Long-term use also requires consultation with a health care practitioner. If you do decide that St. John’s Wort is a medicinal plant you want to use, wear a hat to the beach! St. John’s Wort can interact with quite a few pharmaceuticals. It may also be contraindicated for Warfarin, Digitoxin, and HIV medications. I am reluctant to stop taking this herb because it has dramatically improved my outlook. I would guess your wife used the herb as a store bought capsule, which is the way most ignorant doctors and alternative “healers” recommend. We do our best to educate people on the appropriate use of herbs, and we strongly recommend never ever using herbs in pills or capsules ever for any reason…this was mentioned in the radiation article…paragraph 18 (… do not use capsules of the herbs mentioned in this article. The most common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, sun sensitivity, skin reactions, allergic reactions, dry mouth, or restlessness. It is our strong belief that Hypericum is completely unsafe to use in capsules, and that no one should eat the plant, however we have consistently found the oil used externally and the tincture internally can offer many benefits with no adverse side effects. Stomach discomfort 15. St John’s wort is usually well-tolerated by users. Even more alarming, hypericin may damage the lens and retina of the eye when exposed to ultraviolet and visible light. Use with antidepressants requires caution and strict coordination with the prescribing physician. (0) The herb can cause oversensitivity to sunlight. We always advise first to know what plant you are using, what part of the plant to use, and how to use it. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. Avoid taking St. John's wort with other medicines that can make you more sensitive to sunlight, especially antibiotic medicine or a sulfa drug. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, or you are taking oral contraceptives, it's important to talk with your doctor before taking St. John's wort. A. Avoid for two weeks before a scheduled surgery. } The problem elevates if you take this herb along with medicines known to increase sun-sensitivity, like sulfa drugs, piroxicam (an anti-inflammatory medication), omeprazole (Prilosec), and lansoprazole (Prevacid). Our family is going on a two-week vacation to the beach. In our opinion, people taking St. John’s wort should play it safe and stay out of the sun. Fatigue 8. It contains several chemicals, including hypericin, hyperforin, and pseudohypericin, which are thought to be the major sources of antidepressant activity. Contrary to common belief, this herb can also be used as sunscreen. Just a heads up... hello. We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options. When taking St. John’s Wort, patients should avoid strong sunlight without protection. In fact, this trait may be associated with its tendency to cause photosensitivity in people who take it long-term. Having trouble reading this image? Email address will not be displayed with the comment.). I read in your column that there is a problem with St. John’s wort and the sun. Sadly most doctors know very little about herbs or how to use them. Comments are moderated and will not appear until approved by the author. In fact, clinical studies using doses as high as 1800 mg did not show a photosensitive effect. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. I have been using both the oil and tincture since I was a small child, and now 45 with a small child of my own, I have no reservation of applying the oil to my daughter’s skin, or giving her the tincture, in appropriate situations. In the case of St. John’s wort, Hypericum perforatum, many people are selling and taking the herb in capsules, which is very dangerous and causes extreme problems for people. if ( permalink == url ) { It may have other benefits, but also has serious risks of drug interactions. Cows and sheep grazing on St. John's wort have sometimes developed severe and even fatal sensitivity to the sun. It’s understood that hypericin, the active ingredient in St John’s wort, is highly photoreactive by nature. Sun sensitivity of St. John’s Wort. Main Comments are moderated, and will not appear until the author has approved them. More light could get to the retina where it might cause damage. We use only the flowering top of the plant, and only in two ways, 1. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos. St. John's Wort is a commonly-taken and well-supported treatment for mild to moderate depression. Herbs, like anything else, need to be used appropriately. url = url.replace( /#/, "" ); Please enable JavaScript if you would like to comment on this blog. Will a high SPF sunscreen be enough to protect me from burning? St. John’s wort is not your only option for treating SAD. Did you know that St John's wort can cause extreme photosensitivity in many people? Agitation 2. St. John’s wort is given by mouth and is used over the counter to treat pain, depression, anxiety, and other conditions. View an alternate. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant.The flowers are used to make liquid extracts, pills, and teas. var e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','https://static.typepad.com/.shared//js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e); You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Using St. John’s wort makes you hyper-sensitive to sunlight. Wise Woman Bookshop devoted to Women's Health & Well Being, Breast Cancer? | | This is because direct sunshine during the hottest part of the day can actually burn it. My kids don’t irritate me the way they used to and it doesn’t interfere with my sex life the way Prozac did. You can get your health questions answered by Susun on blogtalkradio, Tuesday nights 7:30-9:30 pm EST. Because sunglasses encourage the pupils to dilate, they could actually do more harm than good. Although it is a common belief that St. John’s Wort causes sun sensitivity, this is erroneous and in fact prevents it. (Name and email address are required. } else { St. John's wort is also used for symptoms of menopause, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. This can lead to very very severe sunburn and possible cataract formation. My husband started to take St. Johns wort a few days ago. The third side effect is more uncommon, but some people as well as animals have developed a sun induced skin sensitivity and even a rash after using St. John's Wort internally. 8 The morals of the story are as follows: if you are especially sensitive to the sun, don't exceed the recommended dose of St. John's wort, and continue to take your usual precautions against burning. However the sensitivity seems to be quite bad with him. "~ St. Joan’s/John's wort oil protects my skin from radiation damage. >As to Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) causing photosensitivity Photoxicity of Hypericum in a small proportion of the (blonde) population has been clinically noted especially with topical application whether published or not. Q. As an oil infusion, for external application. This summer I've noticed I am very, very sensitive to the sun. I've just started taking it due to depression but the one thing that deters me are the claims of sun sensitivity, particularly because I burn easily on my face and have family members who had cataracts (I … | Well, yesterday at work (he works outdoors predominately) he noticed that his skin felt like "it was on fire". St.John's Wort really helps keep my DP manageable but I think it may be the reason my hands and feet recently feel super sensitive. ), If you are interested in reading more on these topics, here are some links, http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/March08/wisewoman.htm (article on St. Johns wort), http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Simple_Safe_Herbal_Medicine.htm (using herbs simply & safely), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERHDdpRxVvo (Susun speaks about St. Joan’s wort oil), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRcHzgGkMJw (in the field making tincture), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IViRrGQeFE (Susun speaks about St. johns wort tincture). We have been using the oil to prevent sunburn for decades, with great success…and we have seen many other do so as well…We have also been making and using the alcohol tincture for decades as well, with no adverse reactions. My wife got a sunburn in this way. function callPin(permalink) { Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) 10. However, it can cause: 1. This most common side effect that worries people of St John’s wort is photosensitivity. Do not use St. John’s Wort without consulting a doctor or certified clinical herbalist. Sun sensitivity has been noted in some, but not all, clinical trials of St. John’s wort, but generally only at doses that went above the recognized 900 mg daily levels and even then, only rarely. In order to avoid this, it is important that patients avoid direct sun exposure when possible. Irritability 12. St. John's wort is an herb frequently used for treating depression. | Wise Woman Wisdom and Cellulite ». I also think being in the sun has something to do with the sensitivity because this only started happening since I've been outside a lot. He was told that it may cause some sun sensitivity. I had a student with dark skin who had this happen, so it can affect almost anyone, not just light skinned people. The commonly cited increase in sun sensitivity seems particularly noticeable in very light-skinned people. Another trial found that a one-time dose of St. John’s wort containing 2 or 6 times the normal daily dose did not cause an increased tendency to burn, nor did 7 days of treatment at the normal dose.6 However, there is a case … St. Johns wort (both oral or topical) can increase the sensitivity of your skin and eyes to sunlight. Dry mouth 7. Taking St. John’s wort along with medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight could increase the chances of sunburn, blistering or rashes on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. This prevents automated programs from posting comments. Has anyone experienced sun sensitivity from st john's wort? I use it as my only sunscreen (and I am outside a lot) and find it not only immediately effective in preventing and treating sunburn, but even more protective with continuing use over years." In one study, highly sun-sensitive people were given twice the normal dose of the herb.5 The results showed a mild but measurable increase in reaction to ultraviolet radiation. « Nettles and Kidney Health | It’s still unclear if topical application has the same photoreaction on the skin. Error type: Your comment has been saved. |. Restlessness 14. Consult with your medical practitioner before use. Diarrhea 6. Your comment could not be posted. St. John's wort side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction : hives ; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. St. John’s wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, especially when taken in … How bad is the sun sensitivity caused by St. John's wort? Treatment with the herb should include a cautious approach to sun exposure. http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/March08/wisewoman.htm, http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Simple_Safe_Herbal_Medicine.htm, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERHDdpRxVvo, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRcHzgGkMJw, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IViRrGQeFE. Visit the link for more info: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed. However, some people report side-effects, including:10,11 1. upset stomach 2. fatigue 3. headache 4. dizziness 5. confusion 6. increased sun sensitivity in fair-skinned people Because St John’s wort is a stimulant, it can aggravate feelings of anxi… You want to use them menopause Metamorphosis - your body knows more about that... To comment on this blog and Spirit healing the Wise Woman Wisdom and Cellulite » encourage the to... Affect almost anyone, not just light skinned people play it safe and stay out of your.. 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