Characteristics of Strawberry

The scientific name of the wild strawberry is Fragaria vesca and it belongs to the family of Rhodiola. The original form of the strawberry was a wild, dense shrub with small fruits that grew mainly in the forests and riverbanks of the temperate zone.

The strawberry is a small perennial plant that spreads along the ground with a climbing tendency. It is planted early in the fall, specifically in September, to bear fruit in the spring. The productivity of the plant is high in the first 4 years and then gradually decreases. Its cultivation requires rich soil and for this reason it is often enhanced with fertilizers of all types (chemical, biological, compost).

The strawberry tree initially has a shallow and thin root system, but over time its roots turn into woody ones from which the offshoots of the new plant are born. Strawberries are sensitive to the cold of winter and to ensure a spring harvest they are often grown in greenhouses.

Today there are many varieties of strawberries which, due to their large size, have displaced the original wild small variety which is unique in aroma and taste. The strawberry is one of the few fruits whose seeds are located on the outer shell of the fruit and not inside in the center as is the case with other fruits!!

History of the Strawberry

The first strawberries probably appeared in the pre-Christian period, in North America as a wild plant of rich vegetation, but also in other regions of the world since ancient times. The tribes of North America use the strawberry in their paintings, depicting the union of male and female existence. Some archaeological findings indicate the existence of the plant since the Neolithic era!
The Romans were also among the first peoples to appreciate the fruit, both for its taste and beauty. It is said that in Ancient Rome strawberries were consumed at the spring festival dedicated to Adonis, the symbol of youth and the beloved of the goddess Aphrodite. According to legend, strawberries grew in the places where the tears of the goddess Aphrodite fell as she mourned the death of Adonis.

In 1300, strawberries began to be cultivated in Europe, specifically in France. By 1800, when they became popular in English gardens, several different varieties had been developed.
Today, strawberries are one of the most beloved fruits of both children and adults, who enjoy them either in smoothies, desserts with whipped cream, or as fresh fruit. It has been appreciated for its high nutritional value, since it is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as anthocyanins that give it its vibrant red color.

Ingredients

Wild strawberry essential oil from the leaves, flowers and thin branches of the plant, produced by the hydrodistillation method.

Chemical composition of strawberry essential oil

Terpenes, myrtenol (65%-71%), linalool, geraniol, citronellol, cumene, dibutyl phthalate, carvacrol, furans, furaneol, ellagic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, hexahydroxydiphenic acid esters, polyol, glycosides, kaempferol, p-coumaric acid.

Instructions for use

- Add 4-5 drops of strawberry essential oil to 1/2 cup of jojoba oil and then apply to the ends of the hair to give a shiny look and prevent the appearance of split ends.
- Combined with grapeseed oil and almond oil to combat stretch marks.
- Massage in the summer months: Mix chamomile oil with strawberry and jasmine essential oil and give yourself a morning massage before starting your day to help the body cope with the heat.*
- Pour 3-4 drops into the special burning device to create joyful energy in the home.
- A warm foot bath with a few drops of strawberry essential oil eases the
finger pressure practiced in reflexology to stimulate the lungs and liver, awaken the spirit and cleanse the chakras.
- Strawberry essential oil combines well with coconut, vanilla, peach, and mastic essential oils.
*Contact our pharmacist for the preparation of the mixture.

Chinese medicine - Ayurveda

Strawberry, thanks to its cooling nature, is used by Traditional Chinese Medicine to stimulate yin, the feminine energy, and benefits the meridians of the lungs, spleen, kidneys, and liver.

In Indian Medicine - Ayurveda, strawberries are considered one of the foods that rest the liver, eliminate excess fluids and balance the 3 doshas vata, pitta, kapha.

Useful tips

- The use of strawberry essential oil should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by children.
- Essential oils are intended for external use and are always used dissolved in a carrier oil or other catalyst.
- Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and mouth.