What is Hypericum: the plant

Hypericum, also known as "St. John's Wort," is a plant that originated in Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, but has made its way around the world, so much so that it is considered ubiquitous.
It is particularly prized for its pleasant fragrance and distinctive golden yellow flowers located at the end of stems that can reach a meter in height.

Botanically, Hypericum has an erect habit with stems branching at the top. The leaves are small, opposite and sessile, i.e., without a petiole, and have a very distinctive feature: numerous small translucent glands visible against the light, which give the leaves a speckled appearance of light.

Each flower of Hypericum consists of five petals that can have reddish hues. Commonly used parts of the plant include the buds, fresh flowers, and aerial parts harvested during flowering, up to the whole plant in bloom.

Depending on the parts used, Hypericum may offer antidepressant or anti-inflammatory benefits. In particular, Oleolite of Hypericum is renowned for its regenerating and re-epithelializing properties, which are very useful for skin care and to promote the healing process.

This plant finds its ideal habitat along roads, in wooded glades and open meadows, where its vibrant yellow flowers attract attention. 

Harvesting Times

Harvesting of the flowering tops typically takes place in summer, between June and July, a time when the flowers are at the peak of their beauty, but not yet fully bloomed, to preserve their properties.

History of the Hypericum plant

Hypericum, or Hypericum perforatum, is a perennial herb that has fascinated mankind since ancient times. Known as "St. John's Wort" or "chastening herb," this plant has deep roots in the cultural and medicinal history of many societies.

The name "St. John's Wort," on the other hand, relates directly to the date of peak flowering, June 24, the day dedicated to St. John the Baptist. This time of year is historically significant for Hypericum, as its magical and healing properties were believed to be at their peak at this time.

During the Middle Ages, St. John's Wort was surrounded by an aura of mysticism and respect: knights had to swear before entering competitions that they had not hidden St. John's Wort under their armor. Superstition claimed that the plant could confer supernatural protections, making its use in battle dishonest.

The medicinal use of Hypericum is equally rich in history: traditionally, Oleolite of Hypericum was obtained by macerating the fresh flowering tops in vegetable oils. This remedy was particularly prized for its ability to promote skin regeneration, used both to relieve rhagades during lactation and to treat burns.

With its rich history and numerous applications, Hypericum remains a plant of great interest in both natural medicine and popular culture, testifying to the unbreakable bond between man and the natural world.

Properties

Hypericum is renowned for its many therapeutic properties, making it a valuable ally in various areas of natural and conventional medicine. At the heart of its virtues are active ingredients such as Hypericin and Hyperforin, which give the plant its well-known antidepressant and healing abilities.

In general, the properties of the Hypericum plant and oil are:

• Antidepressant
• Antiviral
• Sedative
• Anti-inflammatory
• Healing
• Regenerating
• Eudermic
• Re-epithelializing
• Dermorestitutive
• Emollient
• Soothing
• Antiseptic

Dermatological benefits

Hypericum Flower Extract, obtained through a process of macerating fresh flowers in vegetable oil, is known for its dermo-repairing, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. This oil, characterized by its full-bodied texture and deep red color due to the presence of Hypericin, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for the treatment of various skin problems.

Hypericin and Hyperforin, the two main active ingredients in Hypericum, play a key role as antiphlogistic agents, reducing inflammation and promoting the process of cell regeneration.

Applied to the skin, it offers immediate relief in cases of sunburn, insect bites, fissures and other skin inflammations such as eczema and dermatitis, thanks to the presence of Hypericin and Hyperforin, which act as powerful antiphlogistic agents.

RI.MOS. enhances Hypericum Flower extract specifically for its ability to soothe and regenerate the skin, and by combining it with Neem Oil, it succeeds in enhancing its effectiveness. Neem, with its antibacterial and nourishing properties, supports and complements the action of Hypericum, providing antimicrobial protection that amplifies the regenerative effects of Hypericum. This targeted combination allows RI.MOS. to offer a distinctive line of interactive dressings, where skin care and protection are entrusted to the beneficial interaction between these two plants and other natural ingredients, for a visibly healthy and invigorated result.

Antidepressant properties

The best-known active ingredient in Hypericum is Hypericin, whose efficacy in treating mild to moderate depression has been confirmed by numerous studies and clinical trials. This substance acts as a natural sedative and can help improve sleep disorders related to anxiety and depression. 

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In addition to its antidepressant and dermatological functions, Hypericum is also useful in relieving symptoms related to mood swings, psychosomatic disorders, and particularly during menopause, where it can help stabilize mood and reduce agitation.

In summary, Hypericum is distinguished by a wide range of therapeutic applications that make it a key component in both home gardens and natural pharmacies. Its versatility and the efficacy of its extracts continue to make it a benchmark in modern phytotherapy.

Use

Hypericum lends itself to multiple therapeutic applications, with applications in oral or topical form, in both conventional and alternative medicine. Its versatility makes it particularly valuable in a variety of healing and wellness contexts.

Hypericum Flower extract, in particular, is known for its excellent re-epithelializing, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It is applied to the skin to treat conditions such as dryness, redness, sunburn, mild burns, and other minor skin injuries.

Its action is enhanced in products such as those in the Hyperoil^® line of RI.MOS. CARE: these are medical devices in oily and/or gel formulation that, thanks to the barrier effect mechanism, assist tissue regeneration and repair in acute and chronic injuries that heal by second intention.

Oleolite of Hypericum can be found in functional cosmetic products such as those in the PURO H^® line, designed to cleanse and moisturize the skin. These products take advantage of the soothing and nourishing properties of Hypericum, providing a gentle but effective solution for maintaining daily skin health and well-being.

Other uses

Dry extract of Hypericum is commonly used orally for the treatment of mild to moderate depressive syndromes.

In Chinese medicine, Hypericum finds external application in gargling solutions useful in the treatment of tonsillitis and in skin lotions for the treatment of various dermatoses. It is, in addition, used as a homeopathic remedy for ailments such as mood swings, asthma and nervous system injuries.

Contraindications

Hypericum is valued for its therapeutic benefits, but it is essential to be aware of its contraindications and potential side effects.

Although generally well tolerated, Hypericum Oil can cause reactions such as: 

• redness
• itching
• skin rashes, especially in sensitive individuals
• dizziness
• fatigue
• anxiety

Another important consideration is the risk of drug interactions: Hypericum can affect the effectiveness of various medications. Therefore, it is important to discuss the use of Hypericum with a health care professional before combining its use with other treatments.

Caution is advised in sun exposure during a Hypericum treatment as it can lead to photosensitization, increasing susceptibility to sunburn.

In addition, the use of Hypericum is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women due to limited safety research in these groups.

Symptom surveillance and timely consultation with a physician are recommended to best manage these potential risks.

In conclusion, while Hypericum offers numerous health benefits, it is essential to use it with awareness of its potential contraindications and under expert supervision to ensure safe and effective use.