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. Hypericin, one of the ingredients in this herb, reacts to light and can damage nerves and skin. Wise Woman Bookshop devoted to Women's Health & Well Being, Breast Cancer? It may have other benefits, but also has serious risks of drug interactions. Call in with your questions 1-646-929-2463. 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. 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); "~ St. Joan’s/John's wort oil protects my skin from radiation damage. St. John's wort is an herb frequently used for treating depression. Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) 13. Diarrhea 6. Rarely do conditions arise such as gastrointestinal, allergic skin symptoms, restlessness, or increased fatigue. 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. This prevents automated programs from posting comments. NEW YORK — Hypericin, the active ingredient in the popular herbal anti-depressant St. John’s Wort, can damage the eye significantly if the eye is exposed to intense bright light, according to research presented by chemistry Professor Joan Roberts at the annual meeting of the American Society of … Taking St. John’s wort with certain antidepressants or other drugs that affect serotonin, a substance produced by nerve cells, may lead to increased serotonin-related side effects, which may be potentially serious. Avoid taking St. John's wort with other medicines that can make you more sensitive to sunlight, especially antibiotic medicine or a sulfa drug. Headache 9. This most common side effect that worries people of St John’s wort is photosensitivity. if ( permalink == url ) { Do not use St. John’s Wort without consulting a doctor or certified clinical herbalist. St. John's wort is generally considered safe when used orally in appropriate doses. (Name and email address are required. Please enable JavaScript if you would like to comment on this blog. Although St. John’s wort needs a fair bit of light to thrive, it does best in partial sun. View an alternate. 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." Using St. John’s wort makes you hyper-sensitive to sunlight. Cows and sheep grazing on St. John's wort have sometimes developed severe and even fatal sensitivity to the sun. « Nettles and Kidney Health | 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. You can get your health questions answered by Susun on blogtalkradio, Tuesday nights 7:30-9:30 pm EST. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. In several studies of laboratory animals and humans, one or more of the chemicals in St. John's wort appeared to delay or decrease re-absorption of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin by nerve cells. My kids don’t irritate me the way they used to and it doesn’t interfere with my sex life the way Prozac did. I would guess your wife used the herb as a store bought capsule, which is the way most ignorant doctors and alternative “healers” recommend. It’s still unclear if topical application has the same photoreaction on the skin. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. 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); 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. St. John's Wort is a commonly-taken and well-supported treatment for mild to moderate depression. Irritability 12. We always advise first to know what plant you are using, what part of the plant to use, and how to use it. "~ St. Joan’s/John's wort oil protects my skin from radiation damage. She never gets burned! You may want to consider exercise, fish oil or light therapy once the herb is out of your system. Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) 10. Comments are moderated and will not appear until approved by the author. Long-term use also requires consultation with a health care practitioner. This mean, any cosmetic or skin product that contains St John’s wort is safe … Hypericin, one of the ingredients in this herb, reacts to light and can damage nerves and skin. The herb can cause sun sensitivity in those with fair skin. function callPin(permalink) { 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. 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. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Give as directed by your veterinarian. In fact, clinical studies using doses as high as 1800 mg did not show a photosensitive effect. More light could get to the retina where it might cause damage. Even more alarming, hypericin may damage the lens and retina of the eye when exposed to ultraviolet and visible light. The herb can cause oversensitivity to sunlight. I am reluctant to stop taking this herb because it has dramatically improved my outlook. Breast Health! url = url.replace( /#/, "" ); Unfortunately, most of the people pushing herbs have no clue about how to use them, which leads to widespread misuse of herbs, causing lots of damage to innocent people. the Wise Woman Way, Herbal Medicine and Spirit Healing the Wise Woman Way. Contrary to common belief, this herb can also be used as sunscreen. 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. In order to avoid this, it is important that patients avoid direct sun exposure when possible. >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. Burning or prickling sensation 4. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”. 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. World renowned cardiologist's latest discovery helps your body use sugar for energy and not store as fat. | Wise Woman Wisdom and Cellulite ». I have found that they have really helped, not so anxious, no panic attacks, feel brighter and my RLS is only a few days a month now. 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. It may also be contraindicated for Warfarin, Digitoxin, and HIV medications. For more information on the pros and cons of St. John’s wort and alternative approaches to treating winter doldrums, we are sending you our 8-page Guide to Dealing with Depression . I read in your column that there is a problem with St. John’s wort and the sun. } This is because direct sunshine during the hottest part of the day can actually burn it. 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. Agitation 2. } else if ( query != "pintix=1" ) { Q. This is only a preview. Sun sensitivity of St. John’s Wort. St. John’s wort is given by mouth and is used over the counter to treat pain, depression, anxiety, and other conditions. If you do decide that St. John’s Wort is a medicinal plant you want to use, wear a hat to the beach! } Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos. Please try again. We cannot guarantee that even a powerful sunscreen will protect you from the phototoxic effects of St. John’s wort. 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. 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. Email address will not be displayed with the comment.). Error type: Your comment has been saved. In fact, clinical studies using doses as high as 1800 mg did not show a photosensitive effect. Consult with your medical practitioner before use. Avoid for two weeks before a scheduled surgery. One last thing – St. John’s Wort can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This can lead to very very severe sunburn and possible cataract formation. St John’s wort is usually well-tolerated by users. When taking St. John’s Wort, patients should avoid strong sunlight without protection. var query = window.location.search.substring(1); | | Because sunglasses encourage the pupils to dilate, they could actually do more harm than good. I started taking St John's Wort around two years ago for Perimenopausal symptoms and restless leg syndrome. St. John’s Wort can interact with quite a few pharmaceuticals. As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. Treatment with the herb should include a cautious approach to sun exposure. My husband started to take St. Johns wort a few days ago. Our family is going on a two-week vacation to the beach. |. 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). As an oil infusion, for external application. However, it can cause: 1. ), 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). The letters and numbers you entered did not match the image. Fatigue 8. Visit the link for more info: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun. 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 … Light skin is particularly vulnerable to the reaction. Even more alarming, hypericin may damage the lens and retina of the eye when exposed to ultraviolet and visible light. Having trouble reading this image? Comments are moderated, and will not appear until the author has approved them. Main Let me qualify this statement by saying I make my own medicines from the herbs in my area, I do not buy herbs nor herbal preparations, and would be less inclined to use store bought herbal preparations on myself or my daughter. He was told that it may cause some sun sensitivity. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter pain relievers, herbal remedies such as St. John’s wort, perfumes, exfoliating skin care products, and even some sunscreens can … Insomnia 11. In alcohol tincture, used internally, 2. This burn lasted weeks, looked like she had been chemically burned it was so severe. My wife got a sunburn in this way. May 01, 2011 in Health Concerns, Herbal Allies, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink, Reblog The commonly cited increase in sun sensitivity seems particularly noticeable in very light-skinned people. We cannot guarantee that even a powerful sunscreen will protect you from the phototoxic effects of St. John’s wort. 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… Use with antidepressants requires caution and strict coordination with the prescribing physician. Although it is a common belief that St. John’s Wort causes sun sensitivity, this is erroneous and in fact prevents it. 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. It’s understood that hypericin, the active ingredient in St John’s wort, is highly photoreactive by nature. Restlessness 14. Menopause Metamorphosis - Your body knows more about menopause that your doctor does! (0) An oil can be made from St. John's wort. This could be through prescribed or over the counter medication or teas. St. John’s wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, especially when taken in … I had a student with dark skin who had this happen, so it can affect almost anyone, not just light skinned people. 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. The popular herbal therapy is … 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. This condition is scientifically called photodermatitis. 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. We use only the flowering top of the plant, and only in two ways, 1. Sadly most doctors know very little about herbs or how to use them. This summer I've noticed I am very, very sensitive to the sun. St. John’s wort is not your only option for treating SAD. Has anyone experienced sun sensitivity from st john's wort? 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. Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. Dry mouth 7. Research shows that this occurs only when it’s ingested orally, especially in higher amounts. I am sorry to hear about your wife and her awful experience. Your comment could not be posted. | Ad by Gundry MD 3 signs there's a problem with your metabolism. Join our daily email newsletter with breaking health news, prescription drug information, home remedies AND you'll get a copy of our brand new full-length health guide — for FREE! If you have a condition or are taking medication that increases your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, talk with your doctor to weigh the risks. Well, yesterday at work (he works outdoors predominately) he noticed that his skin felt like "it was on fire". } else { Will a high SPF sunscreen be enough to protect me from burning? Stomach discomfort 15. Anxiety 3. When he came home he was quite red. How bad is the sun sensitivity caused by St. John's wort? St. Johns wort (both oral or topical) can increase the sensitivity of your skin and eyes to sunlight. 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. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant.The flowers are used to make liquid extracts, pills, and teas. Herbs, like anything else, need to be used appropriately. St. John’s wort has been associated with very serious and potentially dangerous interactions with many common drugs. Do not use if you are taking SSRI medication. When you spend time in the heat, make sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing. In fact, this trait may be associated with its tendency to cause photosensitivity in people who take it long-term. "Did you know that St John's wort can cause extreme photosensitivity in many people? Those that are taking St. John’s Wort often suffer from an increased sensitivity to the sun, also known as a photosensitivity response, which can cause the skin to develop abnormal rashes. Dizziness 5. Just a heads up... hello. In the St. John’s wort group, there was a slight increase in SSI sensitivity (approximately 9%) and a larger increase to UVA light (approximately 21%). 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. The most common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, sun sensitivity, skin reactions, allergic reactions, dry mouth, or restlessness. 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 … A. A community space for women and men the world around to explore the Wise Woman Tradition through the sharing of our wisdom, experiences, knowledge and support in a spirit of mutual respect. window.location=permalink+"?pintix=1"; In our opinion, people taking St. John’s wort should play it safe and stay out of the sun. Did you know that St John's wort can cause extreme photosensitivity in many people? However the sensitivity seems to be quite bad with him. 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