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St Johns Wort Carrier Oil (Hypericum perforatum)

St Johns Wort Carrier Oil (Hypericum perforatum)

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Also known as hypericum, this herb has a proven reputation as an antidepressant. Recent research suggests it can also help relieve seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression which affects thousands of British people every winter. The study found that it was particularly effective when combined with phototherapy (light-box use). The st john's wort oil is excellent for the skin, as it is soothing, antiseptic and analgesic. It has been recommended as a cosmetic skin tightener.

The plant: There are nine British species of the hypericum and 160 species in total. The plant is a perennial that stands to almost 1 metre tall, it is native to Britain and France. From the autum it it covered in flowers. The edges of the flower has small black dots which contain, hypericin.

Therapeutic properties: The st john's wort oil is beneficial on wounds, inflamed nerve conditions, on burns and inflammations, including sunburn, the oil will lower the skin temperature. There is no known contraindications to the judicious use of the macerated oil.

The oil: The hypericin is responsible for its deep red colour of the macerated oil.

Extraction method: The method of extraction is by maceration. In the south of France, hypericum buds and flowers are steeped in a good quality vegatable oil, usually virgin olive oil is the prefered medium, and left for many days in the sun with occasional agitation, after the plant material is filtered off.

Latin name: Hypericum perforatum.

Family: Hypericaceae, Clusiaceae.

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