Herbal Oils - Part 1 - St Johns' Wort

Infused oils are another important form of herbal preparation, usually intended primarily to use on the skin. Herbs contain unique antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins, phytosterols and many other plants derived nutrient substances, which help equip our body to fight against germs, toxins and to boost immunity level. Herbs are, in fact, medicines in smaller dosages. Traditionally, healing some plants have been used for centuries as a remedy for many diseases and skin disorders.

A traditional process called “digestion” have been used to infuse some healing herbs like Calendula, St John’s Wort, Lavender, Helichrysum Italicum, Melissa, Wild Thyme, Rosemary and many other. The infusion of the herbs involves a low heat, prolong extraction technique designed to draw out the plant’s bioactive compounds. In this process, the herb is naturally steeped in a carrier oil, by using the powerful energy of the sun rays. Gradually, the active therapeutic compounds of the herb dissolve into the base oil. The ultimate result is a whole herb extract of the plant, where the individual herbs impart their healing properties to the infused oil. The use of a specific carrier oils, when used skillfully, can add tremendous nutritional value and a whole range of health benefits alongside those of the natural essence of the herb. This is particularly beneficial in skin care due to the high level of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids that are naturally preserved. The herbal oils are essential for keeping the skin looking radiant and youthful healthy.

BioAromatica herbal oils contain unrefined base oils, stable and rich with nutritive value. Herbs infused are hand picked and fresh. We do not use dry herbs for infusion. Fresh Calendula, Lavender, Melissa, Helichrysum Italicum are organically farmed, St John’s Wort is a wild herb picked on a sunny day, on the hills and fields of Canada North in pristine nature.

St John’s Wort

St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is known as hypericum in homeopathy. Although many consider St John’s Wort a weed, I have found it beautiful in a pristine nature, fields, and hills of northern Ontario. It is native to Europe and Asia but has spread worldwide. This herbal oil is macerated with fresh flowers. Harvesting and infusion is made once a year. When infused on a sunlight, with fresh flower, the oil becomes a strong blood-red in colour with soothing herbal aroma. St John’s Wort oil has been used traditionally in many cultures. This is one of the most scientifically researched herbal oil due to the fantastic result in overall well-being. The main active ingredient is hypericin but also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, D, tannins and minerals, oleic acid 64.8%, linoleic acid 26.3%.

Use: St. John’s Wort oil is a valuable massage oil applied locally, as it helps ease muscular strain and tension. Massaged directly onto aching muscles and joints, it helps ease pain, including from gout, over activity in sports or due to growing pains. It is commonly used in herbal medicine in the treatments of nerve pain, such as sciatica, as well as for depression and anxiety. Its unique chemical composition has also been shown to help regulate hormonal imbalance in menopaused women, thus reducing mood swings, irritability, depression, and stress.

Skin Care: It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to remedy a range of skin problems due to its natural healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps skin to regenerate, reduce scars and stretch marks. This oil is called a healing salve for burns, bruises, cuts, scrapes. It has been used as a balm for varicose veins. With its antioxidant and rejuvenating properties, it is valuable in skin treatments that include aging skin, repairing skin tissue, reducing appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, deeply moisturizing. Suits all skin types.

To be continued