Hypericum perforatum
The herb (Hypericum perforatum) is a plant of the genus Hypericum. It was known as "Hypericon" in Ancient Greece. In modern Greece it is known as balsam or sword grass, while in foreign (English) literature it is referred to as St. John's wort.
The Balsam leaves are bright yellow-orange and the petals are usually yellow. When they face the light, they reveal translucent moments that give a perforated impression. These dots, however, are not holes, but colored essential oils and resins. If you rub these black dots with your fingers, they turn red. According to physiotherapists, these dots contain some of the most valuable and effective herbal ingredients. The stamens of the plant have a special shape, with a solid cylindrical stem, with two lines that protrude lengthwise. These lines make the stamen look flat, which is quite rare in plants. The herb contains hypericin and pseudohypericin, flavonoids (16% in the leaves), xanthones, phenolic acids and essential oils (0.13% in the whole plant).
We offer this balsam in two products:
a) 100ml bottle extract in extra virgin olive oil. Extraction duration 50 days. go to LINK
b) 60ml bottle extract in extra virgin olive oil with the addition of vitamin E and aromatic essential oils ideal for massage. go to LINK
Pharmaceutical properties
St. John's wort or balsam has been used for its healing properties since antiquity: Galen and Dioscorides refer to it as a diuretic, healing, emmenagogue, hemostatic.
In ancient times, it was used to heal wounds made by swords, hence the name sword grass. In the United States, after a show on ABC News in June 1997, St. John's wort became the most popular plant, the alternative "prozak" (Ladose) to treat mild to moderate depression. It is also used as an antispasmodic and sleep quality enhancer in insomnia. All the way back to 1994 in Germany, prescriptions were given to 20 million patients. In Montana, USA alone, 500.000 acres of the plant are cultivated today.
External use After extracting the fresh plant in olive oil for many days (40 to 50), it is used as an excellent healer for wounds and first degree burns.
Internal use
As an infusion: usually a teaspoon of dry grated leaves and flowers in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb all the plant ingredients in the water, one to three times a day, following your doctor's advice, pharmacist or specialist.
In capsules or pills, following your doctor's or pharmacist's advice.
In an alcohol solution, following your doctor's advice or pharmacist.
Precautions
St. John's wort may affect the liver causing sensitivity to light. In some skin tones, it can cause photosensitivity reaction and photodermatitis in the form of skin irritations, among others, in the mouth, nose and ears. You should avoid light exposure after use. Dark skin is not affected. In experimental animals it affects thermoregulation. However, cases of photosensitivity and side effects have been reported to be rare and involve some very high daily doses.
According to scientific studies, St. John's wort can affect the metabolism of certain enzymes, so care should be taken when co-administered with other drugs. People who use Hypericum should stop taking it if they are taking medicines that contain the following active ingredients: indinavir (crivixan), cyclosporin (cyclosporin), theophylline (choledyl, theo-dur, uniphyllin, aberten), digoxin, digoxin, panwarfin, and contraceptives. Also, because Hypericum affects neurotransmitters, it may interact with various psychotropic drugs, including other antidepressants.
If other medicines are taken, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.