St. John’s wort oil

Introduction

St. John’s wort oil is also known as “arnica of the nerves” due to its effect. Other names in the vernacular are “lifeblood”, “elf blood“, “St. John’s blood” or “God’s blood”. These names were associated on the one hand because of the red color of St. John’s wort oil.

On the other hand, the names came into being due to the observed effect. St. John’s wort oil was already used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to calm their nerves. This means that for centuries the plant extract of St. John’s wort has been used and continues to be used for restlessness, low spirits and many other complaints.

In the meantime, however, it turned out that the use was probably often used in too low a dosage to achieve an effect. In addition, the mechanisms of action, side effects, contraindications, interactions, possibilities and limitations of St. John’s wort oil are now more precisely known. The medical use of St. John’s wort oil is controversially discussed.

Indications for the use of St. John’s wort oil

St. John’s wort oil is used for nervous restlessness, general nervousness, stress, sleep disorders, bed-wetting and so-called psychovegetative disorders. In some cases, it also seems to be effective for mild to moderate depression. In addition, some menopausal women have reported positive effects on mood.

It is sometimes also used for muscle pain, as well as for restricted menstruation. In addition, according to some authors, it can be helpful to some extent in cases of so-called neurasthenia, neuralgia, sciatica and trigeminal neuralgia, vegetative dystonia. In addition, it is often recommended by some authors in addition to other measures.

St. John’s wort oil is also partly used in combination therapy for rheumatic diseases and gout. Other indications, usually in combination with other therapeutic measures, can be biliary disorders, liver disorders, nervous gastrointestinal problems, stomach cramps, diarrhea and colic. Individually, St. John’s wort oil can have a soothing effect on these and other complaints and diseases.

Before using St. John’s wort oil, medical advice should be sought due to side effects, interactions, contraindications and misuse.

  • Headache,
  • Migraine,
  • Damage to intervertebral discs,
  • Back pain,
  • Lumbago,
  • Concussion,
  • Inflammation and injury of nerves,
  • Contusions, wounds, first degree burns, frostbites and bruises

According to experience reports, St. John’s wort oil can also have a healing effect on some skin problems. Especially for dry skin, pimples and blackheads, the use of St. John’s wort oil can help to improve the skin’s appearance.

It can also reduce the risk of scarring. St. John’s wort oil may also have a prophylactic effect against scarring and the formation of so-called “wild flesh”. It is therefore also recommended in some cases after surgery for targeted scar treatment.

When used correctly, following the principles of scar treatment and careful handling of direct sunlight, St. John’s wort oil can effectively minimize scarring. In some phases of neurodermatitis, St. John’s wort oil can also support the healing process. Neurodermatitis is usually divided into 4 stages.

According to this classification, the treatment is aligned. In the first stage of treatment, prophylaxis (before a relapse) is in the foreground. Usually the skin is typically very dry in this phase.

St. John’s wort oil can counteract this. In the further 3 stages of neurodermatitis, weeping eczema is often typical, especially in acute attacks. St. John’s wort oil is usually less indicated here.

It is also important to note how strong and in what form the neurodermatitis is pronounced. There are St. John’s wort oil preparations which are specialized in skin care for neurodermatitis. Often the active agent hypericin has been filtered out as it further increases the light sensitivity.

The aim is that St. John’s wort oil counteracts dry, flaky skin and thus reduces itching. The oil can therefore possibly provide relief. However, its use should definitely be discussed with a dermatologist.

Under certain conditions, the use of St. John’s wort oil may be indicated for nerve pain. Tense muscles can constrict nerves in the vicinity.This can lead to irritation of the nerves. Consequently, this can cause a kind of nerve pain.

If the nerve pain is due to muscle tension, a massage with the oil can alleviate the pain. Often the warmth effect is perceived as additionally beneficial and healing. Some oils are combined with lavender, which can have another relaxing and thus pain-relieving effect.

If it is nerve pain that originates in the cells of the nerves themselves, St. John’s wort oil alone is probably less likely to relieve this pain. An example of this type of nerve pain is the pain associated with shingles or so-called trigeminal neuralgia. St. John’s wort oil can also be used as a massage oil.

When using the oil as a massage oil, the basic rules of effective massage should be followed. It is important to wash the hands thoroughly after the massage to avoid contact of the oil with the eyes. If incompatibilities or allergies occur, the use should be discontinued.

In case of uncertainty, a doctor should be consulted. Furthermore, the massaged skin area should not come into contact with sunlight after the massage. The internal use of St. John’s wort oil should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation because of insufficient examinations.

The external use of St. John’s wort oil is sometimes recommended in certain situations during pregnancy. According to experience reports, regular massaging of the perineal and vaginal area has a positive effect. It strengthens the skin and makes the tissue more supple. In some cases, this can prevent perineal tears. If the doctor does have to perform an episiotomy, in some cases regular use of St. John’s wort oil can help the wound to heal faster.