
The oil popularly called “red” also comes from yellow flowers. In some species, the petals have black stripes or dots. If these are rubbed by hand, a red liquid appears that contains hypericin – the active substance that gives the therapeutic effect. In some regions, the plant is also known as “blood grass”.
How Is St. John's Wort Oil Used?
For wounds and burns, apply directly to the skin or dilute in cold-pressed vegetable oils such as coconut, jojoba or calendula. Due to its phototoxic properties, avoid direct sun exposure after application. It is recommended to apply in the evening or in areas protected from the sun.
Application on the Face
St. John's wort oil is macerated in cold-pressed olive oil, which is not suitable for all skin types. It can clog pores on acne-prone skin, so it is not recommended for daily facial care. However, it can be used to treat wounds and burns. For your daily routine, choose other cold-pressed vegetable oils.
Application on the Body
It can be applied to the body to treat wounds and burns. For anti-inflammatory effect and pain relief, massage the affected areas with circular movements. St. John's wort oil should not be exposed to the sun immediately after application, due to phototoxicity.
Benefits of St. John's Wort Oil for the Body
In addition to healing wounds and burns, St. John's wort oil helps reduce post-surgical, post-natal, post-circumcision and post-radiotherapy scars, accelerating the healing process. It is useful as a support for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
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