St. John’s Oil

Products

St. John’s oil is sold in pharmacies and drugstores as an open product and as a finished drug (e.g., A. Vogel Johannisöl, Hänseler).

Structure and properties

St. John’s oil exists as a clear, ruby-red oily liquid with an aromatic odor that fluoresces dark red to yellowish red in striking light.

Production

According to Pharmacopoea Helvetica, St. John’s wort oil is produced with fresh St. John’s wort shoot tips and refined sunflower oil. For this purpose, the shoot tips are crushed, poured over with the sunflower oil and left to ferment with repeated shaking. After 50 to 80 days the oil is pressed. After being left to stand, the oil is separated from the aqueous phase and filtered. St. John’s oil should be stored away from light. Complete instructions can be found in the Pharmacopoea Helvetica. In other countries, olive oil is also used for production.

Effects

St. John’s oil is believed to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.

Indications for use

  • Small cuts
  • Skin injuries such as abrasions and scars
  • Minor burns of the first degree
  • For the prevention of bedsores (decubitus) in bedridden patients.
  • Other areas of application, e.g. for massages

Dosage

According to the package leaflet. The oil is applied locally two to three times a day.

Contraindications

St. John’s oil is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity and larger, bleeding wounds. It should not be ingested. Full precautions can be found in the Instructions for Use.

Adverse effects

Possible adverse effects include local reactions.