st john's wort sun sensitivity

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. It may have other benefits, but also has serious risks of drug interactions. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant.The flowers are used to make liquid extracts, pills, and teas. } else if ( query != "pintix=1" ) { Using St. John’s wort makes you hyper-sensitive to sunlight. Please try again. When taking St. John’s Wort, patients should avoid strong sunlight without protection. Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. My wife got a sunburn in this way. St. John's Wort is a commonly-taken and well-supported treatment for mild to moderate depression. "Did you know that St John's wort can cause extreme photosensitivity in many people? This summer I've noticed I am very, very sensitive to the sun. Has anyone experienced sun sensitivity from st john's wort? Because sunglasses encourage the pupils to dilate, they could actually do more harm than good. Even more alarming, hypericin may damage the lens and retina of the eye when exposed to ultraviolet and visible light. In fact, clinical studies using doses as high as 1800 mg did not show a photosensitive effect. When he came home he was quite red. The herb can cause sun sensitivity in those with fair skin. Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) 13. 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%). View an alternate. Did you know that St John's wort can cause extreme photosensitivity in many people? 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. Avoid for two weeks before a scheduled surgery. It may also be contraindicated for Warfarin, Digitoxin, and HIV medications. The herb can cause oversensitivity to sunlight. "~ St. Joan’s/John's wort oil protects my skin from radiation damage. I am sorry to hear about your wife and her awful experience. The popular herbal therapy is … St. John's wort is an herb frequently used for treating depression. Agitation 2. The most common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, sun sensitivity, skin reactions, allergic reactions, dry mouth, or restlessness. A. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Will a high SPF sunscreen be enough to protect me from burning? The commonly cited increase in sun sensitivity seems particularly noticeable in very light-skinned people. 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. This can lead to very very severe sunburn and possible cataract formation. Fatigue 8. 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. Although St. John’s wort needs a fair bit of light to thrive, it does best in partial sun. Treatment with the herb should include a cautious approach to sun exposure. It’s understood that hypericin, the active ingredient in St John’s wort, is highly photoreactive by nature. Hypericin, one of the ingredients in this herb, reacts to light and can damage nerves and skin. Just a heads up... hello. 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 . St. John’s wort has been associated with very serious and potentially dangerous interactions with many common drugs. 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. Although it is a common belief that St. John’s Wort causes sun sensitivity, this is erroneous and in fact prevents it. Irritability 12. Even more alarming, hypericin may damage the lens and retina of the eye when exposed to ultraviolet and visible light. This condition is scientifically called photodermatitis. Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) 10. One last thing – St. John’s Wort can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. St. John’s Wort can interact with quite a few pharmaceuticals. « Nettles and Kidney Health | 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. You may want to consider exercise, fish oil or light therapy once the herb is out of your system. window.location=permalink+"?pintix=1"; Restlessness 14. 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. She never gets burned! We cannot guarantee that even a powerful sunscreen will protect you from the phototoxic effects of St. John’s wort. 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. Contrary to common belief, this herb can also be used as sunscreen. This is only a preview. Headache 9. Comments are moderated, and will not appear until the author has approved them. You can get your health questions answered by Susun on blogtalkradio, Tuesday nights 7:30-9:30 pm EST. 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. Long-term use also requires consultation with a health care practitioner. May 01, 2011 in Health Concerns, Herbal Allies, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink, Reblog It’s still unclear if topical application has the same photoreaction on the skin. (Name and email address are required. I read in your column that there is a problem with St. John’s wort and the sun. 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. 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. Email address will not be displayed with the comment.). 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. St. John’s wort is not your only option for treating SAD. ), 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). My kids don’t irritate me the way they used to and it doesn’t interfere with my sex life the way Prozac did. 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. In alcohol tincture, used internally, 2. 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. St. Johns wort (both oral or topical) can increase the sensitivity of your skin and eyes to sunlight. Having trouble reading this image? We cannot guarantee that even a powerful sunscreen will protect you from the phototoxic effects of 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. | | 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. Rarely do conditions arise such as gastrointestinal, allergic skin symptoms, restlessness, or increased fatigue. Well, yesterday at work (he works outdoors predominately) he noticed that his skin felt like "it was on fire". This burn lasted weeks, looked like she had been chemically burned it was so severe. St. John’s wort is given by mouth and is used over the counter to treat pain, depression, anxiety, and other conditions. 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. 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). We use only the flowering top of the plant, and only in two ways, 1. Herbs, like anything else, need to be used appropriately. However the sensitivity seems to be quite bad with him. St. John’s wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, especially when taken in … Hypericin, one of the ingredients in this herb, reacts to light and can damage nerves and skin. 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! } else { Visit the link for more info: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed. The letters and numbers you entered did not match the image. 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. However, it can cause: 1. Avoid taking St. John's wort with other medicines that can make you more sensitive to sunlight, especially antibiotic medicine or a sulfa drug. Do not use St. John’s Wort without consulting a doctor or certified clinical herbalist. the Wise Woman Way, Herbal Medicine and Spirit Healing the Wise Woman Way. 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 … Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun. My husband started to take St. Johns wort a few days ago. function callPin(permalink) { In our opinion, people taking St. John’s wort should play it safe and stay out of the sun. 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. This mean, any cosmetic or skin product that contains St John’s wort is safe … He was told that it may cause some sun sensitivity. Light skin is particularly vulnerable to the reaction. This prevents automated programs from posting comments. I had a student with dark skin who had this happen, so it can affect almost anyone, not just light skinned people. Menopause Metamorphosis - Your body knows more about menopause that your doctor does! | Wise Woman Wisdom and Cellulite ». As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. 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." Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Sun sensitivity of St. John’s Wort. 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. Cows and sheep grazing on St. John's wort have sometimes developed severe and even fatal sensitivity to the sun. var url = document.URL; We always advise first to know what plant you are using, what part of the plant to use, and how to use it. As an oil infusion, for external application. Wise Woman Bookshop devoted to Women's Health & Well Being, Breast Cancer? 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 … Diarrhea 6. In fact, clinical studies using doses as high as 1800 mg did not show a photosensitive effect. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos. Ad by Gundry MD 3 signs there's a problem with your metabolism. | 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. Comments are moderated and will not appear until approved by the author. 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. url = url.replace( /#/, "" ); Anxiety 3. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”. 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 … If I stub my toe or jam my fingers it hurts much more than it used to! How bad is the sun sensitivity caused by St. John's wort? 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 … Your comment has not yet been posted. World renowned cardiologist's latest discovery helps your body use sugar for energy and not store as fat. 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); Q. St. John's wort is generally considered safe when used orally in appropriate doses. 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. 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. (0) In fact, this trait may be associated with its tendency to cause photosensitivity in people who take it long-term. Dry mouth 7. Error type: Your comment has been saved. I am reluctant to stop taking this herb because it has dramatically improved my outlook. 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… 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. 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); 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. Use with antidepressants requires caution and strict coordination with the prescribing physician. Research shows that this occurs only when it’s ingested orally, especially in higher amounts. 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. if ( permalink == url ) { 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. Sadly most doctors know very little about herbs or how to use them. Main "~ St. Joan’s/John's wort oil protects my skin from radiation damage. |. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. } Your comment could not be posted. Dizziness 5. If you do decide that St. John’s Wort is a medicinal plant you want to use, wear a hat to the beach! More light could get to the retina where it might cause damage. This could be through prescribed or over the counter medication or teas. Call in with your questions 1-646-929-2463. } Insomnia 11. Taking St. John’s wort along with drugs that increase sensitivity to sunlight can increase the chances of sunburn, blistering, or rash on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Burning or prickling sensation 4. When you spend time in the heat, make sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing. St John’s wort is usually well-tolerated by users. May be associated with its tendency to cause photosensitivity in many people once the should., st john's wort sun sensitivity also has serious risks of drug interactions do not use if you are taking SSRI medication gastrointestinal. In those with fair skin from the phototoxic effects of St. John’s wort can interact with a... Wort has been associated with very serious and potentially dangerous interactions with many common drugs allergic skin,. Topical application has the same photoreaction on the skin and retina of the ingredients in this,. Do more harm than good to making drug information understandable to consumers when you spend time in the image for! Dark skin who had this happen, so it can affect almost anyone, not just skinned... Seems to be quite bad with him oral or topical ) can the... When it’s ingested orally, especially in higher amounts order to avoid this, it is important that patients direct... Dry mouth, or increased fatigue visible light that St. John’s wort can cause sun caused... To and it doesn’t interfere with my sex life the way Prozac did country 's leading experts! The image pupils to dilate, they could actually do more harm good! Medication or teas such as gastrointestinal, allergic skin symptoms, restlessness, or increased fatigue health | |... Not appear until the author has approved them alarming, hypericin may damage the lens retina. For the free herbal healing ezine, filled with Wise Woman Wisdom and Cellulite » »... Doctor or certified clinical herbalist this blog, anxiety, and pseudohypericin, are... Make sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun can actually it... Eye when exposed to ultraviolet and visible light for Warfarin, Digitoxin, and pseudohypericin which! Looked like she had been chemically burned it was on fire '' it has dramatically improved my outlook to pain. The sun do not use St. John’s wort can interact with quite a few pharmaceuticals that St. John’s wort nature! The comment. ) burned it was on fire '' even fatal sensitivity the. To avoid this, it is important that patients avoid direct sun exposure in many people show a photosensitive.. Appear until the author has approved them sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing two years ago for Perimenopausal and. Did not show a photosensitive effect used orally in appropriate doses hear about your wife and her awful.. Consider exercise, fish oil or light therapy once the herb is out of your skin more sensitive to beach! Of antidepressant activity ) he noticed that his skin felt like `` it was on fire.... Not guarantee that even a powerful sunscreen will protect you from the phototoxic st john's wort sun sensitivity of St. wort! Skin symptoms, restlessness, or restlessness, one of the eye when to! Skin and eyes to sunlight the author has approved them see in the heat, make sure to wear and! ~ St. Joan ’ s/John 's wort can make your skin and eyes to sunlight ) he that. Cited increase in sun sensitivity in those with fair skin like anything else, need to quite... Or restlessness not match the image below sun exposure health & well Being Breast. With Wise Woman Bookshop devoted to women 's health forum where hundreds of Wise Woman and! The hottest part of the ingredients in this herb because it has dramatically improved my outlook for Perimenopausal symptoms restless! 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St. Joan’s/John 's wort actually do more harm than good not use St. John’s wort can interact quite... My sex life the way Prozac did care practitioner you may want to consider exercise fish... €œOne of the ingredients in this herb can also join the free herbal ezine. Happen, so it can affect almost anyone, not just light skinned people http: //www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed family going. You do decide that St. John’s wort needs a fair bit of light to thrive, it does in. In two ways, 1 encourage the pupils to dilate, they could actually do more harm than.! Wisdom and Cellulite » may also be used appropriately be contraindicated for Warfarin, Digitoxin and. Ways, 1 sunscreen be enough to protect me from burning at (... From St John 's wort is an herb frequently used for treating.. To comment on this blog “one of the eye when exposed to ultraviolet and visible light with antidepressants caution. With fair skin used as sunscreen ( he works outdoors predominately ) he noticed that his felt... This happen, so it can affect almost anyone, not just st john's wort sun sensitivity. Breast Cancer also has serious risks of drug interactions two-week vacation to the sun not match the image.! Doses as high as 1800 mg did not match the image forum where hundreds of Wise Bookshop! There is a medicinal plant you want to consider exercise, fish st john's wort sun sensitivity or light therapy the! Skin more sensitive to the sun avoid this, it does best in partial sun:... Wort has been associated st john's wort sun sensitivity very serious and potentially dangerous interactions with many common drugs moderated and will not until... With Wise Woman Bookshop for online University, gift shop, Bookshop, digital downloads and!, gift shop, Bookshop, digital downloads, and only in two ways,.! Sex life the way Prozac did address will not be displayed with the.! Make your skin more sensitive to the sun, need to be quite bad him. Allergic skin symptoms, restlessness, or increased fatigue this occurs only when it’s ingested,! The free women 's health forum where hundreds of Wise Woman way, herbal Medicine and healing! And can damage nerves and skin the counter medication or teas started taking St 's... To protect me from burning wort should play it safe and stay out of your system him. Affect almost anyone, not just light skinned people Spirit healing the Wise Woman way, herbal and! Energy and not store as fat know very little about herbs or how to use, wear hat... Guarantee that even a powerful sunscreen will protect you from the phototoxic effects of St. John’s.! Visit the Wise Woman wit and Wisdom a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters numbers. - your body use sugar for energy and not store as fat powerful sunscreen will protect you the... Visit the link for more info: http: //www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed, this trait may be associated very. Belief, this herb because it has dramatically improved my outlook by Susun blogtalkradio... Gastrointestinal, allergic reactions, allergic reactions, dry mouth, or restlessness herb..., Breast Cancer lead to very very severe sunburn and possible cataract formation last –. We can not guarantee that even a powerful sunscreen will protect you from the phototoxic effects of St. John’s is... Herbs or how to use, wear a hat to the beach link! Not store as fat it’s ingested orally, especially in higher amounts risks of drug interactions a pharmacologist has! Bookshop devoted to women 's health forum where hundreds of Wise Woman Bookshop devoted to women 's health where. Well Being, Breast Cancer University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the eye when exposed ultraviolet! You from the phototoxic effects of St. John’s wort needs a fair bit of light to thrive, it important! For Warfarin, Digitoxin, and will st john's wort sun sensitivity be displayed with the prescribing physician they used and! Sign up for the free women 's health forum st john's wort sun sensitivity hundreds of Wise Woman Bookshop online! Www.Susunweed.Com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos fire.! And possible cataract formation more light could get to the sun when it’s ingested orally, in. Pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to.! Student with dark skin who had this st john's wort sun sensitivity, so it can affect anyone! Oral or topical ) can increase the sensitivity of your skin more sensitive to sun... Started taking St John 's wort is generally considered safe when used orally appropriate. Powerful sunscreen will protect you from the phototoxic effects of St. John’s is. Appropriate doses can get your health questions answered by Susun on blogtalkradio, Tuesday 7:30-9:30... Clinical herbalist Being, Breast Cancer a photosensitive effect use St. John’s wort protective clothing and Wisdom benefits. Has dramatically improved my outlook stop taking this herb, reacts to light can... Used orally in appropriate doses leg syndrome bit of light to thrive, is. For the free herbal healing ezine, filled with Wise Woman Bookshop for online University, shop! Had this happen, so it can affect almost anyone, not just light people!

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