Herb St. John's wort indications and contraindications. The healing properties of St. John's wort and its active substances

The medicinal properties of St. John's wort have been known for a long time and have been confirmed by many studies. Extracts and infusions from the plant have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, have a diuretic effect, and help with women's ailments. Herbal preparations have a sedative effect, so they are often used in the treatment of depression.

St. John's wort grows wild in Europe, western Asia, North America and Africa. Also found in Australia. In Russia it grows in sands, swamps, dry meadows, and among thickets.

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Characteristic

St. John's wort is a member of the St. John's wort family, and its botanical name is Hypericum Perforatum, which comes from the Greek word meaning "perforated." The leaves of the plant have translucent dots in the form of holes. These dots are containers of essential oil that give the herb a delicate, soft aroma.

About the plant:

1. 1. Low perennial subshrub.
2. 2. The stem reaches about 100 cm in height, straight, hard, branched above, tree-like below.
3. 3. Small leaves are arranged crosswise, as described, elliptical or lanceolate in shape, green in color. They are lighter underneath and have characteristic dots that resemble holes.
4. 4. Inflorescences are yellow, collected at the apex into a racemose-corymbose thyrsus. The flowers are regular in shape, up to 3 cm in diameter, with a double five-membered perianth. Flowering lasts 25-30 days in June-August.
5. 5. The fruit is a pouch, opening with three valves, filled with many small dark brown seeds.

St. John's wort has several varieties, all of which are considered medicinal. In Europe there are 44 species of St. John's wort, while in Russia the most popular are St. John's wort (perforated) and tetrahedral.



Collection and drying

For medicinal purposes, flowering young shoots are used, which should be collected from June to mid-July, and then in mid-August, when the cut plants grow back and bloom again. The collected herbs can be dried in a ventilated, shady place. The raw materials are laid out in a thin layer on white paper or canvas. The grass can also be dried in dryers at a temperature of no more than 30 °C. When it dries, it crumbles into pieces, which are stored in paper bags.

Properly collected and dried raw materials should retain the natural color of green stems and leaves and yellow flowers, and should not contain woody stems and shoots. Dried St. John's wort can be stored for 3 years.



Compound

The main component responsible for the healing properties of St. John's wort is hypericin. Other compounds found in the herb include:

• flavonoid glycosides: rutin, hyperoside, isocercitrin, kaempferol, quercetin;
• tannins (7-16%);
• vitamins A and C;
• hypercin, protohypericin;
• essential oil up to 1%: aliphatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, pinene;
• acids: nicotinic, tannic;
• resins;
• phytosterols;
• choline;
• pectin.

If you rub a St. John's wort flower between your fingers, it releases a red dye - hypericin.



Therapeutic effect

The beneficial properties of St. John's wort are used in the treatment of all body systems:

Possible side effects and contraindications

Side effects and interactions with other drugs:

1. 1. St. John's wort may interact with other medications and reduce their effect. This applies to drugs used for HIV infection, as well as combined oral contraceptives.
2. 2. St. John's wort should not be used simultaneously with serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Fluoxetine, Imipramine. The herb, when interacting with drugs from this group, can cause the so-called serotonin syndrome. It manifests itself as anxiety, muscle pain and headaches, sweating, chills, acute poisoning, and convulsions.
3. 3. St. John's wort reduces the effect of the antiviral drugs Saquinavir, Indinavir, as well as drugs that dilate the bronchi - Theophylline, Digoxin, Amitriptyline, Cyclosporine.
4. 4. Concomitant use of St. John's wort with Piroxicam may lead to photosensitivity.
5. 5. The plant enhances the effect of barbiturates - anticonvulsants and tranquilizers, and increases the occurrence of side effects of these drugs.
6. 6. The simultaneous use of St. John's wort with anticoagulant drugs Vaferin, Acenocoumarol leads to a decrease in the therapeutic effect of these drugs.

Contraindications:

1. 1. Hypericin undergoes photochemical reactions, so after using preparations containing St. John's wort, you should avoid the sun and going to the solarium. The herb is not recommended for people with fair skin or skin changes.
2. 2. People with hypersensitivity to the components of the herb, severe liver and kidney dysfunction, or high fever should not take the plant.
3. 3. St. John's wort is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. Should not be used in the treatment of children under 7 years of age.

St. John's wort can interact with tyramine - this is a so-called vasoactive amine, that is, it has an effect on the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels. The herb increases levels in the body, which causes tachycardia (fast heartbeat), severe headaches, or may worsen coronary artery disease. Tyramine is found in red wine, beer, herring, cheese (especially long-ripening cheese) and yeast. Therefore, when using medications from St. John's wort, you should avoid the products listed above.

Due to the large list of contraindications and side effects, St. John's wort preparations should be taken only after consultation with your doctor.

Medicines and prescriptions

St. John's wort can be bought in pharmacies without a prescription; the medicine comes with instructions for use, which indicate the rules and dosages for taking the herb for various diseases. Most often, ready-made preparations containing 500 mg of St. John's wort extract are used. Sometimes the permissible dose is 900 mg. This corresponds to 5.4 g of grass. Ready-made preparations are also used on the field to make tea.

In traditional medicine, St. John's wort is used in various mixtures with other herbs. The plant in combination with strawberry, raspberry and mint leaves stimulates metabolism. And when consumed with valerian root and hop cones, it is useful in relieving the symptoms of menopause. The harmful effects of St. John's wort are neutralized by mint and thyme.

Recipes:

• Herbal decoction. Take 1.5 tbsp. l.dried herbs and 2 glasses of water. The raw materials should be filled with water and cooked over low heat for 5 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes, strain and pour into a thermos. Drink 1/3 - ½ glass 3 times a day before meals as a diuretic.
• Herbal infusion. You will need 1 tbsp. l. herbs and a glass of water. The crushed raw materials should be poured with a glass of water and left under the lid for 15 minutes. Drink 2-3 times a day before or after meals as a sedative. Can be used before meals for digestive disorders as a stimulant of the secretion of gastric juices, as a choleretic agent. An infusion taken after meals works as an antibacterial, sedative and tonic. As a natural sedative, it is recommended to use 2-4 times a day for at least 6 weeks. The infusion can also be used externally as a gargle for the mouth and throat, preparing compresses for damaged epidermis, for burns and difficult-to-heal wounds.
• Aqueous extract. You need to take 0.5 liters of water and 2 tbsp. l. St. John's wort herb. Add St. John's wort to cold water and leave for 6-8 hours. After this time, drain the water and bring it to a boil. Drink warm liquid.
• Infusion with the addition of mint. Need 1 tbsp. l. St. John's wort herb and the same amount of mint, a glass of boiling water. Pour boiling water over the herbs and leave covered for 30 minutes. Strain. Drink a glass 2 times a day for poor urine output, cholelithiasis, varicose veins of the legs, increased permeability and fragility of blood vessels.
• Tincture of St. John's wort herb. For it you will need 100 g of St. John's wort herb or 50 g of flowers, 500 g of alcohol, 100 g of honey. Pour alcohol over the grass (or flowers) and leave for two weeks. Then strain and squeeze through cheesecloth. Add honey and let stand for at least 3 months to allow the infusion to mature. Apply internally 2 times a day, 1 tsp. half a glass of water for diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract and bladder. Externally, the tincture is used for rubbing for joint pain. St. John's wort tincture reduces symptoms of mild depression. Helps with mild insomnia and migraines. Soothes anxiety and pain associated with menopause. It has a choleretic, anti-inflammatory and disinfectant effect, stimulates digestion. Can be used externally for wounds and gargling. Useful for colds. Apply internally 50 drops 3 times a day, for gargling 40 drops dissolved in a glass of warm water.
• St. John's wort oil. You need to take 500 ml of olive oil and 50 g of St. John's wort flowers. Place the raw materials in a glass jar and add olive oil. Keep away from light, stirring regularly. Soak for 2 months, then strain using cheesecloth. To keep the oil longer, add 5% lavender essential oil. St. John's wort oil is used externally for rheumatic diseases, sunburn, and as a remedy to soothe pain from sprained joints. It treats bruises and herpes.
• You can prepare butter in another way. Fresh St. John's wort flowers should be moistened with alcohol and then poured with warm vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio (oil for fresh raw materials). The extract can be strained after 3-4 weeks. The prepared oil relieves acne symptoms. Other indications for its use are fatigue in infectious diseases. The product can be taken 1-2 tsp. in a day. Treatment can be stopped after 2-3 weeks.
• Tea against hypertension. Take 1 tsp. lemon balm, milk thistle seeds, fenugreek herb and 2 tsp St. John's wort herb. Mix all the herbs and add 2 cups of hot water. Cook covered for 15 minutes. The infusion can be sweetened with 1 tsp. honey Dosage: 2-3 cups per day.

There is also a recipe for tea for digestive disorders. 2 tbsp. l. Add dried herbs to a cup of hot water and cook covered for 10 minutes. ½ part of the tea should be drunk 2-3 times a day before meals. It has a beneficial effect on bile secretion and can be used for numerous diseases (bloating, indigestion, tingling in the right side).

This is a perennial herb from the St. John's wort family. Folk tradition knows the plant as: St. John's wort, bloodworm, Svetojanskoe potion, hare's blood. The Latin generic name for St. John's wort is Hypericum- has several interpretations. One version of the origin of the word is that St. John's wort was credited with the magical property of resisting unclean forces, evil spirits, and explains the name as a fusion of two meanings: hyper(“above”) and eikon(“image”, “ghost”). " St. John's wort", in turn, is or distorted " jerembai", What means " wound healer"(as the medicinal herb was called by nomadic peoples) or is associated with the fact that certain substances in St. John's wort, when eaten by livestock during grazing, increased the sensitivity of animals to sunlight and provoked self-harm in them when trying to comb the affected areas.

Botanists know 458 species representing the genus St. John's wort, the most studied and widespread of which are the following:

1. 1 St. John's wort or St. John's wort– grows throughout Eurasia, in northern Africa, on the islands (Azores, Canary Islands), the plant has taken root in New Zealand, on the Japanese islands, in North America, Australia. One of the oldest and most popular medicinal plants, a productive honey plant. Used in the food and liquor industries and as a natural dye;
2. 2 St. John's wort– found in Asia, Africa, European countries. Used to create hedges, in combination with other plants. Common in landscaping;
3. 3 St. John's wort calyx– grows in Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria. Successfully adapted to cultivation on the Australian mainland and New Zealand. In European countries it is cultivated as an ornamental plant in the park and garden culture system;
4. 4 St. John's wort Kamchatka– distributed in Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin. Also found on the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. Has decorative value. The species has found application in the cooking of local peoples: the herb of the plant is used to make tea, the young shoots are eaten;
5. 5 St. John's wort– found in the southern European region, in Tunisia, Cyprus and Malta, in Turkey, in the north of the Sinai Peninsula, in Israel and Jordan. The plant is popular in Eastern medicine;
6. 6 St. John's wort drawn– the species’ habitat covers China, Mongolia, Korea, and the Asian region of Russia. The species has medicinal properties; the herb contains anthrachion, hypericin and tannins. Traditional healers use the plant in the treatment of headaches, dizziness, bleeding, neuralgic lesions, eclampsia, mastitis, and attacks of rheumatism;
7. 7 St. John's wort spotted– the species represents the flora of Europe and belongs to medicinal plants;
8. 8 St. John's wort– found in Europe and the Caucasus. It is protected in Lithuania and is listed in the Red Book in Belarus. The flowers of the plant are used to prepare medicinal raw materials;
9. 9 St. John's wort– grows in Greece, Turkey, Syria, and the Balkans. Grown as an ornamental crop;
10. 10 St. John's wort elongated– a plant with powerful medicinal potential, widely used in folk medicinal practice. Source of coloring matter in industry. Grows in northern Africa, Central Asia, Crimea, the Greek islands and Spain;
11. 11 St. John's wort– endemic to the Arabian region and the Mediterranean. In Israel, the species is listed in the Red Book. Has long been used by folk healers of the Middle East;
12. 12 St. John's wort– grows in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Altai. Medicinal plant and natural dye.

St. John's wort (common) is a perennial plant, a herb with a height of 0.3 to 1 m. The rhizome is poorly developed and slightly branched. The stems, which grow annually, are dihedral, spreading upward into numerous branches. The leaf arrangement is opposite, the leaves are sessile, smooth, oval or elongated, covered with many translucent spots - “holes”. The flowers are bright, rich yellow, collected in corymbose panicles. Flowering period is summer. The fruit is a capsule with small brown seeds that begins to ripen in early autumn.

St. John's wort grows along field roads, in thickets and thickets, in clearings, in forest belts, on slopes, and meadows.

Growing conditions

Well-lit areas are suitable for planting. Before sowing, the soil is cleared of weeds and plowed, enriched with mineral and organic fertilizers (which makes it possible to increase the yield by an additional 20-30%). Peat compost and nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are recommended as top dressing.

Sowing on the eve of the winter period is carried out without preliminary stratification, maintaining a distance between rows of 0.45 m and at the rate of 30-40 g of seed material per 100 m2 of area. If St. John's wort is sown in the spring, the seeds are stratified by mixing with sand and keeping at low temperatures for at least 60 days. After the emergence of seedlings, it is necessary to weed and loosen the rows. These procedures are repeated 3 or 4 more times during the summer, in the first year of plant cultivation. In subsequent years, the area is cleared of dead stems and the soil is plowed using a rake.

St. John's wort herb is harvested at the flowering stage, before the unripe fruits appear. The grass is mowed or cut with sickles, separating the apical parts of the plant at a height of 0.3 m. Bare leafless parts cannot be collected. 30-45 days after the first mowing, the growing season is completely repeated and flowering begins again. The plant is mowed again. The yield of crops in the third year is significantly higher than that of plantations in the second year. The herb is dried in well-ventilated areas (or outdoors, provided there is no precipitation and in a shaded place), scattered in a thin layer and mixed systematically. St. John's wort can also be dried in bunches suspended in the shade. The readiness of the raw material is determined by the degree of fragility of the stems. Properly dried material has a weak but distinct balsamic aroma. Allowed storage period is up to 3 years.

During collection, insufficiently experienced herbalists confuse St. John's wort with gorse, a member of the legume family. This is a low shrub plant, leaves are linear or lanceolate, stems are bare or sparsely pubescent, yellow irregular flowers of the moth type are collected in long racemose inflorescences. The fruits are elongated beans with a slightly curved shape.

Power circuit

Bumblebees and bees collect pollen from St. John's wort flowers. Hover flies and beetles feed on St. John's wort pollen. The bright flowers of the plant also attract wasps and butterflies, whose goal is nectar, but St. John's wort flowers practically do not produce nectar. Caterpillars of butterfly species Strymon melinus feed on St. John's wort seeds, and caterpillars of butterflies of the species Nedra ramosula– foliage.

Useful properties of St. John's wort

Chemical composition and presence of nutrients

What exactly is used and in what form

The herb St. John's wort serves as the basis for the preparation of tinctures, decoctions, infusions, extracts prescribed both for internal use and externally. St. John's wort is included in a variety of herbal preparations. Tea with St. John's wort is useful. The herb of the plant is also a source of imanin and a component of many ointments. St. John's wort is popular in homeopathy. St. John's wort oil is successfully used in the treatment of burns and wounds in the form of oil compresses.

Medicinal properties of St. John's wort

The herb St. John's wort (common) contains flavonoids (hyperoside, rutin, quercetin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin), volatile oils, which contain terpenes, sesquiterpenes (azulene), naphthodianthrones (hypericin, pseudohypericin, hyperin or hypericin, close to hematoporphyrin, sensitive to sunlight light; it is a kind of catalyst for certain intracellular reactions, a regulator of vital processes, affects biochemical processes in organs affected by malignant tumors, increases the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet rays), isovaleric acid esters (have a calming effect), tannins, bacteriostatic resinous substances, ceryl alcohol, nicotinic acid, antibiotic, carotene and ascorbic acid.

St. John's wort is used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system. Preparations from St. John's wort reduce intestinal spasms, dilate blood vessels, improve the functioning of the gastric glands, stimulate blood circulation, relieve inflammation in the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, act as an astringent and bacteriostatic, and relieve spasms in the bile ducts.

St. John's wort is effective for biliary dyskinesia, bile stagnation, hepatitis, cholecystitis, and is prescribed in the initial stages of cholelithiasis, hypoacid gastritis (gastritis with low acidity), flatulence, acute and chronic colitis, intestinal disorders and hemorrhoids. At the initial stage of kidney stones, St. John's wort is used as a diuretic and is prescribed when the filtration capacity of the kidneys is reduced. St. John's wort tincture is used for helminthic infestations (enterobiasis, hymenolepiasis). Plant-based preparations strengthen capillaries and improve venous circulation. It is advisable to prescribe St. John's wort for disorders of peripheral circulation, with a tendency to stagnation in the bloodstream. The photosensitizing properties of the plant and the presence of hypericin among its components are used in the treatment of diseases such as vitiligo. St. John's wort is prescribed for disorders of the nervous system, enuresis in children, migraines and neurodystonia. The external use of St. John's wort is explained by its astringent, bacteriostatic and anti-inflammatory properties. St. John's wort oil is effective for burns, gingivitis, facial pityriasis, leg ulcers and wound healing. In dentistry, tincture or infusion of the herbal part of St. John's wort is used for rinsing the mouth, for the treatment of inflamed gums, and for stomatitis. St. John's wort in gynecology is used in the form of a herbal infusion for douching for inflammation of the vagina, and St. John's wort oil has a positive effect in the treatment of cervical erosion.

Traditional medicine also uses St. John's wort in the treatment of polyarthritis, sciatica, gout, pulmonary tuberculosis, mastopathy, and boils.

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

• St. John's wort herb;
• St. John's wort tincture;
• imanin, an antibacterial drug in powder form. A one percent solution of imanin is used to treat infected wounds, skin cracks, burns, mastitis, boils, phlegmon, acute rhinitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, purulent otitis. Imanin does not affect fungal infections;
• novoimanin, one percent alcohol antibiotic solution. Use a 0.1% solution in distilled water, isotonic sodium chloride solution, 0.25% anesthesin solution or 10% glucose solution for dental diseases, for inhalation - for abscess pneumonia, pneumothorax; for purulent otitis and sinusitis, use a 0.01-0.1% solution in distilled water. Prepare the solution immediately before the procedure;
• peflavite, prescribed for capillary toxicosis, acute glomerulonephritis, atherosclerosis.

Use of St. John's wort in folk medicine

• For hypoacid gastritis (low acidity), as well as to increase the flow of bile and diuresis, St. John's wort is used as a steam: a tablespoon of chopped herb is poured into 200 ml of boiling water and allowed to brew for 10 minutes. Drink 100 ml in small sips 1-2 times a day after meals.
• St. John's wort tea is useful for intestinal disorders: infuse a tablespoon of St. John's wort flowers and leaves in a glass of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink 2 glasses after meals throughout the day. The course of treatment is long. Increasing the dose to 3-4 glasses per day is prescribed for chronic diarrhea.
• For liver diseases (with accompanying constipation), a tablespoon of a mixture of St. John's wort, cumin and buckthorn bark in a ratio of 2:3:2 is poured into 200 ml of water, boiled for about 10 minutes and drunk at least 5 glasses per day.
• For lower back pain and general weakness caused by heavy physical labor, a recipe is recommended: 2 tablespoons of St. John's wort flowers are ground with 4 tablespoons of softened fresh cow butter, salt to taste and one tablespoon of this mixture is stirred in 2 glasses of beer. Drink the medicine throughout the day.
• For mental stress, nervous exhaustion, and sleep disorders, a remedy is useful: prepare a steam from 200 ml of boiling water and one tablespoon of a mixture of St. John's wort, common yarrow and angelica officinalis root, which is drunk 30 minutes before bedtime. St. John's wort in this mixture strengthens and regenerates nerves, treats insomnia and neuroses. This is an excellent medicine for mental fatigue and functional exhaustion of the nervous system.
• St. John's wort helps with worms: prepare an infusion at the rate of 15 g of St. John's wort per 100 ml of boiling water. Take 90-150 ml three times daily for 3 days (children from one to seven years old), on the last day of administration they give a laxative salt, and this treatment is carried out in a cycle, in three stages, with intervals of 10 days.

Externally:

• St. John's wort oil is used to heal wounds from frostbite of the 2nd and 3rd degrees, for burns, and to lubricate cracked nipples.
• St. John's wort oil is used to make a balm that heals abrasions, cuts and is useful for pain in muscles and joints. To prepare the product you need: half a cup of St. John's wort oil extract, half a cup of ginger oil extract, 30 g of beeswax, a tablespoon of rosehip seed oil and an oil solution of vitamin E, 20 drops of lavender and ginger essential oils. Mix oil extracts of St. John's wort and ginger, add beeswax. Heat the mixture of herbal oils and wax in a water bath until it is completely dissolved. Add vitamin E, rosehip seed oil, lavender and ginger essential oils to a homogeneous, heated mass. Stir quickly and thoroughly and pour the finished balm into jars until the wax begins to harden. Store the balm tightly closed, in a dry, dark and cool place. The shelf life of such a drug is from 2 to 3 years.
• To treat purulent wounds and rinse the mouth to strengthen the gums, steam is used: a handful of St. John's wort flowers are steamed in 0.5 liters of boiling water. A clean, disinfected cloth is soaked in cooled steam and applied to the wounds.
• St. John's wort for vitiligo: the affected areas are smeared with the juice of fresh St. John's wort and after a quarter of an hour, exposed to the sun's rays. The duration of the first insolation is no more than 30 minutes. During the period of such treatment, 30-50 drops of freshly squeezed St. John's wort juice (from leaves and flowers) are also taken orally 2-3 times a day, washed down with water. It is necessary to stay in the sun for short sessions with breaks. The course of such treatment for vitiligo is about 60 days, with a break of 3 days after every 3 weeks.

Use of St. John's wort in Eastern medicine

Avicenna recommended St. John's wort as an excellent remedy for healing wounds of various origins; practiced it as an analgesic for inflammation of the sciatic nerve, a diuretic, and used it in the treatment of malignant ulcers.

In the recipes of traditional healers of Uzbekistan, St. John's wort is used as a specific remedy in the treatment of cancer of the liver and stomach.

The herb St. John's wort has long been used in Chinese traditional medicine.

St. John's wort in scientific research

One of the pioneers in herbal science, the British Nicholas Culpeper, a botanist and pharmacist, characterized St. John's wort as a “sunny”, “fiery” plant.

In his famous herbal book (The Complete Herbal, 1653), Culpeper wrote: St. John's wort is “an efficacious plant used in the treatment of wounds. Drinking a decoction of wine heals internal bruises and pain. St. John's wort ointment treats blisters on the skin, promotes the resorption of tumors, tightens the edges of wounds and heals them. A decoction of herbs, flowers and seeds of St. John's wort in wine helps with vomiting, hemoptysis, treats those who have been bitten or stung by any poisonous creature, and has a diuretic property. Powder from St. John's wort seeds, dissolved in a small amount of broth, disperses bile... A warm decoction of leaves and seeds, taken on the eve of an attack of malaria, alleviates the course of the disease. St. John's wort seeds are recommended... for patients with epilepsy, paralysis and those who suffer from pain in the sacrum."

Modern research into the medicinal properties of St. John's wort is thorough and continuously expands the system of knowledge about medicinal herbs.

The importance of St. John's wort in medicine and its medicinal potential were studied by K. M. Klemov, E. Bartlow, J. Crawford and others.

The interaction of St. John's wort with certain medications and the possible negative consequences of their simultaneous use is the topic of scientific research by S. Soleimani, R. Bahramsoltani, R. Raimi.

A. Oliveira, C. Pinho, B. Sarmento and A. Diaz provided the results of an analysis of the neuroprotective effects of St. John's wort and its individual components.

The large-scale scientific work of P. Bongiorno and P. Lo Guidice is aimed at studying the effect of drugs based on St. John's wort in the treatment of depressive conditions.

The study of the neurotropic activity of modern dosage forms made from herbal raw materials St. John's wort is the topic of scientific work by V. Kurkin, A. Dubishchev, O. Pravdivtseva and L. Zimina.

The specifics of the extraction of the perforated active substance hypericin from the herb St. John's wort are highlighted in the study by Rudometova N., Nikiforova T., Kim I.

St. John's wort in cooking

The herb and flowers of St. John's wort, dried and fresh, are used as a seasoning for dishes (especially fish), for the preparation of various drinks, as a spice that gives food a slightly bitter, tart and balsamic note.

Beetroot and St. John's wort salad

To prepare the salad you will need: 4 small well-washed raw beets, 2 apples, juice of one lemon, freshly ground black pepper and coriander seeds, half a cup of finely chopped parsley, half a cup of St. John's wort flowers. Grate the peeled beets and apples. Place in a bowl and season with lemon juice. Grind and add black pepper and coriander. Sprinkle the salad with parsley and St. John's wort flowers.

Potatoes baked with St. John's wort

Ingredients needed: 8 medium-sized potatoes, 4 tablespoons softened butter, sea salt and pepper to taste, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2-4 teaspoons grated nutmeg, 200 ml cream, 200 ml milk, a cup of St. John's wort flowers , disassembled into petals and separated from the sepals.

Peel the potatoes and cut into thin slices. Grease a baking dish with oil, sprinkle with crushed garlic, lay out the potatoes, salt and pepper, sprinkle with grated nutmeg and St. John's wort petals, season the potato slices with the remaining oil. Whisk the milk and cream and pour the mixture over the potatoes. Bake at 180 degrees until the potatoes are cooked and golden brown, about one and a half hours.

Avocado stuffed with St. John's wort

Products you will need: 2 large ripe avocados, lemon juice, canned sardines (one jar), one small onion, thoroughly chopped, a cup of crushed St. John's wort flowers, peeled from sepals, salt and black pepper.

Cut the avocado in half, separate from the pit, carefully remove the pulp from each half and mash with a fork or puree in a blender. Generously sprinkle the pureed mixture with lemon juice, mix with sardines, finely chopped until smooth, finely chopped onion, sea salt, pepper, and St. John's wort flowers. Fill the empty avocado halves with the resulting “minced meat”, sprinkle with lemon juice again and decorate the stuffed avocados with St. John’s wort flowers. Serve on lettuce leaves.

Use in cosmetology

The healing properties of St. John's wort are actively used both to create professional cosmetics for the care of the skin of the face, body, and hair, and in home cosmetics recipes. St. John's wort is included in creams, lotions, masks, shampoos and hair rinses. St. John's wort helps with problematic and oily skin, is used to strengthen hair, and in the comprehensive fight against dandruff. Most skin care cosmetics made from St. John's wort are based on oil, which can be prepared at home.

How to prepare St. John's wort oil? Infuse 20 g of fresh St. John's wort in sunflower oil (200 ml) for two weeks, then strain. St. John's wort oil works great in nourishing hair masks and helps with dry scalp and hair loss.

Other uses

A drug " Novoimanin", created on the basis of St. John's wort, is used in agriculture to combat bacterial diseases affecting vegetable crops. “Novoimanin” is also used when tobacco plantations are affected by the so-called tobacco mosaic virus.

In industry, yellow, brown, golden and red dyes are extracted from the leaves and flowers of St. John's wort (sometimes from the whole plant).

In the Catholic tradition, St. John's wort is called the “herb of John the Baptist,” and according to one legend, the plant grew from drops of the executed saint’s blood that fell to the ground.

There is a belief: if on the night before the day of John the Baptist (June 24) a person hides a sprig of St. John's wort under his pillow, the saint who appeared to him in a dream will thank him with health and prosperity throughout the year.

Dangerous properties of St. John's wort and contraindications

It is important to remember that the combination of St. John's wort with certain medications can cause significant harm to health, since the simultaneous use of St. John's wort and a specific medicine entails disruptions in the absorption of certain medications.

St. John's wort reduces the body's sensitivity to the action of anticoagulants and thereby reduces the effectiveness of taking them. St. John's wort also reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (cases of unplanned pregnancies have been recorded). The simultaneous use of St. John's wort with synthetic antidepressants and a number of other medications is unacceptable.

If there is an individual intolerance to the components of the plant, a person may develop an acute allergic reaction and conditions accompanied by redness, allergic rashes, shortness of breath and swelling.

Long-term use of St. John's wort in excessive doses can cause bitterness in the mouth, constipation, not an improvement, but a decrease in appetite and a feeling of heaviness in the liver area. Patients suffering from hypertension, according to doctors, should take St. John's wort exclusively as part of herbal preparations, that is, in combination with other herbs that balance its effect on the body, since St. John's wort increases blood pressure.

The administration is not responsible for attempting to use any recipe, advice or diet, and also does not guarantee that the information provided will help and will not harm you personally. Be smart and always consult your appropriate physician!

St. John's wort is a medicinal herb that is used in almost all countries of the world. This is a fairly common plant. In English-speaking countries, St. John's wort has an interesting name - herb St. John's wort (St. John's herb). Just from the name alone you can understand that the herb gets rid of all harmful diseases (animals) and brings healing.

St. John's wort is a perennial plant, it belongs to the St. John's wort family. It is quite widespread both in Russia and in Europe. Since ancient times, our ancestors have used St. John's wort to treat many diseases.

What are the reasons for the medicinal properties of this plant? The answer to this question will be given to us by studying its chemical composition. So, St. John's wort contains the following substances:

• flavonoids;
• tannins;
• isovaleric and other organic acids;
• ascorbic and nicotinic acids;
• vitamins PP and P.

The composition of St. John's wort, in fact, determines its antiseptic, antibacterial, diuretic, choleretic and antispasmodic properties; St. John's wort also promotes tissue healing. Its healing properties are recognized not only by folk, but also by scientific medicine. It is used in the manufacture of some medications, such as Gelarium, Deprim, Negrustin. In folk medicine, as a rule, a decoction or tincture of St. John's wort is used.

Useful properties and contraindications

St. John's wort is used in a wide variety of forms:

• decoctions,
• tinctures,
• alcohol extracts,
• oil,
• ointments,
• compresses...

What does the herb treat?

St. John's wort is so popular not only because of its wide distribution, but also because of the incredibly wide range of diseases for which this herb gives a good positive result:

• atherosclerosis;
• diseases of the stomach and intestines;
• liver and gallbladder diseases;
• joint pain;
• varicose veins;
• haemorrhoids;
• headache;
• depression;
• diarrhea;
• oral diseases;
• infectious skin lesions;
• urolithiasis disease;
• nervous disorders;
• burns;
• bedsores;
• cystitis.

But since the herb is quite strong and has a very wide spectrum of action, St. John's wort, of course, also has a number of contraindications.

Contraindications

Any types of medicinal forms containing St. John's wort cannot be taken simultaneously with:

1. antibiotics (with a complex combination of antibiotics and St. John's wort, vision can significantly deteriorate),
2. antidepressants,
3. contraceptive pills (if women use contraception, St. John's wort will reduce the degree of their effect; in men the opposite effect is observed - the movement of sperm slows down),
4. medications that suppress the immune system during organ transplantation.

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

1. children under 12 years old,
2. pregnant and lactating women,
3. suffering from internal bleeding.

There are cases when the use of this medicinal plant can have negative consequences. Thus, it is classified, in particular, as a slightly toxic herb, so its long-term use is strictly prohibited. Long-term use may increase blood pressure due to vasoconstriction; hypertensive patients should use St. John's wort with caution.

Another factor to consider when treating with St. John's wort is increased sensitivity to sunlight. If a person has such increased sensitivity, treatment with St. John's wort should be carried out very carefully and be sure to avoid exposure to the sun during the treatment period.

Application

• For the treatment of vitiligo St. John's wort oil is used. The oil is used both internally and externally. The oil is taken orally, 1 tablespoon 3 times a day for a course of 3 weeks. Then a break of the same duration (3 weeks) is necessarily taken and the course is repeated. oh, take it a tablespoon three times a day for three weeks, then take a break for a week and repeat the course. In severe forms of the disease, to get good results you need to take more than 2 courses. In parallel with oral administration, oil should be lubricated on the affected areas. Or apply gauze bandages soaked in St. John's wort oil for 30 minutes a day.
• For the treatment of dysbiosis. An alcohol tincture of St. John's wort gives a very good result against dysbacteriosis, and especially in the initial stages of the development of this disease. It is used together with tea: several (3-4) tinctures are added to the tea and this tea is taken 2-3 times a day.
• For sore throat It is good to gargle a sore throat with a warm decoction of St. John's wort. The duration of such a procedure is not short - 5-7 days, but the decoction will help consolidate the recovery and will not spread to other organs. Although the decoction is very useful for a sore throat, it is rather an auxiliary treatment.
• For pain in muscles and joints oil is used. St. John's wort oil is used in the form of warm oil applications: the oil is heated, a gauze napkin is blotted with it, and the napkin is applied to the sore spot. The oil wipe should be wrapped in wax paper and wrapped in a cloth to retain heat. Keep this bandage on for about 1 hour.
• For hypertension and varicose veins use a decoction of the herb. It should be taken 1 tablespoon 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. To prevent varicose veins and hypertension, it is useful to regularly drink herbal tea with the addition of St. John's wort. It is most useful to conduct such courses for 1 month each in the fall and spring.
• For depression, nervous disorders and insomnia The most effective will be the use of alcohol tincture. The tincture is taken as well as decoctions 30 minutes before meals. Add 10-15 tinctures into a glass with a small amount of water (50-100 ml). The course lasts 20-30 days.
• For diseases of the spine St. John's wort oil is considered an excellent massage oil. It is used warm as a mono oil for massage or added to a composition for massage for problems with the spine.
• For runny nose and sinusitis An excellent remedy is to rinse the nose and sinuses with an aqueous infusion of St. John's wort. In principle, this is a fairly well-known procedure, only sea water is used. But if you take a water decoction of St. John's wort warmed to room temperature, the effect will be much stronger. How to do a nasal rinse - .
• In case of lack of appetite I drink herbal tea, which includes St. John's wort, in the morning. The minimum course is 7-10 days.
• For headaches An aqueous infusion of St. John's wort should be taken twice a day, 1/4 cup after meals.
• For stomatitis and gingivitis Rinse the mouth with water to which 30-40 drops of alcoholic tincture of St. John's wort are added. For rinsing, 0.5 cups of slightly warm and boiled water is enough.
• For cholecystitis St. John's wort decoction should be taken 1-2 tablespoons 3-4 times a day after meals. The course of treatment is 7-10 days.
• For chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis It is recommended to take 10 drops of tincture three times a day for a month, then drink tea with the addition of St. John's wort twice a day for another three weeks.

How to prepare St. John's wort

Depending on the method of preparation, completely different treatment goals are often achieved.

Preparing the infusion

An aqueous infusion of St. John's wort is prepared by infusing the herb with hot water. For St. John's wort, the proportion is as follows: pour 1 tablespoon of herb with 1 glass of boiling water. Then cover with a lid and it is better to wrap it in a warm towel and leave for 1-2 hours. Before use, the infusion is filtered through a strainer.

Application of infusion:

1. rinse for sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis;
2. washing the sinuses for sinusitis and runny nose;
3. mouth rinse for stomatitis;
4. lotions and compresses for skin diseases;
5. internal use for headaches and colds.

Decoction

The decoction has a higher concentration and is prepared accordingly differently. The decoction is prepared in a water bath. To do this, pour 1 tablespoon of the herb into a container and pour 1 cup of boiling water. Then place this container with herbs in a water bath and boil for about 30 minutes. Before use, of course, you need to judge and strain.

Use of the decoction:

1. taken orally for stomach problems and cholecystitis;
2. gargling for sore throat;
3. St. John's wort decoction for the face - compresses and lotions for problem skin (cleanses the skin perfectly), for excessive oiliness, for acne (narrows pores);
4. St. John's wort decoction for hair - rinsing with the decoction after washing your hair - helps in the fight against dandruff, as well as excessive oiliness of the scalp (the decoction is especially good in combination with sage decoction).

How to make a tincture

It's simple. The tincture is prepared in the same way as other herbal infusions. It can be prepared with alcohol (70%), or with high-quality vodka. It is better with alcohol, since it is believed that the degree of extraction of useful substances is higher.

Take 3 tablespoons of the herb and fill it with alcohol in a volume of 250 ml (you need to take the same amount of vodka). Infuse for 14 days in a dark room at room temperature. Ready-made tincture of St. John's wort is also sold in pharmacies.

Use of alcohol tincture:

1. St. John's wort tincture is used for depression and other nervous disorders;
2. added to water and used for hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver;
3. to treat dysbiosis, it is added to tea;
4. for stomatitis and gingivitis, diluted tincture is used as a rinse;
5. for rubbing or as an alcohol compress for muscle pain.

Preparation of oil

The oil is prepared by infusion. Although it is more likely that it turns out to be an oil infusion of St. John's wort. But it can also be prepared at home. To do this, fresh grass is poured into a glass container and filled with olive oil. The oil should completely cover the herb.

The oil is infused in the light under the influence of direct sunlight in a warm place. Infusion time is 1 month. It is also convenient to make this oil in a French press (a teapot with a press). Then every day you can pump the grass, as it were, with a press. The special thing about this oil is that it magically changes color from yellow-green to red.

on the left is fresh grass, on the right is ready-made St. John's wort oil

Application of oil (very wide range):

1. compresses soaked in oil are used for pain in muscles and joints, and for bedsores;
2. as a massage oil for diseases of the spine;
3. for the treatment of vitiligo;
4. St. John's wort oil for hair - nourishes the scalp and cleanses it of excess fat;
5. St. John's wort oil for skin – for problematic acne-prone skin.

All contraindications for the use of St. John's wort also apply to the oil, especially the body's increased reaction to the sun (be careful when using the oil). It is not recommended to use St. John's wort oil during a holiday at sea or during prolonged exposure to active sun.

At the 3rd minute, it is very well shown how to correctly collect regular St. John's wort (which we wrote about) from non-medicinal St. John's wort.

We will share useful information on how to use St. John's wort, basic collection rules and what diseases and disorders can be cured with its help.

The content of the article:

St. John's wort is a perennial with a wide root system. The size reaches up to 90 cm, the stem is thin and straight. The leaves are oval-shaped, small, elongated. The flower is yellow-golden in color and forms a dense inflorescence. The fruit is a capsule with seeds. Grows in fields, meadows, forests and valleys. Blooms throughout the summer.
St. John's wort treats a lot of diseases: cystitis, colds, nervous and digestive systems, ulcers, coughs, stress. The herb is used not only in medicine, but also in magic for rituals. Young girls squeezed a flower in their hand to find out about the real feelings of their loved one. If the liquid that came out was pink, then the feeling was mutual, and if it was transparent, then the guy was indifferent.

Knowledgeable housewives used St. John's wort as a talisman. Fresh weed was pushed over the threshold of the front door. Our grandmothers also said that when a baby is tormented by bad dreams, he needs to put this herb under his pillow. She will calm the baby and he will enjoy sleep.

Even in ancient times, they said that St. John's wort helps against all ailments. The healing plant is brewed, and a fragrant and healthy tea is obtained. It is drunk for both medicinal and preventive purposes. After all, the flower is rich in carotene, choline, saponin, ascorbic and nicotinic acid, essential oil and other substances.

Grass collection

Perennial grass is harvested when it is in full bloom. The inflorescence is cut off almost at the very root, because the entire crop can be used in treatment. It is folded into a bundle, tied and dried. It is not recommended that the bunches be exposed to direct sunlight, so you need to choose a darkened room with access to air for drying.

Composition of medicinal St. John's wort

1. Essential oil used for capillary diseases.
2. Myrcene - reduces the risk of E. coli.
3. Geraniol - has a calming effect, prevents infections and acute respiratory infections from developing.
4. Cineol - helps relieve tension and fatigue.
5. Hypericin - destroys old cells and forms new ones. Thus, it rejuvenates the body.
6. Azulene - heals wounds.
7. Saponin - has a laxative and diuretic effect.
8. Coumarins - prevent the formation of blood clots.
9. Alkaloids - suppress depression, negative emotional outburst.
10. Hyperoside - relieves inflammation and swelling.

St. John's wort, due to its composition, is a unique and healing plant. Prevents the possibility of malignant formations and strengthens capillaries. Due to its beneficial composition, St. John's wort is used both for the treatment of many diseases and for their prevention.

Medicinal properties of St. John's wort

• reduces temperature;
• acts as a diuretic;
• has antiseptic, antipyretic, analgesic effects;
• treats the gallbladder;
• dilates blood vessels;
• has a viscous property (due to its content);
• has a rejuvenating, preventive, strengthening effect;
• relieves pain from spasms due to inflammation of internal organs, blood clots;
• relieves fatigue, depression, irritability;
• fights insomnia;
• boosts the immune system;
• stops bleeding when cut;
• St. John's wort oil is used for burns, promotes rapid tissue formation, and smoothes the scar.

The use of St. John's wort

1. Relieves headaches.
2. In case of acute respiratory infections, it lowers the temperature.
3. It is suggested to drink during ulcerative processes.
4. The infusion is used for colitis, diarrhea, and digestive system disorders.
5. Treats inflammation of the female organs, cystitis.
6. Herbal tea is used for boils and abscesses.
7. It is a good prevention of liver diseases.
8. Used for colds, hemorrhoids, bronchitis, sore throat.
9. Eliminates insomnia, bedwetting.
10. Stops bleeding.
11. Tones blood vessels.

Medicinal forms of St. John's wort

1. Herb tea. You can add other herbs to the inflorescence (mint, rosehip, thyme, linden). The ingredients must be poured with boiling water, allowed to brew, strain and take. You can add ginger, honey, and cinnamon to your taste. This drink can be drunk not only for colds, but also for their prevention, as this remedy perfectly improves immunity. It saturates our body with various beneficial substances, tones, soothes, and supplies vitamins.
2. St. John's wort decoction. Chop the cut leaves, place in a vessel, and boil for about 20 minutes. Strain it and drink half a glass before meals. This remedy improves the functioning of the intestines and other organs. When a boil appears, apply a lotion on it. They also gargle for sore throats and gum disease to eliminate bad breath.
3. Alcoholic infusion. The collection is poured with vodka and left for a week in a dark place. Used for bruises, cuts, small wounds.
4. St. John's wort oil. Fresh flowers are poured with a glass of purified oil (linseed, olive). Then they hide it in a dark room for 10 days. Occasionally the mash needs to be shaken. At the end of the infusion period, the liquid is used for skin damage, burns, and as a douche for hemorrhoids.
5. Healing infusion. The grass is placed in a vessel and filled with boiled water. After 15 min. you can drink it. A very effective remedy for cystitis and headaches.
6. St. John's wort ointment. St. John's wort leaves are finely chopped and mixed with pork lard. The mixture becomes thick and should be stored in a glass container in a cool place. It is used similarly to oil for scratches and cuts of the upper layer of skin.
7. St. John's wort herb treats the respiratory system. Dried leaves are poured into 0.5 liters. boiling water, boil for 5 minutes, and breathe in the steam, wrapped up. After this procedure, bronchitis and cough quickly disappear. If you have a sore throat, gargle with the prepared decoction.

What diseases does St. John's wort treat?

• St. John's wort tea for colds. When a cold occurs, you need to pour boiling water over the grass. It is recommended to add linden, raspberries, lemon and honey to it. This tea should be drunk throughout the day. The disease will go away in a couple of days, without the use of antibiotics. They also do inhalation and rinsing with this drink.
• St. John's wort for stomach problems. Prepare a decoction and take 3 times a day. When an ulcer or gastritis is present, you need to drink half a glass three times a day before meals.
• For hemorrhoids, do enemas from herbal oil and wipe it. Take a warm bath from the infusion. And as the results show, it really cures it painlessly.
• Treatment of cystitis. The inflorescence relieves spasmodic attacks. Prepare the infusion as always: put the dry herb in boiling water and boil for approximately 10–15 minutes. The cooled broth is drunk in two sips before each meal.
• Oral problems can be cured by St. John's wort. Rinse the mouth with a pre-prepared decoction. It kills germs, relieves inflammation, and eliminates bad breath.

• allergic reaction to the plant;
• during lactation and breastfeeding;
• take as needed, long-term use may cause harm (cause vomiting, bitterness, nausea);
• prohibited for high blood pressure;
• strictly adhere to the dosage, do not increase it;
• Take breaks between courses of treatment and consult a doctor;
• St. John's wort should not be taken with alcohol and coffee;
• an overdose of St. John's wort can cause vomiting and nausea;
• Pregnant women should not drink the infusion;
• long-term use of the herb will reduce appetite, constipation may occur;
• Liver cirrhosis cannot be treated with this herb;
• people with heart disease should take the drink with caution;
• Constant use of the drug can lead to impaired sexual desire.

As you can see, St. John's wort is a valuable medicinal plant. Copes with many diseases due to its life-giving properties. It is used in both traditional and scientific medicine. Do not forget that before starting a course of treatment, it is best to get a doctor’s recommendation and read the instructions for use.

Learn more about the beneficial properties of St. John's wort in this video:

Many modern biologists and doctors study with interest and put into practice plants that have healing properties. One of them is St. John's wort, or common St. John's wort. According to ancient beliefs, it is considered a remedy for ninety-nine diseases. And today we must bow low to those traditional healers who discovered the healing power of St. John's wort and preserved priceless information about its use for future generations.

What is the healing power of St. John's wort?

St. John's wort is a perennial herbaceous plant 0.3–1.0 m high with stems that grow annually. If you crush the yellow petals of its flowers in your hands, they will turn your skin purple. Since the plant contains a large amount of tannins, its taste is tart and its smell is special and delicate. St. John's wort blooms from mid-June to early September and grows almost everywhere: in clearings, meadows, near roads, in green areas. It is at this time that it is collected. The tops of plants with branches, leaves and inflorescences have healing properties.

It is known that St. John's wort was used as a medicinal plant in ancient Greek medicine. In Russia and Ukraine they first started talking about it only at the beginning of the 19th century.

Compound

Green shoots of grass and flowers contain:

• essential oils;
• flavonoids;
• glycosides;
• saponins;
• resinous ingredients;
• vitamins C, P and PP;
• tanning compounds;
• carotene;
• antibacterial compound imanin;
• volatile phytoncides;
• yellow pigment hypericin;
• nicotinic acid.

The most useful elements are found in flowers.

Unique features of the plant and its effect on the body

This diversity of the chemical structure of St. John's wort explains its versatile therapeutic effects. Taking alcohol and oil tinctures prepared from it enhances photosynthetic phenomena in the human body. This underlies the effectiveness of the plant in the fight against malignant tumors.

Products prepared on its basis have the following effects on the body:

• astringent;
• antibacterial;
• diuretic;
• antispasmodic;
• regenerating.

St. John's wort flavonoids have a number of positive effects on the digestive and urinary systems:

• relieve spasms from the intestinal muscles;
• increase the secretion of gastric juice;
• restore physiological intestinal motility, thereby improving the absorption capacity of the digestive tract;
• dilate blood vessels, bile ducts and ureters;
• prevent stagnation of secretions in the gallbladder;
• prevent stone formation in the kidneys;
• facilitate the release of bile into the duodenum.

St. John's wort has immunity-boosting and hemostatic properties. Due to the fact that the plant contains vitamin P, it reduces capillary permeability and strengthens blood vessels. Preparations based on this herb improve blood circulation and nutrition of the abdominal organs, and also accelerate urine excretion.

The hypericin pigment contained in St. John's wort increases the sensitivity of a living organism to the rays of the sun and regulates important biological processes in the human body. At present, the antidepressant and sedative effect of the plant is no longer in doubt.

It should be borne in mind that of all plant varieties, only St. John's wort (Hypericum perforation) has the above medicinal properties. It can be distinguished from stone, tetrahedral and other varieties of the plant by the characteristic holes on the leaves, from which the herb got its name, and by the red juice that is released when the flowers are rubbed in the hands.

Who will benefit from the plant?

Among the people, St. John's wort does not lose popularity even today. Its miraculous healing abilities are used for various diseases:

• catarrh (inflammation) of the intestines and stomach;
• diarrhea;
• stomach and duodenal ulcers;
• liver and gall bladder diseases;
• tuberculosis;
• cough of any origin;
• dropsy;
• childhood enuresis;
• heart failure;
• hypertension;
• uterine bleeding;
• cystitis;
• sciatica;
• hemorrhoids.

Its bactericidal property is used in patients with gingivitis and stomatitis, and in surgery for healing wounds and burns. In addition, St. John's wort is widely used as an appetite stimulant and fever reliever.

The healing properties of the plant have found their application in cosmetology. St. John's wort extract is included in many shampoos, creams, lotions and other face and hair care products. With the help of this plant, the problem of increased skin greasiness and... Rinsing hair with St. John's wort infusion helps get rid of dandruff, improves its appearance and health. Cosmetics from this herb can easily be prepared at home.

St. John's wort is a tonic and sedative for insomnia, headaches and increased nervousness. Moreover, the antidepressant and calming properties of the plant’s bioflavonoids are used when prescribing its preparations for:

• itching caused by skin diseases;
• manic-depressive syndrome;
• hypochondria (feelings of anxiety, restlessness, apathy, depression);
• nervous exhaustion;
• excitement from severe pain.

Taking St. John's wort improves people's mental and physical well-being, increases their ability to work, normalizes night's sleep and improves their mood.

Video: grass for 99 diseases

Contraindications and side effects

Absolute contraindications to taking St. John's wort preparations are:

• hypersensitivity to plant components;
• severe current depression;
• photodermatitis, including previous ones;
• the need to take other antidepressant medications during this period;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• The patient's age is under 12 years.

Since St. John's wort constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure, people suffering from hypertension should take it with great caution and only as part of herbal preparations. That is, so that other components balance its hypertensive effect.

The following adverse reactions from consuming St. John's wort are possible, but not necessary:

• dry mouth;
• nausea;
• pain in the stomach;
• intestinal disorders;
• bloating.

In people prone to allergies, the use of St. John's wort can cause corresponding reactions of the skin and mucous membranes:

• rash;
• eczema;
• areas of pigmentation;
• sensitivity to dog and cat hair;
• intolerance to sunlight (mainly in HIV-infected patients).

St. John's wort is low-toxic, but in the medical literature one can find suggestions that, when used for a long time in large doses, it has a detrimental effect on human germ cells. There are references to the possibility of reducing potency in men.

Drug interactions

Preparations based on St. John's wort may reduce the effect of anticoagulants containing warfarin as the main active substance (for example, Marevana). It is not recommended to use them simultaneously with any products based on the plant in question, since when using this combination, the activation of the action of warfarin can continue for 14 days after stopping the use of drugs containing St. John's wort. If this combination is prescribed, the patient should undergo regular laboratory monitoring of blood clotting parameters.

When taken together with sulfonamides, tetracyclines, quinolones, Piroxicam and diuretics, products with St. John's wort can enhance their photosensitizing effect. In other words, increase the sensitivity of human skin to sunlight.

St. John's wort prolongs the narcotic sleep into which the patient is medicated for general anesthesia, but shortens that caused by certain hypnotic drugs (barbiturates). When taken simultaneously with drugs that lower blood pressure (for example, with Reserpine), the plant can negate their hypotensive effect. It also reduces the effectiveness of cardiac glycosides (Digoxin).

Women taking oral contraceptives (OCs) should be aware that the simultaneous use of St. John's wort preparations increases the likelihood of intermenstrual bleeding.

Despite the fact that this medicinal plant increases the effectiveness of other antidepressants (for example, Nefazodone, Paroxetine, Sertraline), when taken in parallel with them, the risk of developing hypertensive crises increases. Therefore, the interval between treatment cycles with other sedatives and St. John's wort preparations should be at least 2 weeks.

This herb should not be used together with medications prescribed for AIDS and cytostatics. In all cases where the patient takes anyothermedications, before using St. John's wort, he should consult a doctor.

Overdose

If you take St. John's wort for an excessively long time, the body may become oversaturated, which manifests itself in allergic reactions. If skin irritation occurs, avoid exposure to the sun for 10–15 days. It is better to prevent ultraviolet rays from coming into contact with the skin during the entire treatment period.

When consuming too much of St. John's wort, iron deficiency anemia (anemia) sometimes develops. The central nervous system may respond to an overdose with headache, increased fatigue, and anxiety. Therefore, every 2-3 months you need to take 2-3 week breaks in taking medications from this plant.

Collection and storage rules

St. John's wort herb is harvested during the flowering period, before the first unripe fruits have appeared. When collecting, cut off the upper part of the plant with flowers about 20 cm long. Medicinal raw materials are dried in cool, shaded, well-ventilated rooms - under canopies or in attics. Or the grass is tied in bunches and hung in the courtyards of private houses (not in the sun!).

St. John's wort has another name - “herb of John the Baptist”. It appeared in Western Europe due to the fact that the most magnificent flowering of the plant was observed on June 24. It is then that the Catholic Church celebrates the birth of the mentioned saint. There is a belief that if you put a sprig of St. John's wort under your pillow that night, John the Baptist will appear in a dream, bless you and protect you from harm this year.

Video: how to properly collect and store St. John's wort

Treatment with St. John's wort

There is no need to be afraid that a few days after the start of treatment with St. John's wort, the underlying disease may worsen for a short time - this is normal. During this period, a kind of “restructuring” occurs in the body due to the action of the healing powers of the plant. But if the drug clearly does not help, you need to stop taking it and think about other methods of therapy.

St. John's wort in traditional medicine

In comparison with the treatment of psychological and nervous disorders with traditional medications, products with St. John's wort are not addictive and, when the dose is correctly selected, have virtually no unwanted effects.

In the pharmacy network you can choose any of the sedative medications containing this herb:

• Arfazetine;
• Doppelhertz;
• Life;
• Herbion Hypericum;

In some cases, doctors prescribe St. John's wort preparations for peripheral circulation disorders accompanied by congestion.

In official medicine, herbs or tinctures of St. John's wort, plant oil, as well as antibacterial drugs Imanin and Novoimanin are used. The latter are prescribed for external treatment and pain relief of purulent wounds, burns, cellulitis, boils and carbuncles, cracked nipples, tonsillitis and sinusitis.

They are also used in the treatment of:

• diseases of the mouth and throat;
• stagnation of bile in the gallbladder;
• cholecystitis;
• cholelithiasis and urolithiasis;
• inflammatory processes in the stomach and intestines;
• hepatitis;
• functional kidney disorders.

In dentistry, St. John's wort is used as an anti-inflammatory and astringent.

Photo gallery: pharmaceutical preparations containing St. John's wort

Novo-Passit is a sedative with components of plant origin, one of which is St. John's wort. Brusniver is a herbal remedy that has a diuretic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. Negrustin is a herbal preparation with antidepressant activity Prostanorm is a herbal medicine used for diseases of the prostate gland. Sibektan is a herbal medicine with hepatoprotective and choleretic effects

St. John's wort and traditional medicine

Traditional healers have come up with a great variety of potions from this magical herb.

Alcohol tincture

For rheumatic disorders, alcohol tincture of St. John's wort is used as an external pain reliever. It is used to rub the joints and lower back. It is prepared like this:

1. Pour 20 g of plant material into 100 ml of 70% alcohol.
2. Leave for 14 days.
3. Then filter and squeeze out the product, pour it into a dark glass container and store in a cool, dry place.

Alcohol tincture of St. John's wort can be lubricated:

• infected wounds;
• abscesses;
• shells;
• boils;
• trophic ulcers;
• burns.

It increases the regenerative properties of tissues.

Video: how to prepare medicinal St. John's wort tincture

For stomach ulcers, gall bladder diseases and kidney stones, St. John's wort oil is taken orally. It can serve as a pain reliever and dewormer.

You need to take it 1-2 tsp. half an hour before meals or 3 hours after meals, 2-3 times a day for 1-2 months.

St. John's wort oil is also used for extensive burns - it will help even if more than 60% of the body surface is affected. Lotions soaked in it are applied to the affected areas of the skin. Oil compresses are made on ulcers, abscesses, festering wounds, and loosening of the oral mucosa. The product lubricates skin damage caused by animals, acne on the face, cracked nipples in nursing women.

To prepare St. John's wort oil, you can use any of the following recipes:

• 4 tbsp. l. fresh flowers, pour 200 ml of olive oil and leave for 40 days.
• Pour 3 handfuls of St. John's wort flowers into a bottle and pour 1 liter of good vegetable oil. Close the container with a lid and place it in the sun. After 2 weeks, add 2 more handfuls of St. John's wort flowers and leave until the liquid turns dark red.
• Boil 100 g of St. John's wort herb along with inflorescences in 700 ml of fresh sunflower oil. The liquid should simmer quietly for about half an hour. After cooling, filter.
• Infuse a third of a glass of crushed fresh St. John's wort leaves and inflorescences in a glass of any vegetable oil for 20 days. Sunflower, flaxseed, almond or olive are best suited. Squeeze and strain.
• Let a liter jar of crushed plant herbs steep together with flowers in a mixture of 0.4 liters of white wine with 0.8 liters of vegetable oil for 5 days. Then boil the product for 12 minutes so that the alcohol evaporates.

St. John's wort oil must be poured into a dark glass container and kept in the refrigerator.

Video: St. John's wort oil is an excellent antidepressant

St. John's wort tea

St. John's wort tea, drunk daily in large quantities (at least 3-4 cups), treats chronic inflammation in the intestines and diarrhea. To prepare it, take 1 tbsp for 1 cup of boiling water. l. flowers or leaves of a plant. You can use St. John's wort in half with yarrow. Drink 2 glasses of this tea after each meal for 2-3 months.

Healing tea with St. John's wort also works well for nervous exhaustion, emotional fatigue, mental overstrain, and sleep disorders. It will also help students during exam sessions.

Here is another recipe for soothing tea made from a mixture of herbs and St. John's wort:

1. Take the herb St. John's wort, angelica root and yarrow flowers in equal quantities.
2. 1 tbsp. l. Pour a glass of boiling water over the crushed raw materials.
3. Let it sit for a while.
4. Drink at night.

St. John's wort in this combination treats insomnia, regenerates and strengthens the nervous system.

In the same way, to calm down, you can drink tea made from St. John's wort, lemon balm and linden flowers.

Decoctions

St. John's wort decoction is used for vaginal douching for inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs. To do this, prepare a mixture of the following plants, taken equally:

• tea rose petals;
• flax seeds;
• marigold flowers;
• marshmallow root;
• peppermint herbs;
• nettle root;
• oak bark;
• shepherd's purse herbs;
• larkspur root;
• willow bark;
• cumin flowers;
• mistletoe herb.

Cook 5-6 tbsp. l. this mixture in 3 liters of water for half an hour.

You can prepare the product in another way:

1. 4 tbsp. l. St. John's wort herb pour 0.5 liters of boiling water.
2. Cover the dish with a lid and simmer in a water bath for 30 minutes.
3. Then let stand for 15 minutes and strain.
4. Rinse the vagina with warm broth twice a day: in the morning after waking up and in the evening before bed.

You can prepare a decoction for douching only from St. John's wort. For this purpose, 3 tbsp. l. herbs with flowers need to be boiled for 20 minutes in 2 liters of water.

Wounds are washed with a decoction of St. John's wort, and bandages moistened with it are applied to them. For speedy healing, the drug is also taken orally. In addition, a decoction of St. John's wort is drunk as a choleretic and anti-inflammatory medicine for cholangitis and cholecystitis.

Ointment

To eliminate adenoids and nasopharyngeal polyps, prepare St. John's wort ointment:

1. Grind the dry herb of the plant to a powder.
2. Mix 1 tsp. St. John's wort powder with 3 tsp. unsalted butter.
3. Add celandine juice to the resulting composition (5 drops of juice per 1 teaspoon of ointment).
4. Pour the product into a dark glass bottle.
5. Shake the vessel until an emulsion forms inside it.

Place this medicine 2 drops into each nasal passage 3-4 times a day.

In the same way, you can make an ointment to treat cracked nipples. To do this, mix 1 tbsp. l. St. John's wort decoction with 2 tbsp. l. softened butter.

Infusions

Strong infusions of St. John's wort are very effective for curing gastrointestinal and colds. You can easily prepare them yourself for oral administration, for gargling and for rinsing the nasal passages. To do this, pour 10 g of the plant into 100 ml of boiling water. Drink 1 tbsp. l. four times a day. Pass the infusion through the nose for a runny nose in the morning and at night.

When you have a cold, it is useful to inhale dry powder of St. John's wort herb.