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St John's Wort

Carrier Oil

Hypericum perforatum

Origin: Europe, Western Asia

About

An infused (macerated) oil — typically sunflower or olive oil infused with the fresh flowers — with a characteristic deep ruby-red colour from hypericin. Powerfully anti-inflammatory and antineuralgic, it is one of the most important carriers for nerve-related pain, sciatica, sunburn, and post-injury recovery.

One of Europe's most historically significant medicinal herbs, St John's Wort has been used since ancient Greece for wound healing and nerve pain. Medieval European physicians called it the 'arnica of the nerves.' The distinctive ruby-red hypericin pigment that leaches into the oil during infusion has been used as a wound treatment across multiple cultures for over 2,000 years.

Benefits

  • Powerful antineuralgic for nerve pain and sciatica
  • Anti-inflammatory for injured tissue
  • Promotes wound healing
  • Particularly effective for bruising and haematoma
  • Supports post-injury tissue recovery

Pairings (14)

Caution
Lemongrass

St John's Wort's photosensitising hypericin combined with lemongrass's citral content increases phototoxicity risk. Advise clients to avoid UV exposure after treatment.

Caution
Bergamot

Both St John's Wort and non-FCF bergamot are photosensitising. Combined they significantly elevate the risk of UV-induced skin reaction. Use only FCF bergamot in this combination, and advise clients to avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after treatment.

Excellent
Lavender

St John's Wort's antineuralgic hypericin and lavender's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties combine into an outstanding blend for nerve pain, sciatica, and tension-related discomfort.

Excellent
Helichrysum

A premium nerve and tissue recovery pairing — helichrysum's sesquiterpene lactones for tissue repair and St John's Wort's antineuralgic action for nerve pain create a powerful post-injury treatment.

Excellent
Frankincense

St John's Wort's anti-inflammatory infused base and frankincense's boswellic acids create a deeply therapeutic blend for chronic inflammation, joint pain, and nerve-adjacent muscular conditions.

Excellent
Rosemary

St John's Wort's well-established nerve pain and muscle inflammation relief synergises outstandingly with rosemary for neuralgia, stiff joints, and deep tissue work.

Excellent
Tea Tree

St John's Wort's anti-inflammatory and nerve-soothing properties combine excellently with Tea Tree's antimicrobial action for wound care or irritated skin massage.

Excellent
Neem

St John's Wort's well-established anti-inflammatory and nerve-soothing properties combine powerfully with neem for blends targeting nerve pain or inflammatory skin conditions.

Excellent
Clove Bud

St John's Wort's well-documented analgesic and nerve-soothing properties make it an outstanding carrier oil partner for Clove Bud in pain relief blends.

Excellent
Sweet Almond

St John's Wort's nerve-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties combine perfectly with sweet almond for pain relief and nervous system support massage.

Excellent
Grapeseed

St John's Wort's nerve-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties are well matched with grapeseed for pain-relief massage.

Excellent
Pomegranate Seed

St John's Wort's anti-inflammatory, nerve-soothing, and skin-healing properties synergise powerfully with pomegranate seed for therapeutic and restorative massage blends.

Compatible
Compatible

Properties

Aroma
faint, slightly floral, herbal
Consistency
medium
Absorbency
medium
Shelf Life
12 months

Contraindications

  • Photosensitising — do not use before sun or UV exposure
  • May interact with many pharmaceutical medications — advise clients to check with pharmacist
  • Rich ruby colour may stain linens
  • Avoid in pregnancy