What is St. John's wort and how is it useful? St. John's wort

St. John's wort is a perennial herbaceous plant with a two- or tetrahedral stem, small entire leaves and single yellow flowers. About fifty species of the plant are known. On the territory of the Russian Federation, two of them are mainly found - ordinary (perforated) and tetrahedral. You can find grass in forest clearings, forest edges, and along roads. Flowering occurs from June to August. The collection of medicinal plants is carried out after June 24. The healing properties of the herb “St. John’s wort” have been used since ancient times in the treatment of many diseases. Components obtained from raw materials are included in official and folk medicines. The article provides detailed information about which plant St. John's wort is, its medicinal properties and contraindications for women and men, and describes methods of use.

Interesting to know! St. John's wort gets its name from the Kazakh word "jaroboy", which translates as "healer of wounds". Some of the toxic effects on animals that the herb has are not related to its name.

The herb contains many substances that can positively affect human health.

The medicinal qualities of “St. John’s wort” are due to the presence in it of:

• hyperecin;
• pseudohypericin;
• hyperforin;
• adhyperforin;
• essential oils;
• flavonoids;
• isovaleric acid;
• other organic acids;
• choline;
• vitamins;
• ceryl alcohol.

Most often, St. John's wort is brewed as a sedative. A sedative effect on the body develops due to hyperecin and pseudohyperecin. These substances affect dopamine structures, which ensures their psychoactive effect.

It is worth noting that the antidepressant effect of St. John's wort preparations is similar to that of mid-level chemical sedatives. The herb is not suitable for combating severe depression. However, it copes well with pathologies of minor and moderate severity.

In addition to its sedative effect, St. John's wort is used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, analgesic and general tonic. In combination with cassia holly it is used as a laxative.

The herb has long been known as “well done blood.” In the Middle Ages, St. John's wort was used for local treatment of purulent-inflammatory processes and bruised wounds, which often occurred after fist fights.

What does St. John's wort treat?

Angina

For the treatment of sore throat and other inflammatory diseases of the throat, St. John's wort is recommended to be used in combination with propolis. To prepare the dosage form, pour 200 ml of boiling water over a large spoon of the dried and powdered plant and leave it in a water bath for 15 minutes. After this, the broth is cooled, filtered and 20 drops of 10% alcoholic propolis extract are added to it.

The resulting composition is used topically for gargling. You should take a little broth into your mouth, throw back your head and exhale air so that the liquid gurgles in your mouth. The procedure is performed several times for 20-30 seconds. At the same time, the astringent and anti-inflammatory components of St. John's wort actively destroy the bacteria present at the site of inflammation. Rinsing is repeated 2-3 times a day until the symptoms of the disease completely disappear.

Anemia

Some folk reference books contain information that St. John's wort can be used to treat anemia. Here it should be understood that the medicinal properties of the plant appear only if anemia was caused by chronic bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, treatment with St. John's wort allows you to speed up the healing of ulcers and cracks, which will eliminate the possibility of blood loss and lead to recovery.

Hypochromic anemia associated with insufficient intake of iron ions into the body cannot be treated with St. John's wort. The fact is that the plant contains tannins - astringent components. When the decoction is taken orally, they bind microelements (including iron), preventing it from being absorbed into the blood.

To treat anemia caused by chronic blood loss, St. John's wort is used in the form of the above-described decoction, from which propolis is excluded. It is recommended to take the product ½ cup 3 times a day, half an hour before meals. A doctor should monitor the healing process of ulcerative defects.

Sore throat

Another effective recipe based on St. John's wort, which allows you to treat sore throats, is inhalation. To prepare the solution, pour 2 tablespoons of chopped herbs into 0.5 liters of water and boil for 7-10 minutes. After this, breathe over the container with the broth, covering your head with a towel.

Note: the method is identical to “breathing over potatoes,” which is known to almost every person who suffered from rhinitis or bronchitis in childhood.

When using inhalations, the bactericidal components of the plant penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract. Thus, St. John's wort allows not only to destroy pathogenic bacteria in the inflammatory focus, but also to prevent the inclusion of deeper structures of the respiratory system in the pathological process.

Varicose veins

For varicose veins, St. John's wort is used in the form of tea. It is not possible to completely cure the disease with herbs alone. However, the plant has proven itself on the positive side as an auxiliary method. Regular consumption of a drink with the addition of “valiant herb” leads to an increase in vascular tone, improved blood flow and a reduced risk of thrombosis.

A better effect can be achieved if you add herbs with a similar effect to the tea: horse chestnut, sweet clover, raspberry. The components are mixed in equal proportions, poured with boiling water (2 tablespoons of raw materials per 0.5 liter of water) and left for 15-20 minutes. After this, the product is considered ready for consumption. You should not drink medicinal tea more than 3-4 times a day.

Gastritis and ulcer

For scarring of gastric ulcers and gastritis, take St. John's wort oil. Fresh flowers are used to prepare it. 20 grams of St. John's wort inflorescences ground into a paste are mixed with 200 milliliters of vegetable oil. The resulting composition is infused in a glass vessel for 21 days. After this, the mixture is filtered through several layers of gauze.

You should consume one tablespoon of oil after each meal. This allows you to protect the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract from the negative effects of solid foods. In addition, St. John's wort oil accelerates the healing of ulcerative defects and reduces the intensity of inflammation. The duration of treatment is not limited. The medicine can be taken until complete recovery.

Hypotension, impotence

To increase blood pressure, you can use an alcohol tincture of St. John's wort. Required:

• chopped St. John's wort herb;
• food grade ethyl alcohol (70 or 96%).

The drug component is mixed and infused for 2 weeks.

To prepare the solution, add 30 drops of the drug to 100 ml of water, stirring thoroughly. The frequency of administration is three to four times a day. It is better if the treatment is carried out before meals. Alcohol formulations are contraindicated for children. For pediatric patients, aqueous decoctions or infusions are used.

St. John's wort is used as an aphrodisiac if the problem is caused by fatigue, overwork, or prolonged mental stress. A classic decoction of St. John's wort, taken 1-1.5 hours before sexual intercourse, significantly increases libido and improves potency. To improve the taste and pharmacological effect of the decoction, it is possible to add components such as honey, mint, and a tablespoon of cognac.

Dizziness

You can get rid of dizziness by mixing immortelle, St. John's wort, chamomile, and birch buds in equal proportions. The resulting mixture in the amount of one tablespoon is poured with half a liter of boiling water, leaving for 20 minutes. After cooling, filter the infusion and drink 2 times a day, morning and evening. To improve the taste of the drug, you can add a spoonful of honey.

It should be remembered that this method is only suitable for people whose dizziness is caused by fatigue or psycho-emotional stress. For serious diseases of the brain and its blood vessels, St. John's wort is useless as an independent method of treatment.

Stroke, depression, sleepwalking

Treatment of the consequences of a stroke is often carried out using herbal infusions.

The following mixture of herbs is considered the most popular:

• 20 grams of rosea rhodiola (root);
• 20 grams of rose hips (fruit);
• 15 grams of chopped nettle;
• 10 grams of St. John's wort.

The components are mixed together. 10 grams of the composition are poured into 250 ml of boiling water. Infuse the product for an hour. Take 2-3 times a day. The serving size is 100 ml. Course duration is 2-3 months.

For depression and sleepwalking, St. John's wort helps to quickly improve your mental state. The herb can be consumed in the form of a decoction or infusion, the recipes are given above. For better effect, mint and valerian are added to St. John's wort in equal proportions. It is necessary to consume 200-250 ml of solution before bedtime.

In classical medicine, St. John's wort is also widely used, the medicinal properties and contraindications for men, women and children have been carefully studied for a long time. The herb extract is included in such products as “Doppelgerts neurotic”, “Novoimanin”, “Negrustin”, etc. These medications allow you to improve sleep, cope with nervous disorders, and improve your psycho-emotional state.

Cough

To treat cough, St. John's wort is used in the form of a water-based infusion. To prepare it, pour one or two tablespoons of dried, crushed herbs into a glass of boiling water and let it brew. After a while (when the infusion has cooled), it is filtered and taken. The frequency of use of the product is three to four doses per day. Treatment duration is 1 week.

How is St. John's wort useful for coughs? The plant contains many bactericidal substances. After entering the stomach, they are absorbed into the blood and begin to circulate in the body, including reaching the source of inflammation. The plant stimulates immune processes, which also leads to faster recovery.

Oil for migraines and colds

For migraines, as well as for the treatment of rhinitis and bronchitis, essential oil containing St. John's wort can be used. To prepare it, you should take basil, cloves, valerian, anise, St. John's wort, ginger, cardamom, lavender, mint, lovage and tansy. All components are mixed in equal quantities. The resulting mixture is poured with vegetable oil and left for 25-30 days. For infusion, it is better to use a dry, dark room. For 1 liter of oil there should be 4 full tablespoons of vegetable raw materials.

The prepared essential oil is consumed by inhalation. As a rule, it is stored in small, tightly closed containers that are convenient to carry. When a migraine attack occurs, open the container, bring it to your nose and deeply inhale the aroma of the oil several times.

Mastopathy

As an aid to the treatment of mastopathy, herbalists offer the following recipe:

• motherwort;
• St. John's wort;
• caraway;
• fennel;
• valerian.

The components are mixed in equal quantities and prepared according to the infusion recipe (pour 2 tablespoons of the raw material with a glass of boiling water, cover with a lid and let cool). It is necessary to take the medicine half a glass per day during the main course of therapy. The infusion reduces the intensity of inflammation, fights infection, and soothes.

Urolithiasis disease

St. John's wort promotes the destruction and self-removal of stones from the kidneys and bladder. The plant is used in the form of an infusion. The concentration of the drug here is slightly lower than in previous cases. Only one tablespoon of raw material is added to a glass of boiling water.

The medication should be taken one third of a glass 3 times a day, regardless of meals. Such therapy allows you to speed up the removal of stones, prevent the development of infectious complications, and stimulate the healing of the membranes of the ureters and renal tubules damaged by the sharp edges of the stones.

Neuralgia

Relief of attacks of neuralgia is carried out using a decoction of a mixture of herbs:

• elder;
• thyme;
• Linden;
• rue;
• astragalus;
• St. John's wort.

The components are crushed and mixed together in equal proportions. After this, add 0.5 liters of water and boil for 10 minutes. The finished decoction can be drunk immediately after cooling and filtering. Drink 70-100 ml 3 times a day before meals.

Bad breath

It is no secret that bad breath often occurs due to the active proliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity. St. John's wort, having a bactericidal effect, is able to destroy a colony of pathogenic microorganisms and cure the disease. To eliminate the unpleasant odor, use a decoction or infusion of herbs. Apply it by rinsing. You should not swallow the broth after the procedure. Repeat 3 to 10 times a day.

Cold

For colds, St. John's wort decoction is taken orally, 1 glass 3 times a day. The course of treatment corresponds to the time of illness. The active components contained in the herb stimulate the immune system, have a general strengthening effect, and affect pathogens. Taking a herbal decoction can reduce the time required for recovery by 2-3 days, with an average duration of illness of 7 days.

Prevention of liver function

To prevent liver function, St. John's wort infusion is taken after meals, 3 times a day, half a glass. The first dose of the day is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach. When used in this way, St. John's wort produces a hepatoprotective effect, accelerates the regeneration of hepatocytes (liver cells), and improves blood flow in the liver vessels.

Psoriasis

To treat psoriasis, a decoction of St. John's wort is taken orally and also applied to areas of pathology. You should take 100 ml of the drink orally three times a day, after meals. The medicine is applied locally using a gauze pad or clean rag. The components contained in the plant reduce vascular proliferation, relieve inflammation, and prevent the development of bacterial complications.

Radiculitis

You can get rid of pain from radiculitis if you use an old folk recipe. The crushed St. John's wort herb should be mixed with vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio. Add a couple of drops of turpentine to the resulting mixture and rub the painful areas. It is recommended to rub every day before going to bed.

Period failure

During menstruation, St. John's wort is used to reduce bleeding and correct the psycho-emotional state of a woman. Extraction of useful substances is carried out by infusing or boiling the plant. You can take the medicine according to the standard regimen for most diseases (orally, 3 times a day, 150-200 ml per dose). The course of treatment is 1 week.

Stomatitis, bleeding gums

For stomatitis and bleeding gums, you should rinse your mouth with a decoction of St. John's wort. The manipulation is carried out several times a day until the situation improves. The main action here is produced by tannins and bactericidal substances contained in the plant. The former form a protective film on the mucous membrane, the latter destroy pathogenic microflora.

Stress

Long-term preventative use of St. John's wort is recommended for people who regularly experience stress. You can prevent the consequences of constant mental stress if you drink 200-250 ml of aqueous infusion of the herb daily. It is recommended to do this before bed. St. John's wort promotes calm, improves sleep, allows you to relax and have a good rest before starting a new day.

Pulmonary tuberculosis

For tuberculosis, alcohol tincture of St. John's wort is used. To prepare it, 100 grams of crushed herbs are immersed in 0.5 liters of 70% alcohol and infused for a week. All this time the composition should be in a dry, cool room. You need to take the product 3 times a day, 1-2 teaspoons. The tincture can be diluted in water. The plant has no effect on Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its pharmacological action in this case is to stimulate the immune system.

Strengthening the immune system

To strengthen the immune system, St. John's wort can be taken according to any of the recipes described above (infusion, decoction, tincture). It is better if the product is without additional inclusions. The dosage regimen remains the same (three times a day, one glass). The duration of the strengthening course is one month.

Cholecystitis

For cholecystitis, St. John's wort acts as an antispasmodic and choleretic agent. Its use allows you to quickly improve the patient’s condition during a chronic course of the disease. To stimulate the outflow of bile, a decoction of St. John's wort is mixed with other choleretic plants in equal quantities. Dosage regimen: 3 times a day, on an empty stomach, 1 glass.

Cervical erosion

When treating cervical erosion, St. John's wort is used topically, in the form of douching with a decoction of herbs. In addition, St. John's wort oil can be used, applied to a tampon and inserted deep into the vagina. Local exposure to a medicinal plant accelerates regenerative processes and prevents bacterial infection.

Contraindications

Despite its completely natural origin, St. John's wort has certain contraindications for use.

The herb should not be used for:

• breastfeeding;
• hypertension;
• taking certain medications (antibiotics, oral contraceptives, sedatives).

As it became clear from the above, St. John's wort is a remedy for the treatment of many diseases. However, the plant is not a panacea. Using the herb as an independent method of therapy is permissible only for indolent forms of pathology. Any deterioration in condition that occurs after taking a folk remedy requires consultation with a doctor.

One of the most common medicinal plants is St. John's wort. It begins to bloom in June-August - small yellow flowers appear. The grass itself can reach 70 cm in height. St. John's wort is usually collected at the very beginning of flowering - since it is during this period that the content of useful substances in the grass reaches its peak.

Thanks to this healing herb, you can cure a lot of all kinds of diseases:

• ARVI;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• inflammatory processes in the oral cavity;
• depressive states and neuroses.

Dermatological ailments are also treated with the use of St. John's wort - from minor burns to ulcerative lesions of the epidermis. Let us consider in detail the medicinal properties of St. John's wort, how to use the herb, what forms it comes in and other interesting information about the medicinal plant.

Composition of St. John's wort

So, let’s look at what substances make St. John’s wort a reliable assistant in the treatment of many diseases:

If we talk about St. John's wort in general, this herb has the following effects on the body:

• eliminates depression;
• promotes tissue regeneration;
• has a pronounced choleretic effect;
• helps remove excess fluid from the body;
• has an analgesic effect;
• is an anthelmintic;
• able to relieve alcohol addiction;
• excellent antiseptic.

In what cases is it important to use St. John's wort?

Indications for use are the following conditions:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• rheumatism, arthritis, arthrosis;
• muscle or joint pain;
• infectious, viral diseases;
• ailments of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular the stomach and liver;
• genitourinary diseases;
• hemorrhoids;
• depression, neurosis;
• skin problems – pimples, acne;
• age-related changes in the form of wrinkles, loss of skin turgor;
• seborrheic dermatitis;
• cracks in the skin;
• alopecia (baldness).

Let's consider all the points in detail.

As mentioned above, the medicinal plant has proven itself very successfully in the beauty industry. This is due to the fact that St. John's wort perfectly fights age-related skin changes - such as nasolabial wrinkles, crow's feet in the eye area, and loss of facial turgor. The herb is also used in the fight against seborrhea, to eliminate acne and comedones.

You can use St. John's wort in the following cases:

• very oily or extremely dry facial skin;
• dandruff caused by seborrhea;
• fading of facial skin;
• cracked heels;
• baldness – helps prevent hair loss;
• pustular lesions of the skin.

Before use, you must consult a doctor in order to know for sure whether you have an individual intolerance to the medicinal herb.

What therapeutic properties does the plant have?

Many call St. John's wort a herb for 99 diseases - and this is true. Thanks to decoctions and tinctures, you can get rid of almost any disease, provided that the mixture is used regularly. You can make tinctures yourself or purchase them at a pharmacy.

Classical medicine: scope

In official medicine, both the herb itself in dried form and various preparations in which it is found are used.

The medicinal plant is useful for the following diseases:

1. Gastrointestinal diseases. This may include diarrhea, biliary dyskinesia, bloating, liver disease, etc.
2. Ailments of the oral cavity, such as stomatitis, inflammation and bleeding of gums, sore throat.
3. Nervous system disorders. St. John's wort is prescribed for insomnia, anxiety, neuroses, and depression accompanied by depression.
4. Skin diseases. There are special preparations that contain St. John's wort. They are used for purulent or infected wounds, burns, and abscesses. It is noteworthy that even Staphylococcus aureus can be cured with the use of St. John's wort - despite the fact that the infection is resistant even to penicillin drugs.

Due to the fact that the medicinal herb contains special essential oils, it is possible to normalize intestinal motility and eliminate flatulence. Also, thanks to essential oils, a choleretic effect is achieved.

Numerous clinical studies have been conducted that have proven that with regular use of St. John's wort decoction you can get rid of depression. It is noteworthy that you can achieve an even more pronounced effect than when taking mild antidepressants. In this case, the harmful effects on the liver and other organs will be much lower. Preparations containing St. John's wort eliminate anxious thoughts, help normalize the general emotional state, and also improve mood.

Traditional medicine: scope

Important: positive dynamics during therapy can be achieved only if a person knows his diagnosis accurately, knows the treatment method and is sure that he has no contraindications to the use of St. John’s wort. If the case is advanced, or there are concomitant ailments, in such cases traditional methods of therapy should be combined with traditional medicine, and the method must be approved by a doctor.

• heartburn accompanied by flatulence;
• gastritis with low or high acidity;
• heart rhythm disturbances - tachycardia or arrhythmia;
• burn lesions of the skin;
• various viral and infectious diseases;
• ailments of the central nervous system, primarily depression;
• sinusitis;
• alcoholism and other addictions.

How is the herb used?

St. John's wort can be found in the following forms:

• alcohol tincture;
• tincture of water;
• decoction;
• tea with healing properties;
• ointment.

Very popular are products that contain not only St. John's wort, but also other medicinal plants. As a result, we get a synergy effect - the herbs multiply the effects of each other, which allows you to heal much faster.

You can make a healing decoction or tincture at home - it won’t be difficult, and the manufacturing method is indicated on any package. You can buy St. John's wort either in bulk or in filter bags. Experts say that it is much more convenient to take the medicinal plant in bulk, since the bags are intended for making medicinal tea. If you know exactly what St. John's wort looks like, you can collect it yourself without any problems; the plant often lives in the wild. However, it is necessary to remember that the grass should be collected away from highways and factories - there the plants are saturated with harmful substances, therefore, the decoction from them will no longer be so healing.

Harvesting occurs when the plant begins to bloom. You need to cut the grass as close to the ground as possible. Next, you need to dry the St. John's wort. To do this, it is divided into bunches and hung upside down. The best option is to dry the plant under a canopy - this is due to the fact that it is necessary to avoid exposure to sunlight.

Are there any contraindications for use?

St. John's wort should not be used constantly, as it can cause allergic reactions in the form of urticaria, and in men, in some cases, impotence. Women should remember that treatment with St. John's wort can significantly reduce the effect of contraceptives, which can lead to unwanted pregnancy.

You should also not take the medicinal herb in large quantities, as this can cause the following negative consequences:

• Strong headache;
• nausea;
• vomit.

Due to the fact that St. John's wort combines negatively with antibiotics, you should not take tinctures and decoctions if a person has a high fever.

During pregnancy, treatment with St. John's wort is not prescribed, since it can cause miscarriage even in a healthy woman. There is also no need to use this medicinal plant if a person has high blood pressure.

When using St. John's wort, the following precautions must be observed:

1. You should not drink strong coffee or alcoholic beverages.
2. In order to achieve a pronounced therapeutic effect, it is advisable to eat healthy foods and forget about smoked foods, sweets, and pickles for a while.
3. St. John's wort should not be taken if the doctor has already prescribed antidepressants. St. John's wort itself is such, so therapy can lead to negative consequences. Many patients reported confusion, anxiety, restlessness, etc.
4. Tea with the addition of St. John's wort is actively used for diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, cholelithiasis, etc. But it is worth remembering that everything should have its own measure - with excessive consumption of St. John's wort, cramps in the stomach, as well as bloating, can occur.
5. St. John's wort should be used with anesthetic drugs only as prescribed by a doctor, with caution. This is due to the fact that the herb can change the effect of drugs - it will either disappear or last longer.
6. With long-term treatment, constipation, bitterness in the mouth, and loss of appetite are possible.

Contraindications for use

Let's consider in which cases it is better to refuse treatment with St. John's wort:

• cirrhosis of the liver;
• nephritis;
• when using drugs that affect blood clotting;
• if you plan to sunbathe, the grass increases sensitivity to ultraviolet rays.

St. John's wort during pregnancy: benefit or harm

We all know very well that pregnant women are forced to give up medications due to the fact that they can cause significant harm to the fetus. This is why many expectant mothers turn to medicinal herbs - as you know, most of them are not dangerous and do not cause allergic reactions.

However, even at first glance, safe herbs can be disastrous for a pregnant woman. St. John's wort belongs to this group of remedies. Of course, this plant has a lot of positive qualities - it fights many diseases, acts as a prophylactic agent, and can be used in complex therapy. St. John's wort copes well with depression, diseases of the stomach and biliary tract.

The herb contains a special substance called hyperin. This is what helps eliminate depression and improve mood. Nicotinic acid allows you to establish metabolic processes and is responsible for protein digestibility. Thanks to St. John's wort, you can also strengthen the walls of blood vessels. It seemed like there was only one benefit for a pregnant woman, what was the catch?

The fact is that the medicinal plant has the ability to increase blood pressure - this is harmful for the expectant mother. But this factor is far from the main one - the grass causes contractions of the uterus, which may well provoke a miscarriage, or cause irreparable damage to the health of the unborn baby. Therefore, if you want to bear a child calmly and without unnecessary problems, it is better to refuse therapy using St. John’s wort, or take the herb strictly as prescribed by the doctor, in no case exceeding the dosage.

Can St. John's wort be used to treat children?

As we have already seen, this herb is quite useful and effective, however, not every person should undergo treatment with St. John’s wort. Among the main contraindications are high blood pressure and pregnancy. This raises a completely appropriate question - is it possible to treat young children using decoctions and tinctures of St. John’s wort?

All doctors say that therapy is possible, but it must be done very carefully, in no case exceeding the prescribed dosage. The best option is to talk to your doctor in advance; perhaps he will prescribe a complex of herbs, due to which the concentration of St. John's wort will be reduced.

It is useful for children to take St. John's wort during the harvest period - when there are a large number of vegetables and fruits. It is at this time that, thanks to weak decoctions, it will be possible to avoid stomach problems - in children they often arise as a result of fiber abuse. It is imperative to make sure that the baby is not allergic to the medicinal herb. Also, do not forget to consult a doctor.

Of course, St. John's wort is a medicinal plant, thanks to which you can get rid of many diseases. But it is worth remembering that you need to know when to stop and be careful - even if you use natural herbs for treatment. People with hypertension, pregnant women, and children should not take the decoction. St. John's wort should be prescribed with caution. Even if you are sure that there are no contraindications, before starting therapy, you need to consult a doctor and make sure that you do not have an individual intolerance to the medicinal plant.

Video: beneficial properties and uses of St. John's wort

Jan-17-2017

What is St. John's wort?

What is St. John's wort, its medicinal properties and contraindications, what is treated with this plant, all this is of great interest to those who lead a healthy lifestyle, monitor their health, and are interested in traditional methods of treatment, including the use of medicinal herbs and spices. So we will try to answer these questions in the following article.

St. John's wort (lat. Hypericum) is a genus of plants from the St. John's wort family (Hypericaceae); perennial herbs, shrubs or trees with branched thin rhizomes and numerous adventitious roots. The stems are erect, 30–80 cm high, mostly tetrahedral, highly branched in the upper part. The leaves are opposite, fragrant, oblong-oval, most often entire, with translucent oily glands. Flowers with a golden-yellow corolla, serrated at the crown, 5 sepals, 5 petals, 3 tufts of stamens, 3 styles, three-lobed ovary. The plant blooms from June to August.

The fruit is an ovoid, tricuspid capsule with small seeds.

The St. John's wort family includes more than 150 species, mostly growing in the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere, subtropics, and also in the mountains of the tropics.

In Russia, this herb grows almost throughout the entire country, with the exception of the Far North. There are several species of this plant, of which the most common in the European part of Russia are St. John's wort, or perforated, and tetrahedral. Both types are considered healing.

The raw material used is grass collected during flowering before the appearance of unripe fruits. Dry in attics, under a canopy or in rooms with good ventilation, tying it in small bundles or laying it out in a thin layer on paper or nets, stirring occasionally. The end of drying is determined by the degree of fragility of the stems. Properly dried grass does not change color. The grass contains many biologically active substances: hypericin, flavonoid glycosides, tannins, essential oil, ascorbic acid, vitamin PP, carotene. Such a diverse chemical composition explains the multifaceted pharmacological properties of St. John's wort. No wonder people call it the herb for 99 diseases.

St. John's wort has now been introduced into cultivation, and basic techniques for cultivating the plant have been developed. The medicinal raw material is grass collected during flowering. Raw materials are prepared by carefully cutting off up to 30 cm of the upper part of the plant with a sharp knife or scissors, so as not to tear it out by the roots. With this harvesting method, one plant can produce 2–3 harvests over the summer. Collection time is June-July. Dry it in the shade (under a canopy) at a temperature of 35–40 °C. The grass should be stored in wooden boxes lined with paper on the inside. In a cool, dry place, the grass can be stored for up to 2–3 years.

Medicinal properties of St. John's wort:

In traditional medicine, this plant, along with chamomile, is very popular. It has been known for over 3,000 years and has long been used in Tibet and Ancient Greece. Traditional medicine in many countries around the world considers it the main cure for 100 diseases.

Its widespread use is due to the complex chemical composition of the plant.

The aerial part of the plant contains hypericin and pseudohypericin - coloring substances, flavone glycosides - hyperoside, quercitrin, rutin, greenish essential oil, which includes terpenes, sesquiterpenes, carotene, isovaleric acid esters, tannins, choline and cetyl alcohol. St. John's wort contains resinous substances and traces of nicotinic acid, as well as ascorbic acid. The chemical composition of the plant includes macroelements (mg/g): iron - 0.11, potassium - 16.8, calcium - 7.3 and magnesium - 2.2, as well as microelements (mcg/g): copper - 0.34 , zinc - 0.71, manganese - 0.25, cobalt - 0.21, chromium - 0.01, molybdenum - 5.6, aluminum - 0.02, nickel - 0.18, lead - 0.08, boron - 40.4, selenium - 5.0, strontium - 0.1 and cadmium - 7.2.

St. John's wort is one of the few medicinal plants that concentrates cadmium, which is harmful to the human body. Probably, technogenic pollution is the reason for the increased concentration of cadmium in plants, so it is necessary to collect medicinal raw materials of St. John's wort away from highways and industrial enterprises.

Molybdenum, which also accumulates in this plant, has a beneficial effect by retaining fluoride and preventing the development of caries.

Due to the presence of so many chemical elements in the plant, St. John's wort has a healing effect for various diseases.

This herb is a remedy for cholelithiasis, chronic kidney and liver diseases, as well as some gynecological diseases. In addition, it has an analgesic, diuretic and anthelmintic effect. Its infusion is also used for heart disease, rheumatism, migraines, flu and colds, chronic gastritis and colitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers with high acidity, inflammation of the bladder, and hemorrhoids. And the so-called St. John's wort oil is an effective remedy for periodontal disease, stomatitis, gingivitis, pharyngitis and many other diseases.

St. John's wort flowers accumulate manganese and contain saponins, bioflavonoids, tannins, essential oil, and carotenoids. Relatively recently, the ability of St. John's wort was discovered to influence the level of serotonin in the central nervous system and act as an antidepressant due to the presence of hypericin.

The aerial parts of the plant contain tannins and dyes (especially a significant amount of hypericin), flavonoids, essential oil, carotene, ascorbic acid, choline and alkaloids. In folk and official medicine, preparations containing the herb St. John's wort are prescribed as agents that have anti-inflammatory, regenerative, astringent and antibacterial effects. They are indicated for diseases of the throat and oral cavity, and the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, they can be used to successfully treat skin diseases: furunculosis, abscesses, ulcers.

An antibacterial drug, novoimanin, was obtained from this herb. In the form of a 1% alcohol solution, it is used externally in the treatment of infected wounds, boils, trophic ulcers and burns. Novoimanin solutions are a component of aerosol inhalations for the prevention and treatment of bronchitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, and acute respiratory diseases. This plant is widely used in homeopathy.

St. John's wort has an antispasmodic effect in diseases of the stomach, intestines, biliary tract, has pronounced astringent, antimicrobial, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory properties, and stimulates regenerative processes well. Thanks to hypericin, it has a photosensitizing effect - increases the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet rays.

However, be careful: this herb can cause discomfort in the liver and a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, constipation, reduce appetite, and increase blood pressure.

In cooking, dried and fresh St. John's wort herb is used as a seasoning for meat and fish dishes. In addition, it is included in spicy mixtures. Powder from the dried leaves of the plant is added to alcoholic drinks.

St. John's wort contraindications:

St. John's wort should not be taken if:

• You regularly take antidepressants. It should not be used for severe depression.
• The grass can lead to photosensitivity, that is, increased sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, during treatment you should not stay in the sun for a long time, much less in a solarium.
• In some patients with bipolar depression, this plant can cause manic states.
• Allergy sufferers should first consult with a specialist, since one of the side effects is various allergic reactions.
• Use carefully in patients with gastrointestinal diseases;
• It should not be used by patients with insufficient liver or kidney function, as they will not be able to remove hypericin from the body.
• Cannot be used in patients with estrogen-dependent tumors.
• You cannot combine treatment with St. John's wort with drugs such as warfarin, theophylline, heparin, drugs for the treatment of migraines, and antiepileptic drugs.

In addition, it should be remembered that treatment with medicinal herbs requires compliance with:

Collection and storage:

The stems, flowers and leaves are considered medicinal. St. John's wort should be collected in June-July at the beginning of flowering, cutting off shoots 20–35 cm long.

The raw materials should be tied into loose bundles and dried under a canopy, spread in a layer of 5–7 cm on fabric or thick paper. When drying in an oven, the temperature should not exceed 40 °C. Raw materials can be stored in a dry place for 3 years.

How is St. John's wort useful for men?

This herb has been used since ancient times as a powerful aphrodisiac. Ancient legends claim that this plant evokes in a man simply an animalistic, primitive passion in an intimate way. This plant is certainly present in many ancient love potions, which served as a good reason for its study. Numerous studies have shown that this plant actually has a strong effect on the male reproductive system, causing sexual attraction, liberation and desire.

This herb is especially useful for men who have impaired potency due to fatigue, psychological disorders and stressful conditions. It is successfully used in the treatment of prostatitis and impotence. This plant increases blood circulation, resulting in a persistent erection.

How is St. John's wort useful for women?

The unique properties of this plant have been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat diseases in gynecology. St. John's wort decoction relieves PMS pain and improves well-being during menopause.

Regulates hormonal levels in women - reduces prolactin levels in the blood and slightly increases the level of androgens (male hormones).

Such correction can be extremely important in case of imbalance of the menstrual cycle and diseases of the tissues of the internal genital organs. However, due to its strong effect on the female body, St. John's wort should not be taken by pregnant and nursing mothers, since prolactin is extremely important for their body.

Very interesting video about St. John's wort! Worth a look!

What does St. John's wort treat?

In folk and official medicine, preparations containing the herb St. John's wort are prescribed as agents that have anti-inflammatory, regenerative, astringent and antibacterial effects. They are indicated for diseases of the throat and oral cavity, and the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, they can be used to successfully treat skin diseases: furunculosis, abscesses, ulcers.

How to treat gastritis with St. John's wort?

For gastritis accompanied by high acidity, it is recommended to prepare the following mixture of dry herbs: 30 teaspoons of St. John's wort, 15 teaspoons of peppermint, 2 teaspoons of watch leaves, 15 teaspoons of yarrow flowers, 15 teaspoons of dill seeds.

Take 2 tablespoons of the mixture, pour 2 cups of boiling water and leave in a hot oven for 2 hours. Then strain and take 0.25 cups in small sips 4-6 times a day.

For gastritis with low acidity, you should prepare a mixture of dry herbs: 2 tablespoons of St. John's wort, yarrow, centaury, gentian roots, 3 tablespoons of chicory herb, 4 tablespoons of fume grass.

Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture, pour 1 liter of hot water and leave for 12 hours. Then bring to a boil, boil for 5 minutes and leave again for 30 minutes. Strain the broth and take 1/2 cup 4 times a day.

How to treat hepatitis with St. John's wort?

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry crushed herb into 1 glass of boiling water and leave for 1 hour. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals or 1 hour after meals.

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herbs, 1 1/2 tablespoons of sandy cumin flowers and 1 tablespoon of crushed buckthorn bark into 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Take 1 glass 5 times a day.

Treatment of colitis:

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1/2 liter of 40% alcohol. The container should be tightly closed and infused in a cool, dark place for 3 days. Take 30 drops diluted in water 3 times a day after meals.

Treatment of a runny nose:

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 1 glass of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. For a runny nose, place 2-3 drops into each nostril every 3 hours. For sinusitis, it is effective to rinse the nasal cavity with St. John's wort infusion.

Treatment of burns, wounds and skin diseases:

For any damage to the skin, for the speedy healing of fresh and infected wounds, for the treatment of boils and purulent inflammatory processes, fresh crushed leaves of St. John's wort are used, applying them to sore spots. You can also prepare ointment or St. John's wort oil.

Take 100 g of fresh leaves of St. John's wort and sage and grind them thoroughly with 200 g of fresh lard. Squeeze the mixture through cheesecloth and store in a cool place in a tightly sealed container. If necessary, lubricate burns and wounds, changing bandages 3-4 times a day.

Pour 2 tablespoons of dried plant flowers with 4 tablespoons of almond or sunflower oil. Infuse for 2-3 weeks. The use of St. John's wort oil is especially effective in the treatment of burns. In addition, the oil can be used for severe bruises by carefully rubbing it into the sore spot.

St. John's wort for acne:

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb into 200 ml of 40% alcohol and leave for 3-4 days in a cool, dark place. Dilute 40 drops of tincture in 0.5 cups of water and wipe the skin in areas of acne.

Recipes from S. Kashin’s book “Healing with Spices.”

In the second half of summer, fields, meadows, and forest edges look like chickens. They are covered with small bright yellow flowers. And there are so many of them that they can easily be confused with weeds - well, a cultivated plant cannot grow in such quantities. Indeed, it is not a weed. The yellow flowers are a medicinal plant called St. John's wort; you'll recognize it right away from the photo. St. John's wort smells like summer, honey, meadow herbs, morning dew.

St. John's wort is popularly valued for its healing power, because St. John's wort, Wikipedia claims, is capable of overcoming no more or less, but 99 diseases. But be careful. St. John's wort can only save people from 99 misfortunes. For animals, namely livestock, it is a poison. Where do you think the grass got its name from?

St. John's wort. Useful properties and contraindications

St. John's wort blooms in summer. And then you can pick it and prepare it for home herbal preparations. This is easy to do - just dry the flowers in the shade, and then lightly rub them with dry hands. The stems easily separate from dry flowers and leaves. Or you can decorate your home with dried flowers.

This herb is very useful and complex in its composition, so we will not list the substances and components included in the chemical composition. It’s better to pay more attention to how useful St. John’s wort is - a herb whose medicinal properties have been valued since the times of Ancient Rus', when medicine was still in its infancy.

St. John's wort is a medicine not only of traditional medicine. Traditional medicine doesn’t “flap its ears” either. She makes the most of St. John's wort, the medicinal properties of which chemists and doctors have studied far and wide, adding it to homeopathic preparations. Medicines such as Novoimanin and Imanin are made from St. John's wort. It has been proven that the plant extract eliminates inflammation and destroys pathogenic microbes. Therefore, these drugs are used for wounds, even purulent ones, for burns of varying degrees, for sinusitis, mastitis, pharyngitis and some other diseases. And psychiatrists prescribe the medicine Gelarium for depression. The basis of the medicine is the same - St. John's wort.

In folk medicine, St. John's wort is used to treat many (remember, how many?) diseases.

• St. John's wort is invaluable as a tonic and astringent. It should be on hand for coughs, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, gum and liver diseases. The grass can even stop blood, making it thicker.
• Some drugs prescribed by doctors for rheumatism, ulcers of various origins, gout, stress, depression, diarrhea or the presence of helminths also contain flowers, leaves and extract from St. John's wort.
• And dentists advise rinsing your teeth with a decoction of the plant to get rid of bad odor, stop bleeding gums, and relieve inflammation.
• St. John's wort (use and recipes will come a little later) will also help those who suffer from pain in the liver, stomach, kidneys, intestines and gall bladder. It strengthens stool, relieves pain due to gastritis, and treats ulcers.
• And if you administer a drug containing St. John's wort extract intravenously, the heart begins to work better, more rhythmically, faster. At the same time, the blood vessels narrow and the pressure rises.
• You can bathe your children in a bath with St. John's wort to prevent diaper rash, rashes, and diathesis. And in the presence of ulcers, abscesses, and swelling of the mammary glands, herbalists highly recommend making compresses.
• St. John's wort root is also useful. Its decoction or tincture is used for bone tuberculosis and dysentery.

This strong plant is St. John's wort. It has contraindications, and serious ones, and they must be treated very responsibly.

• St. John's wort constricts blood vessels, contracts the ventricles of the heart, causing blood to flow through the veins faster. Therefore, St. John’s wort is contraindicated for heart patients suffering from arrhythmia, tachycardia, and vascular sclerosis.
• It is not recommended to consume it in any form if you have high blood pressure.
• St. John's wort is also contraindicated for expectant mothers - it is unknown how the changing body will react to the action of the plant.
• St. John's wort treats gastritis, but a strong infusion of the herb, on the contrary, can provoke this disease.
• St. John's wort is a sunny herb. Maybe that’s why the skin (if you drank tea, infusion) is so susceptible to sun tanning. Or rather, to ultraviolet rays, and they are so harmful to our skin.
• Men, do not be alarmed if, after treatment with St. John's wort, you suddenly feel male impotence. This is all the tricks of St. John's wort. In a couple of weeks everything will get better and you will forget about the misunderstanding. Or do not drink the herbal infusion for more than a couple of weeks.
• It is generally not recommended to be treated with St. John's wort for a very long time - it is not a component of proper nutrition. Otherwise, you may feel bitterness, heartburn, pressure on the liver, and even hives.

St. John's wort. Decoctions and infusions

St. John's wort is used in the form of infusions, decoctions, and compresses.

The infusion is prepared like this. Take a large spoonful of dry herb per glass of boiling water. You need to insist for half an hour, take a third of a glass before meals 3 times a day.

A decoction of St. John's wort is prepared at the rate of a spoonful of herb per glass of drinking water. Boil the mixture for 15 minutes, then filter it. This glass is also drunk a day - every time before eating. You can also gargle with it to eliminate bad breath or for a sore throat.

And now in more detail about St. John's wort. The herb, the instructions for use of which are followed by the patient, is doubly healing. Avicenna also thought so.

For the stomach

For gastritis and colitis, we prepare a herbal mixture. Take St. John's wort in equal parts and mix them. For every tablespoon of the mixture there is a glass of boiling water. Let it brew and drink 0.5 cups no more than five times a day.

If you suffer from heartburn, then you will need another mixture: our St. John's wort, and cinnamon, also known as cucumber. For 3 tablespoons of the mixture, a liter of boiling water. Leave for two hours and drink 0.5 cups of infusion before meals.

For the liver

The recipe for the infusion for the liver is the same as for the stomach. But you need to take it half a glass in the morning on an empty stomach for a week. After 30 minutes you can have breakfast. During the day, drink 2 spoons after meals. This will increase bile production and speed up the treatment of cholecystitis or gallbladder disease.

For sinusitis

Cook St. John's wort in a steam bath. The proportions are the same as for the infusion - a spoonful of herbs per glass of water. First, you need to put drops into your nose to narrow the blood vessels and relieve swelling of the mucous membrane.

Inject the strained broth into the nostril using a syringe or a syringe without a needle. After rinsing, be sure to blow out the nose well.

From alcoholism

St. John's wort gives battle even to the green serpent. But there is one “but”. An addicted comrade must want to get rid of addiction.

And the recipe is simple. Heat 2 tablespoons of herbs and a glass of boiling water in a water bath for 20-30 minutes. Drink 2 tablespoons of the decoction on an empty stomach in the morning and before meals in the evening. In 2 weeks you can completely get rid of alcoholism.

For vitiligo

Those suffering from a lack of melanin production (vitiligo) know how difficult it is to overcome this scourge. The disease does not cause any particular inconvenience, except for aesthetic reasons - the skin, which was once even in color, becomes covered with white spots. But St. John's wort can help get rid of vitiligo. You only need 8 sessions of 3 weeks each. The break between sessions is 8 days.

In a teapot, brew a teaspoon of St. John's wort in a glass of boiling water. After half an hour, strain the tea and drink 1 large spoon four times a day.

St. John's wort is also useful in cosmetology.

• For acne, steep a spoonful of the herb in a glass of boiling water for 20 minutes. And wash your face with this infusion every morning and every evening. You can freeze ice cubes from the infusion. This will also narrow enlarged pores.
• For oily skin, washing with a decoction of St. John's wort and wiping the face with a frozen infusion are also good. And the pulp can be used for face masks. The duration of the procedure is 10 minutes.
• Ice cubes from a decoction or infusion tone the face, tighten the oval and smooth out fine wrinkles. The skin becomes young and radiant.
• Men! Have you noticed that a bald spot has appeared? Drink St. John's wort infusion: 1/3 glass twice a day before breakfast or before dinner. Don't be afraid, it won't do any harm other than good.
• And women can soften their heels. Make them pink and smooth. Let's do it. Pour 8-10 tablespoons of St. John's wort into a liter of boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes. Then we pour it into a basin, wait for the broth to cool a little, and take a foot bath.

St. John's wort oil at home

In addition to decoctions and infusions, St. John's wort oil is often used. It has found application in both medicine and cosmetology. And you don’t have to buy it when you can make it at home from regular ingredients.

Oil can be prepared from both fresh and dried St. John's wort flowers. The flowers are infused in vegetable oil for 2 weeks. It can be sunflower, wheat - whichever you like most. To prevent the oil from spoiling, it must be strained after 2 weeks and stored in a dark jar in the closet.

• Proportions for oil from fresh flowers: 1 part flowers to 2 parts oil.
• Proportions for oil from dried flowers: 1 part flowers to 1.5 parts oil.

Don't be surprised if the oil turns blood red. There is a fairy tale that one day a lightning-fast fantastic bird descended to earth - it was wounded by some evil monster. Where the bird's bloody feathers fell, St. John's wort grew. People did not invent fairy tales just like that, but to try to explain the incomprehensible...

The oil is usually used for masks, rubs, and compresses. Sometimes, as in the case of ulcers, it is taken orally, 1 spoon on an empty stomach or three hours after a meal.

A method of treating vitiligo has already been described above. Enhance the result with a special recipe oil. Press the St. John's wort flowers, fill them with vegetable oil and place the jar in the sun for 2 weeks. After two weeks, add fresh flowers, tamp down until the oil covers them and leave in the sun again for a couple of weeks. Do this 5 times. As a result, the oil should become viscous and thick. Apply this substance to the white spots, allowing the cream to absorb. And after 0.5 hours, the excess can be washed off.

The oil according to the classic recipe helps with ulcers, stomatitis, bedsores, wounds and even large burns.

And the Ancient Romans rushed into the forests at midnight to trample St. John's wort with their left feet. They believed that a white horse would appear, capable of rushing them off to an enchanting land for the whole night and endowing them with the most incredible abilities (also for one night). Maybe that’s why the barbarians destroyed them - the Romans, who believed in white horses, could not adequately assess the danger...

Well, they have had this for a long time, but in our country St. John's wort was used to protect the house and sleep of babies from all evil spirits. And, surprisingly, witches and ghosts did not visit such houses. But the point here is not the grass, but the fact that ghosts do not exist, and witches were burned at the stake in time...

Herbaceous plants have been used in medicine and cosmetology for a long time. They contain essential oils, anticoagulants and other substances beneficial to the human body. One of these herbs is St. John's wort. The plant is found in all regions of Russia.

What is St. John's wort

The perennial grows near the edges of coniferous forests, in sunny meadows, along the edges of fields and along roads. Botanists have identified 560 species and 9 genera of St. John's wort. The plant belongs to the dillenid subclass, tea order, St. John's wort family. On the territory of Russia, St. John's wort (common), tetrahedral, and calyx are often found. Peculiarities:

• The leaves are simple, arranged oppositely, with dark or transparent dots.
• The flowers are actinomorphic, solitary or collected in pyramidal, corymbose inflorescences.
• Raw materials are collected from June to August. The plant is cut to 30–35 cm, tied into bunches and dried indoors or under a canopy. Raw materials should not be exposed to sunlight. After the leaves and flowers have dried, they are crushed and stored in a glass jar. You can store raw materials in bags made of linen, cotton or other natural dense fabric. Shelf life – 2 years.

The benefits and harms of St. John's wort

The plant belongs to the class of low toxicity, so it is used to treat adults and children. Benefits of St. John's wort:

• helps get rid of hypertension;
• is a natural aphrodisiac;
• restores nerve fibers;
• normalizes melatonin production;
• reduces inflammation.

Any medicine is beneficial to health only in certain proportions. If they are exceeded, serious side effects will occur. Harm of St. John's wort:

• greatly increases blood pressure;
• in high concentrations causes emotional lability or increased excitability;
• accelerates the removal of useful substances from the body;
• if the cyclic intake is not observed, it disrupts the functioning of the hormonal system.

Medicinal properties

The substances that make up the plant have a beneficial effect on human health. Medicinal properties of St. John's wort:

Chemical composition

The plant contains vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, flavone compounds. Chemical composition of the herb:

• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• myrcene;
• retinol;
• tocopherol;
• nicotinic and ascorbic acids;
• cineole;
• alkaloids;
• geraniol;
• pinenes;
• carotene;
• phytoncides;
• routine;
• saponins;
• hyperoside;
• coumarin;
• quercetin, isoquercetin;
• azulene;
• hypericin.

What does St. John's wort help with?

The plant is suitable for the treatment of many diseases. St. John's wort helps with the following conditions:

• severe pain syndrome;
• inflammation of external tissues and internal organs (pustular diseases, sinusitis, infections of the genitourinary system, abscess, hemorrhoids);
• insomnia, migraines, anxiety;
• excessive oily skin;
• inflammation of the gallbladder, gastrointestinal problems caused by viruses and chronic diseases.

Medicinal use

The plant is used in traditional and folk medicine, allopathy. St. John's wort is used to treat:

• inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity (tonsillitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis);
• depression, insomnia, psychosis;
• acute and chronic diseases of the digestive tract and intestines (bloating, gastritis, hepatitis, diarrhea, heartburn);
• diseases of the spine and joints (rheumatism, arthritis).

The dosage depends on the disease. Women consume up to 400 mg of dry product daily. For men, the dosage increases to 600–800 mg. St. John's wort is given to children from 12 years of age after consultation with a doctor. If the child is younger, then this herb is not prescribed. Children are given no more than 150 mg of dry product daily.

In traditional medicine

The beneficial properties of St. John's wort are used in pharmacology. Antidepressants and sedatives are produced from this plant. In allopathy, the herb is used to strengthen the immune system and normalize heart function. Examples of medicines:

• Life 900.
• Gelarium Hypericum.
• Neuroplant.
• Devaccinated.
• Negrustin.
• Novoimanin.

The use of St. John's wort in folk medicine

The herb is used in the form of decoctions, lotions, external mixtures, tinctures, and ointments. A mixture of several medicinal herbs (mint, chamomile, elderberry, etc.) will give a greater effect. Healers treat with St. John's wort:

• gastritis;
• inflammation of the gallbladder;
• cholelithiasis;
• different types of arrhythmias;
• alcoholism.

In cosmetology

The plant tones the skin cells. St. John's wort for skin is used for the following problems:

• Acne. For acne, it is useful to treat your face with St. John's wort lotion or herbal decoction daily. After 7-10 days, pimples and blackheads will disappear.
• Dandruff and baldness. One third of a glass of infusion is consumed 10 minutes before meals, 2 times a day. The same product is used to rinse hair.
• Peeling of the skin. An infusion is used to soften the skin. It is applied every 2 days to flaky areas.
• Withering skin, wrinkles. Red or pink clay is diluted with the infusion of the plant to the consistency of sour cream. The resulting mask is applied to the face for 15–20 minutes. The product copes with shallow expression wrinkles and tones the skin.

Folk recipes

Healers prepare various preparations based on St. John's wort. Traditional recipes:

• St. John's wort tea. Place 1 teaspoon of herb in a teapot and pour 250 ml of boiling water. If desired, add honey, linden flowers, a handful of strawberries or raspberries. The resulting tea is used to restore immunity and treat incipient colds.
• Decoction of the plant. Place 1.5 tablespoons of dry herb in an enamel pan and then pour in a glass of hot water. The container with the brewed plant is heated for 20–30 minutes in a water bath. The broth cannot be brought to a boil, otherwise some of the beneficial substances will be destroyed. The product is used immediately.
• Infusion. 2 tablespoons of dried or fresh herbs are poured with a glass of boiling water. The liquid is infused for 3–4 hours in a dark place, and then consumed 15–20 ml 3 times a day.
• St. John's wort tincture (extract). The herb is infused with vodka or alcohol in a ratio of 1 to 10 or 1 to 7. The product is infused for 3 days in a dark place. The alcohol tincture is diluted with 50 ml of water before use.
• St. John's wort oil. The flowers of the plant are infused with olive, peach, almond or jojoba oil in a ratio of 1 to 2 for 3 weeks. The finished product is used for compresses.

Treatment of diseases with St. John's wort

In the right proportions, St. John's wort will cope with microbes, strengthen the immune system, and relieve inflammation. The herb is used to treat:

• colds;
• gynecological diseases;
• impotence;
• vitiligo;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT);
• genitourinary system.

For gargling

The plant has a pronounced antimicrobial effect, effective against streptococci, staphylococci and other microorganisms. To eliminate pain or bad breath, use a decoction or infusion of the herb. In case of illness, rinsing is repeated 3 to 10 times a day. The product should not be swallowed. If you have bad breath, use the infusion after brushing your teeth.

For a cold

For cough and fever, doctors recommend using an infusion of water. To prepare it, pour 2 tablespoons of dried crushed herbs with a glass of boiling water and let it brew. When the liquid has cooled, it is filtered and taken 3-4 times a day. Duration of treatment – ​​1 week. The infusion is suitable for rinsing the sinuses for sinusitis.

St. John's wort for impotence

A decoction of the plant is taken 1–1.5 hours before sexual intercourse. To improve the effect, mint or honey is added to it. Traditional healers believe that St. John's wort and potency in men are strongly connected. If you constantly use products with this plant, the natural production of testosterone will decrease.

For vitiligo

With this disease, some areas of the skin lose pigmentation. In some patients, parts of the body become completely white. Vitiligo is treated with ointment and infusion based on St. John's wort:

• For the ointment, fresh flowers of the plant are collected, compacted tightly into a glass jar, and then filled with cold-pressed oil. The mixture is left in the sun for 2 weeks, and then the procedure is repeated again 5 times. White spots are treated with the finished thick ointment.
• The infusion is taken 3 times a day for 8 weeks.

St. John's wort in gynecology

After cauterization of cervical erosion, the damaged mucous membrane needs additional care. Douching with St. John's wort is carried out 2-3 times a day for 7-10 days. For procedures, use an infusion at room temperature. Another remedy is cotton-gauze swabs with St. John's wort oil. They are administered for 2–3 hours during the day or overnight.

St. John's wort will help with oncology. For the treatment of cancer of the uterus and appendages, the following mixture is prepared:

1. Steam 200 g of garlic and grind until mushy.
2. Add 200 g of chopped hazel kernels and 300 g of ground walnut kernels to the garlic. The mixture is thoroughly mixed.
3. Add 25 g of licorice root, 25 g of St. John's wort flowers, 25 g of powdered ginger, 50 g of ground dill to the mixture. All ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
4. The resulting homogeneous mass is added to 1 kg of honey. Mix thoroughly.
5. Use the finished product 1 tablespoon 2-3 times a day after meals.

During menopause

Many women experience hot flashes during menopause. To get rid of them, it is recommended to make herbal tea. To do this you will need:

• St. John's wort – 25g;
• lemon balm leaves – 15g;
• cuff leaves – 15g;
• yarrow flowers – 15g;
• hawthorn leaves and flowers – 5g;
• elderberry flowers – 5g;
• cornflower flowers -3g;
• calendula flowers – 2g.

1 tablespoon of the mixture is poured with 1 liter of boiling water. Drink herbal tea 2 – 3 times a day before meals. For depression, traditional healers recommend using alcohol tincture. The product is taken before meals, 20 drops 3-4 times a day.

St. John's wort as a sedative

Hypericin is a red substance widely used in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. This compound, along with hyperforin, is found in St. John's wort. Sedatives containing this herb were first released in 1998 in Germany. At home, prepare the tincture according to the recipe above. The course of treatment is 1 month. The tincture is taken 10–12 drops 3 times a day before meals.

For stomach diseases

St. John's wort helps well against gastritis, diarrhea, cholecystitis, provided it is taken regularly. Features of the treatment of stomach diseases:

• In case of exacerbation of gastritis, the infusion will help. Drink 15 ml before each meal.
• Diarrhea is treated with a mixture of St. John's wort, mint, thyme, linden, and rose hips. The listed herbs are mixed together in equal proportions. Brew 2 tablespoons of the resulting mixture with 500 ml of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, and then filter. Drink at least 200 ml of decoction daily.
• For cholecystitis, the benefits of St. John's wort tea are immediately noticeable. The drug is an antispasmodic and choleretic agent. Drink it on an empty stomach 3 times a day.
• For chronic liver diseases, use the infusion 3 times a day, 125 ml. The course of therapy is 1.5 months. It is repeated 2 times a year. The plant accelerates the regeneration of liver cells, improves vascular blood flow, and relieves spasms.

St. John's wort for liver and kidneys

For cholelithiasis and urolithiasis, use St. John's wort infusion. The concentration of medicinal substances here is lower, but in this form St. John's wort is more useful against stones. The infusion is consumed 100 ml 3 times a day for a month. The product stimulates the healing of damaged diuretic and choleretic channels.

Treatment of cystitis

A tablespoon of St. John's wort is poured into a glass of boiling water, covered with a towel, and left for 20 minutes. The resulting broth is filtered and taken 1/4 cup 3 times a day. Use the product until the symptoms of the disease disappear completely.

Contraindications and side effects

The healing properties of St. John's wort are not always apparent. People suffering from hay fever should use the herb with caution. Such patients are first given a sensitivity test. If there is no reaction after contact with a small amount of the plant, treatment can be continued. Contraindications:

• Photosensitivity (sensitivity to ultraviolet light). The plant increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight.
• St. John's wort should not be consumed while breastfeeding or during pregnancy. The grass makes milk bitter and contains substances that can negatively affect the development of the baby. External agents are allowed to be used during gestation and lactation.
• Hypertension. Weed greatly increases blood pressure.
• Recovery period after transplantation. Substances from the herb provoke rejection of transplanted tissues and organs.
• Taking contraceptives. The effectiveness of contraceptives decreases.
• Taking antidepressants. It is especially dangerous to combine St. John's wort tablets in patients with manic syndrome. The plant causes an exacerbation of this disease.
• Taking Indinavir, anticoagulants, heart medications. The herb reduces the blood levels of the listed drugs by almost 2 times. This is due to the fact that when using St. John's wort, the liver and kidneys are stimulated, i.e., almost all medications are eliminated from the body faster.

Side effects:

• loss of coordination;
• dizziness;
• nausea, vomiting;
• sudden mood swings;
• decreased iron levels in the blood;
• confusion;
• increased sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation;
• constipation, diarrhea, flatulence.

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