St John's wort is a botanical plant measuring 40 to 60 cm in height, found in all temperate regions of the world, where it typically grows along the edges of paths. Its French name, which translates as 'one thousand holes' from the French word mille and the Old French word pertuis, comes from the small translucent spots that dot its leaves, giving the impression of numerous perforations when viewed in the light. St John's wortflowers have been used in traditional medicine since ancient times for the treatment of injuries, internal infections and neurological disorders.
It was used to make balms and ointments to combat gout,rheumatism, burns and totreat injuries. From the Middle Ages, St John's wort gained a reputation for treating psychological disorders. . Nicknamed 'demon chaser', it was recommended for combatting neurosis, anxiety and depression. Ambroise Paré advocated its use as a valuable remedy 'for deep wounds and those that penetrate the body' .
Traditionally, the small yellow flowers that appear in early summer (hence the nickname St. John's Herb) are macerated inolive oil to extract their active ingredients. We offer this product under the name St John's wort macerated oil, at times popularly referred to as St John's wort botanical oil, but is not to be confused with the essential oil presented here. St John's wort macerated oil containshypericin and its derivatives, which give it its red colour and its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its photosensitising effects. StJohn's Wort essential oil, obtained by hydrodistillation of the flowering aerial parts, concentrates the plant's aromatic compounds, but contains neither hypericin nor hyperforin (the plant's main anti-depressant active ingredient, which is also responsible for drug interactions). It therefore poses no risk of photosensitisation. . Rare and precious due to the low distillation yield of St John's wort, this essential oil has active compounds with anti-traumatic properties, effective for both external and internal trauma. Rich in anti-inflammatory and healingcompounds, it is traditionally used in the care of mucous membranes.
