St. John's Wort maceration, a remedy for relief

St John's wort has been used for its medicinal properties, both internally and externally, for over 2400 years. 

This herbaceous plant is widespread in temperate regions of the world. It can be found in France, particularly along the edges of paths. Its name comes from the appearance of its leaves, which have numerous translucent dots (a thousand holes). 
St John's wort is recognisable by its beautiful star-shaped golden-yellow flowers.   

These are the flowers of the plant that are used, and most often in a macerated form, to extract the active ingredients. 

Difference between vegetable oil and infused oil: 

Vegetable oil is obtained by cold-pressing the plant from which we wish to extract the oil, and an oil macerate is obtained by macerating the plant in question in a neutral vegetable oil, often olive oil, to extract its active ingredients. 

It is this latter ingredient (macerate) that is most often used in cosmetic treatments, particularly in Oceau Marine Relief Isotonic and Sports Cream treatments. This process is notably used to extract hypericin, a molecule that gives its name to the active ingredient (Hypericum perforatum), but also flavonoids and derivatives; molecules with multiple benefits. 

St John's Wort, a powerful soother

Hypericin is a natural substance that primarily makes up St. John's wort; it is also this molecule that gives the macerate its reddish colour. 

Numerous studies have demonstrated that hypericin, along with flavonoid derivatives (amentoflavone), possesses anti-inflammatory properties. This action subsequently helps to soothe and calm affected areas of the skin. 

An extraordinary scar healer

St John's wort has long been recognised by herbalists as a very effective healing agent. Its active compounds increase the number of fibroblasts locally, promoting skin regeneration. 

What are fibroblasts? 

These are cells present in connective tissue, and also in the dermis. The main function of fibroblasts is to organise the components of the extracellular matrix. It is these cells that secrete collagen, elastin, fibrillin, and other substances that play an important role in the structuring and maintenance of the skin. 

Wound Healing Process Diagram

Precautions with St John's Wort

However, one must be vigilant about its use. Indeed, this molecule is photosensitising, meaning it promotes the appearance of erythema. 

According to studies, this is because it absorbs visible and UV radiation and becomes phototoxic. For this reason, products containing St John's Wort should always be applied after exposure to the sun, but not before. 

Furthermore, as a precaution, it is recommended that pregnant women and young children do not use products containing St. John's Wort. This plant can have detrimental effects on young organisms due to its potency.