Hypericum oil is an extraordinary natural remedy. For external use, it is a panacea for all skin ailments and irritations.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himHypericum, Also known as St. John's wort, is a perennial plant widespread on the European continent, in the northern part of Africa and in Western Asia. The stem reaches a maximum size of about 80 centimeters, while i flowers, gathered in cobs, they are formed by five petals and characterized by an intense golden yellow color.
Its scientific name is Hypericum perforatum, since the leaves, seen against the light, seem to be pitted. In reality, what appear to be small holes are gods vesicles containing hypericin, the main active ingredient of hypericum.
Hypericum flowers are collected in conjunction with summer solstice, when the sun is at its zenith on the equator, almost perpendicular to our head. In fact, the plant reaches its peak balsamic period, that is to say the maximum concentration of active ingredients, on June 24, the day consecrated to the celebration of St. John.
Hence the custom of harvesting their own hypericum on the day and especially on the night of San Giovanni, lhe so-called witches' night, in which herbs were collected in the fields and a whole series of rituals were practiced for propitiatory purposes. It is to this ancient tradition relating to its collection that hypericum owes the popular name of St. John's wort.
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What is St. John's Wort oil
St. John's wort oil is a oleolita, namely a ointment in which the active principles of the plant are extracted through the maceration of its aerial parts in vegetable oil.
Generally to get theSt. John's wort oil the flowers are used, but also the leaves and buds of the plant, macerated in extra virgin olive oil or sunflower.
This ointment, with its characteristic bright red color given to it by hypericin, is a very precious natural remedy. cure-all in the treatment of all skin problemsin addition to carry out important anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
In addition to hypericin, which belongs to the family of naphthoadiants, St. John's wort oil contains flavonoids, tannins and phloroglucinol (hyperforin). The extraordinary benefits of hypericum oil, in fact, do not derive from a single active ingredient contained in the plant, but by the synergistic action of the phytocomplex as a whole.
Hypericum oil, properties
external use, lSt. John's wort oil is extremely effective. If massaged on the affected area, it has properties:
- healing
- dermorigeneranti
- soothing
- emollients
- antioxidants
- wrinkle
- antiseptics
- purifying
- astringents
- antimicrobials
- inflammatory
- analgesics
Hypericum oil, benefits
For topical use, it is used in the treatment of all skin ailments and irritations.
Take care of the burns, sores, wounds, attenuates the stretch marks and skin spots, is an irreplaceable ally in the treatment of psoriasis and couperose. Favors the cell regeneration, contrast skin aging, carries out anti-inflammatory action. Finally, St. John's wort oil is the most powerful anti-wrinkle that exists in nature.
Could be used locally with excellent results in case of:
- wounds
- sunburn
- burns
- bedsores
- erythema
- skin inflammations
- Psoriasis
- skin spots
- scars
- stretch marks
- rosacea
- hemorrhoids
- diaper redness
- insect bites
- rheumatism
- muscle and joint pain
Hypericum oil, warnings and recommendations
For external use, St. John's wort oil has no particular contraindications, except for a possible hypersensitivity to the active ingredients, first of all hypericin.
The only recommendation concerns the prohibition of exposure to sunlight or artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation immediately after using St. John's wort oil. This product indeed is highly photosensitizing, that is, it tends to amplify the effects of the sun's rays on the skin, especially in the case of people with fair complexions or with freckles.
Hypericum oil, internal use
St. John's wort oil can also be used internally. In this case, it has properties:
- antidepressants
- mood stabilizers
- anxiolytic
- antivirals
- antacid of the gastrointestinal system
- anti-inflammatory of the oral cavity and airways
- soothing of PMS and menstrual pain
St. John's wort oil, natural antidepressant
Hypericum oil it acts by preventing the reuptake, that is the reabsorption of the neurotransmitters serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine, responsible for good mood and mental well-being. Furthermore, it is capable of modulate the production of melatonin, precursor of serotonin, a hormone produced by our body mainly during the night.
Mostly in periods of strong psychophysical stress or in conjunction with seasonal changes, St. John's wort oil can be an excellent mood tonic.
However, yes always recommends taking it under medical supervision.
Hypericum oil, contraindications
Hypericum oil, in fact, is a product with extremely powerful action, which in some cases can have negative repercussions on our body. Can interact with certain types of drugs, enhancing its effects or, on the contrary, nullifying its action. In particular, his use is contraindicated in case of:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding
- taking hormonal contraceptives (pill, patch, vaginal ring)
- drug treatment with antidepressants, anticarcinogens, anticoagulants
In the case of contraceptives, St. John's wort oil is able to nullify its effects, while patients treated with antidepressants can experience an excessive increase in serotonin in the circulation, to the point of encountering the so-called sindrome serotoninergica.
This disorder is characterized by a broad spectrum of symptoms including headache, hallucinations, agitation, confusion, tremors, muscle twitching, chills, rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and diarrhea.
Not just St. John's wort oil: herbal teas, tablets and mother tincture
La antidepressant function of hypericum has also been recognized by official medicine, so much so that there are several drugs based on hypericum on the market.
They range from milder remedies, such as herbal teas, from tablets or capsules to mother tincture.
Compared to oil, the advantage of tablets or mother tincture is to be titrated preparations, i.e. containing a certain quantity of active, constant and guaranteed.
Hypericum oil, how to prepare it at home
The preparation of St. John's wort oil is quite simple and within everyone's reach.
First of all they are needed hypericum flowers, but i can also be used buds and leaves, it's a vegetable oil acting as a solvent.
The percentage is 1: 5 that is a part of macerated drug in the equivalent in grams of 5 parts of oil. For example, for 100 grams of flowers you need 500 grams of vegetable oil.
In the preparation of the oleolito it is generally used sunflower oil or extra virgin olive oil, but other types are fine tooi, such as almond or corn oil.
The flowers should be washed and dried in the sun. Then they pour into a jar, completely covering them with oil.
Usually the oleolites are left to macerate in the shade, or in any case avoiding direct contact with sunlight. St. John's wort, on the other hand, is the only one that requires constant exposure to the sun's rays, for a period of about 30 days, corresponding to an entire lunar cycle.
The container must not be closed hermetically, in order to prevent fermentation processes from taking place. It is advisable to place a piece of gauze on the top of the jar, covering it with the lid only supported and not screwed on.
Already after a few days you will notice the characteristic red color, given by hypericin contained in the flowers. At the end of the preparation, the ointment can be filtered.
We recommend filter it 2 times: the first time with a sieve, to remove the largest impurities. The second filtering will instead be carried out using a gauze or even a nylon stocking.
At this point, our hypericum oil is ready. This fantastic natural remedy should be stored in dark glass jars, in a dry place and away from heat sources.
St. John's wort oil, where to find it
Those who do not have the time, desire or way to prepare St. John's wort oil at home can easily find it on the market. This wonderful product can be purchased in herbalists, pharmacies, shops specializing in organic and natural products and even in the supermarkets of large distribution chains. Finally, you can buy it online.
If you want to learn more, read also:
- HYPERICUS: ALL THE PROPERTIES, BENEFITS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS OF SAN GIOVANNI'S GRASS
- HYPERICUS OR SAN GIOVANNI'S GRASS, USES AND POTENTIALITY
Hypericum, curiosity
According to legend, the hypericum plant was born from blood of Prometheus, the Greek hero symbol of rebellion against authority and freedom against power, punished for stealing fire from the Gods to give it to men.
His punishment consisted in being tied to a cliff where a giant eagle visited him every day to eat his liver. Each night, in fact, the hero's liver grew again.
The history of hypericum is linked to that of the Templars. These knights in fact were the first to discover, in Twelfth century, the antidepressant properties of this plant. They realized that, in addition to being useful for healing wounds and treating burns, hypericum was able to lift the mood of soldiers wounded in battle and immobilized in bed for long periods.
In common parlance, hypericum is also called chasers, since it was believed that this plant had the power to ward off evil spirits. Precisely by virtue of this apotropaic function, it was often placed over sacred images, and from this ancient custom the plant takes its name.
The word hypericum in fact derives from the union of two Greek words: hyper, i.e. above and eikon, which means image.
Hypericum oil is also called "housewife's oil ", because it is the most common remedy for treating dry and cracked skin on the hands.
