Hypericum, also called St. John's wort, is a shrub with delicate yellow flowers and its use in herbal medicine has a long history in Africa, Europe and Asia. With the arrival of Europeans, the herb soon became domesticated in North America and spread rapidly due to its prodigious ability to produce seeds.
Hypericum can be used in many ways in therapies with medicinal plants, but the oil is one of its favorite presentations thanks to its ease of transfer, storage and use. This is especially useful for topical applications and there is scientific research to back it up.
Hypericum oil properties
Thanks to its properties, this compound is best known for the benefits it provides to the skin. These are some of the most important properties of hypericum oil:
- It has antimicrobial, regenerative and astringent effects : St John's wort oil contains a substance called hyperforin, ideal for treating minor wounds and burns, as well as other inflammatory skin conditions.
- It has antibiotic properties : St John's wort oil can fight specific bacteria of the staphylococcus type. For that reason, it is considered a safe and effective therapy for the care of skin infections, ulcers and wounds.
- It is antiviral : the presence of flavonoids, hypericin and catechins in the oil give it properties against viruses. On the other hand, hyperforin and hypericin are known for their anti-cancer properties.
- It is anti-inflammatory : hypericum oil contains four components that provide excellent anti-inflammatory action, these are chlorogenic acid, amentoflavone, quercetin and pseudohypericin. Therefore, it can be used in treatments against atopic dermatitis and used to promote the healing of post-surgical wounds, as well as bed ulcers and venous ulcers.
Uses of hypericum oil for the skin
Thanks to its wonderful properties, hypericum oil can be used for various skin ailments, as well as muscle ailments. Hypericum oil is used topically, and it is usually enough to apply 1 or 2 drops of the oil to the affected areas to take advantage of its properties.
In this way, the uses of hypericum oil include wound healing, hair care and anti-wrinkle treatments. Let's see which are the most popular and how to start applying them.
Minor injuries
When small cuts, scrapes or scratches of the skin occur, it is normal for people not to pay attention to them because they are not serious injuries. However, you must be alert because these conditions are a gateway to various bacteria. In the case of small wounds, clean them well and apply the hypericum oil with a cotton or swab .
Of course, you must take care that the wound does not get dirty because oil and fatty substances tend to attract dust and dirt. It is not necessary to cover the cut, you just have to try to stay away from sources of dirt and dust. Repeat the application of the oil several times a day and you will see that it heals faster.
In the same way, hypericum oil can be very useful for psoriasis, as it relieves inflammation in the skin and helps heal the typical rashes of the disease.
Scars
To remove small scars or lessen the appearance of large ones, apply St John's wort oil directly to the skin with a cotton ball. You can do this 3 times a day for 6-8 weeks.
In this way, hypericum oil can be very useful after surgery or a cesarean section to reduce redness and smooth scar lines. In the case of using hypericum oil for old scars, they will most likely not disappear, but it will help improve their appearance.
We tell you more ways to treat scars in our article How to remove wound scars .
Wrinkles
Hypericum oil is excellent for smoothing wrinkles and expression lines thanks to its effect on elastin, a skin protein whose function is to provide elasticity. In fact, it is a common ingredient in many beauty product formulas. To take advantage of its benefits, follow these steps:
- Before sleeping, apply 1 or 2 drops to your fingers and rub a little.
- Spread the oil all over your face until it is covered with a very thin layer of it.
- When you wake up, remove the oil and wash very well with warm water and special soap for the face.
- You will begin to notice its benefits after 10 days.
Discover more natural ways to fight wrinkles in our article Natural oils to remove wrinkles .
Burns
Hypericum oil can be very useful when we have small or first degree burns, those that only involve redness and swelling of the skin. To be useful, it is important to apply the oil as soon as the injury occurs .
Take a soft cloth or cotton, moisten it with a little of the oil and distribute it gently on the affected area. Apply it several times during the same day that the burn occurred.
Warts
Common warts are caused by a type of human papillomavirus (HPV). These small lumps are commonly born on the hands, although they can also develop in other areas of the body.
Hypericum oil has been shown to have high antiviral activity, so it is used as a support to complement wart treatments . So far, it has not been shown to be effective on its own against this ailment.
Hemorrhoids
Hypericum oil for hemorrhoids is a very common natural treatment against this condition. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties allow to relieve piles and improve pain. You can apply 1 or 2 drops of hypericum oil after bathing to feel its benefits.
Uses of hypericum oil for hair
When we talk about caring for and protecting our skin, we also refer to scalp and hair care. Both can benefit from the properties of St John's wort oil and, for this reason, it is commonly used as an ingredient in beauty products.
If you suffer from dandruff, dry hair or hair loss , wash your hair and remove excess moisture. Then, spread two or three drops of hypericum oil in your hands and gently massage the scalp. By strengthening the hair follicles, you ensure that you contribute to the growth of strong, resistant and healthy hair. If you wish, you can also apply this treatment preventively.
If you want to know more tricks and home remedies to keep your hair in optimal conditions, do not hesitate to visit our article How to take care of your hair .
Hypericum oil for muscle pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, St John's wort oil is excellent for reducing muscle tension and pain . If you feel tired or your muscles feel inflamed, you just have to carefully massage the affected areas with a little hypericum oil. You can repeat the application throughout the day if necessary.
In addition to hypericum oil, other natural products such as rosemary essential oil or ginger essential oil work wonders to relieve muscle pain. Learn more about it in our article Essential oils for muscle pain .
Hypericum oil: contraindications
Knowing how to use hypericum oil is just as important as knowing what it is for . For this reason, we recommend you take into account the following indications:
- One of the first contraindications of hypericum oil is sun exposure. As it is phototoxic, it should not be used before exposure to sunlight.
- It is also possible that some people develop allergies.
- On the other hand, the oil is commonly for topical use, not for consumption.
- It should also not be used on open wounds or second degree or higher burns.
- Although its effectiveness has been demonstrated in skin diseases such as dermatitis or ulcers, the main recommendation is to apply it as often or as indicated by medical personnel.
