St. John's Wort, Hypericum perforatum L. [Fam. Hypericaceae], is an herbaceous perennial that has been used as a medicine for psychological complaints and mild mood disorders, as well as externally for wound healing, for over 2,000 years. 'Wort' is the Old English term for plant.

The healing powers of St. John’s Wort extract have been recommended for years by herbalists and natural practitioners as a natural herbal remedy for mild depression. Flora St. John’s Wort offers a 430 mg wild crafted oil extract in natural base of organic olive oil. Not only for mood support St. John’s Wort is also noted for its ability to soothe the nervous system, support regular sleeping habits and combat fatigue. It also has proven antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties; often found in pain formulations, St. John’s Wort may be helpful for neuralgia, arthritis and muscle pain.

Traditional St. John's wort Oil Extracts are made using the freshly picked blossoms that are placed in certified organic olive oil and extracted in sunlight for many days until the oil turns a characteristic red color.

Traditional Usage:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Fibromyalgia (topically)
• Insomnia
• Mood Disorders
• Muscle Cramps/Pain (topically)
• Nervous Disorders
• PMS
• Senility/Aging Problems
• Skin Disorders (topically)
• Sleep Disorders

Cautions & Contraindications: Taken as directed, St. John's wort Oil Extract does not have any negative side effects. However, people who have very pale complexions or sensitive skin can develop photosensitivity to the drug when exposed to the sun or other sources of UV. If high levels of hypericin are in the system, it is best to stay out of the sun or take large amounts of antioxidants, especially OPCs from grape seed extract and anthocyanins from bilberry extract. Sensitive persons exposed to high dosages of hypericin can experience pink skin and even blistering in the sun. St. John's wort oil extracts are very safe and have far fewer side effects than standardized hypericin products. In general, the most frequently reported side effects for hypericin standardized St. John's wort products are dry mouth, nausea, rash, fatigue, restlessness and photosensitivity, but even these seem to be rare. None of the patients in the eight studies of the systematic review mentioned above experienced photosensitivity, but it has been listed as a rare possible side effect by other authors. In five of the eight trials reviewed, frequent lab tests showed no changes in complete blood count, liver function or serum creatine levels.

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