OILS, CRUDE OILS
Product Description
Balsam, also known in Latin as Hypericum Perforatum (St. John’s Wort), is one of the most powerful and effective plants used for skin conditions, particularly thanks to its regenerative and healing action. It is applied to open or old wounds, dermatoses and inflammations. It can also be taken internally as a treatment for gastric ulcers. This particular herb is a treasure of Greek nature but requires special handling because it is quite sensitive. We extract it by cold pressing in a special oil blend, which gives it its light reddish color.
Herb characteristics
St. John’s wort is known to all of us as Hypericum perforatum, “spathochorto”, “Prodromos’ herb”, St. John’s Wort or “chelonochorto” (Greek common names).
It is an evergreen plant that reaches a height of 80 cm to 1 meter and belongs to the Hypericaceae family. It is self-sown and can be found in Mediterranean countries, the rest of Europe, Africa, the Asian continent and many regions around the globe. In our country there are several different species of Hypericum, most of which are endemic.
The plant can grow even in the poorest, dry and rocky soils. It is recognized by its yellow flowers, which consist of 5 petals, while the central part of the flower includes the stigmas that give the characteristic red color to St. John’s wort oil or the infusion.
The useful parts of the plant that are used are the flowers, which should be collected with the first cool drops of dawn, when their oils are at their highest concentration.
History of St. John’s Wort
It is said that the herb got its name, Hypericum, because in earlier times it was used to decorate temples and during religious ceremonies it was placed on icons (hyper – eikon = above the image).
St John’s wort was highly valued by the renowned herbalists of ancient Greece, Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Pliny and Galen, who used it to treat burns, joint pain, improve blood flow and as a tonic during the recovery process.
It has been used for embalming and this is one of the reasons it is also called balm.
Ingredients
Natural Mountain St. John’s Wort Herb (Hypericum perforatum), Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Chemical composition of Hypericum perforatum
- 7% flavonoids in the stems – 12% in the flowers. The flavonoid content includes 1.6% rutin, and in smaller proportions quercetin, luteolin and myricetin.
- 2 – 4.5% Hyperforin, one of the most active constituents of St. John’s wort, responsible for the herb’s antidepressant properties. Hyperforin is unstable in the presence of light and oxygen.
- 0.05 – 0.09% essential oils (2-methyloctane, α-β-pinene, α-terpineol and traces of myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene).
- 5–12% tannins
Additional compounds it contains in smaller amounts include acids (stearic, myristic, nicotinic, palmitic), carotenoids, choline, pectin, hydrocarbons and long-chain alcohols.
From the herb, certain amino acids have also been isolated, such as leucine, cysteine, glutamine, lysine and GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid).
Instructions for Use
St. John’s wort oil is prepared by macerating the flowers in a carrier oil, e.g. almond oil or sunflower oil, with the most traditional recipe using pure extra virgin olive oil.
Effectively treats chills, neuralgia, tendon injuries and neck pain.
Combines well with lavender and chamomile essential oil to relieve sunburn by reducing skin temperature.
Soothes the nervous system and reduces emotional fluctuations during menopause.
The oil is suitable for those who need to balance the solar plexus (external application) and get rid of possible accompanying symptoms of digestive disorders of the stomach and intestine.
According to Chinese medicine, when applied to specific parts of the body, St. John’s wort oil removes excess heat and cleanses the blood of toxins. It regulates the liver’s vital Qi energy and calms the mind from fears and sadness.
Useful tips
- The oil is intended for external use. - Its use should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by small children.
- After using the oil, avoid exposure to the sun.
Ingredients
Instructions for Use
Shipping
Shipping within Greece
Free shipping on orders over €39.90 within Greece, by courier or BOX NOW. Excludes Cyprus, other international destinations and Wolt Drive.
- BOX NOW
- €2.95 · locker collection
- Courier
- €4.50 up to 2 kg · €1 per additional kg
- Cash on delivery
- No additional charge
- Wolt Drive
- Same-day or scheduled delivery in selected areas of Attica, subject to availability.
Delivery times within Greece
1–3 working days after dispatch. Remote areas and islands: 2–5 working days.
Delivery times are estimates and exclude order preparation or compounding time.
- Cyprus
- BOX NOW: €9.50
- International
- DHL Express · cost based on destination and weight at checkout.
Payment methods
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Bank transfer
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GR33 0140 1470 1470 0232 0005 070
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Free shipping on orders over €39.90 by courier or BOX NOW within Greece. Excludes Cyprus, international destinations and Wolt deliveries.
Exchanges & Returns
Free returns in Greece and Cyprus for eligible products. Notify us within 14 days of delivery. For other destinations, see our full policy.
Personalised preparations and sealed goods that have been unsealed and cannot be returned for health protection or hygiene reasons are excluded from change-of-mind returns.
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For an exchange, defective item or incorrect order, please contact us. sales@avgerinospharmacy.gr
