Carrier Oil

St. John's Wort Oil

Hypericum perforatum

T Traditional use

St John's wort oil (an oil macerate) is applied to the skin for minor inflammation such as sunburn and to help heal small wounds.

Skin & Hair
St. John's Wort Oil

Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim

Pregnancy⚠ Avoid
Breastfeeding⚠ Avoid
ChildrenCaution
Drug interactionsNo recorded interactions
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On this page

At a glance

The EMA classes St John's wort extracted in vegetable oil (St John's wort oil) as a traditional herbal medicine applied to the skin for minor inflammation and to help heal small wounds. Drinking the oil is outside this assessment. Protect the treated skin from intense sun.

Parts used: flowering-tops
Key constituents: Hiperisin, Hiperforin

Updated: October 15, 2026

✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.

What is it used for?

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    Traditionally used on the skin for minor inflammation such as sunburn and as an aid in healing minor wounds. [1]

How is it used?

Topical

Apply a thin layer of undiluted oil to the affected area.

Amount: Several times daily

[1]

Safety & interactions

⚠ External use only

Minimum age: 12 years

  • For external use only; the EMA assessment does not cover drinking the oil.
  • Protect treated skin from intense sunlight and sunbeds.
  • Not recommended under 12.
  • See a doctor if the skin shows signs of infection.
  • Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
[1]

Drug interactions

No recorded interactions

Side effects

  • Allergic skin reactions
  • Burning or sunburn-like reaction of the skin in intense sun

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Did you know?

The EMA assesses St John's wort oil for external use only; oral use is outside its scope. [1]

Frequently asked questions

Can I drink St John's wort oil?

The EMA assessment covers only applying the oil to the skin, not drinking it.

Is St John's wort oil good for burns?

It is traditionally used on mild burns such as sunburn and on small wounds. See a doctor for large or deep burns.

Can I go in the sun after applying it?

Protect the treated area from intense sun because of the risk of skin reactions.

Can I use St John's wort oil on babies?

Not recommended under 12.

Sources

  1. European Union herbal monograph on Hypericum perforatum L., herba – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2022

Cite This Page

St. John's Wort Oil (Hypericum perforatum). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort-oil/

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