St. John's wort plant beneficial properties contraindications. What beneficial properties does St. John's wort have and are there any contraindications to its use?

St. John's wort is one of the most famous and, perhaps, iconic plants. In ancient medical books you can find the saying: “Just as you can’t bake bread without flour, you can’t make medicine without St. John’s wort.”

The medicinal properties of St. John's wort have been known since ancient times, but not only about them. St. John's wort was used in their experiments by ancient alchemists who were looking for a way to transform base metals into noble gold - it was they who discovered that a dye for fabric can be obtained from the plant (a cold infusion of flowers gives a yellow color, and a hot one - from pink to red). St. John's wort was very often used in magical rituals and was used as a talisman to protect the home from evil spirits. Bunches of dried grass can now often be found in rural houses, even if the owner of the home has no idea about folk medicine- just a tribute to tradition.

St. John's wort herb is included in the register of medicinal raw materials and is used in the pharmacological industry for the preparation of a variety of medications.

The distribution area of St. John's wort is quite extensive - it can be found in the steppe, in forest clearings, on forest edges, near reservoirs, near human habitation, on roadsides. Unfortunately, the herb is often harvested by illiterate collectors, as a result of which the natural reserves of medicinal raw materials decrease annually, and therefore, for the needs of the pharmaceutical industry, St. John's wort is grown in specialized farms.

For medical purposes, only St. John's wort is suitable for harvesting ( Hypericum perforatum), which is distinguished from related species by a number of characteristics:

1. The grass has a dihedral stem;
2. When viewed in the light, light dots are clearly visible on the leaves of St. John's wort (hence the name - perforated);
3. When St. John's wort flowers are rubbed between the palms, the yellow color changes to blood red.

St. John's wort blooms from June to September. The medicinal properties of raw materials are at their peak if the herb is harvested in more early dates - traditional healers They claim that the most optimal day for collection is June 24 (Midsummer's Day).

The grass must be cut with pruning shears at a certain distance from the soil surface - in no case should it be pulled out by the roots - this leads to the death of the plant.

The grass is dried, usually by hanging it in bunches in attics or under sheds. Only the flowering tops of the plant are harvested in pairs for medicinal purposes; in this case, it is convenient to dry the herb by spreading it on a bed of fabric or paper.

Chemical composition of medicinal raw materials

The herb St. John's wort is incredibly rich chemical compounds organic nature (see below for a short list):

1. Compounds of the flavone group [glucoside hyperoside (the highest concentration is observed in flowers - more than 1%; in grass - up to 0.7%), quercitrin and its isomer isoquercitrin, rutin, myricetin, anthocyanins and their leucobases].
2. Coloring substances of the anthraquinone group are represented by hypericin (approximately 0.4%) and its derivatives (pseudohypericin, protopseudohypericin, etc.).
3. Essential oil consisting of a mixture of terpene and sesquiterpene compounds, isovaleric acid esters.
4. Vitamins C and E, approximately 50 mg% carotene, etc.
5. Plant-based antibiotic hyperforin.
6. Alkaloids, coumarins, saponins of the triterpene group, etc.

St. John's wort drugs have detrimental effects on a large group pathogenic microorganisms. St. John's wort has an astringent effect, relieves inflammation, stimulates tissue regeneration processes, and also accelerates blood clotting (the hemostatic properties of the herb are reflected in popular name"bloody man")

Internal use of preparations based on St. John's wort increases vascular tone, has beneficial influence to the work of the heart.

At intravenous administration St. John's wort preparations show an increase in blood pressure, an increase in the amplitude of heart contractions and other effects.

The use of St. John's wort and preparations based on it in medicine

Aqueous extracts (infusions, decoctions) of St. John's wort are used as anthelmintics, used to combat roundworm and dwarf tapeworm.

St. John's wort tincture is a complete replacement for imported ratania, which is used in dentistry (stomatitis, gingivitis, bleeding gums, etc.)

Pharmacological scientists have developed the drug imanin, which is used as an external remedy (treatment infected wounds, cracked nipples, burns, abscesses, etc.). Imanin increases the effect of penicillin and streptomycin (increases the susceptibility of pyogenic pathogenic microflora to antibiotics).

St. John's wort preparations

— Infusion (Inf. Hypericum). Pour 3 tbsp. herbs with boiling water (200 - 250 ml), leave for 2 hours. A third of a glass is prescribed per appointment.

— Tincture (Tinct. Hyperici). For preparation, alcohol of 70% strength is used (at home you can use vodka - then in this case it is simply necessary to increase the dosage of the drug). The proportions of raw materials to extractor are 1:10. Duration of infusion is 2-3 weeks. To rinse the mouth, dilute 30 drops in 100 ml of water. Internal use of the tincture is indicated in the treatment of cystitis, colitis and stones in gallbladder or ducts.

A medicinal product obtained by infusing fresh St. John's wort flowers in vegetable oils. Applicable as external remedy, by analogy with the use of imanin. “St. John’s wort oil” is also used for rubbing in lumbago and rheumatism, in case of dislocations, sprained tendons, etc.

Internal “oil” is prescribed for treatment peptic ulcer stomach. In clinical trials, the oil was administered on an empty stomach, 1 tbsp. (course of treatment from 1 to 2 months). As a mild choleretic drug, 1 tsp is prescribed. twice a day.

The drug is easy to prepare at home. For 1 liter of olive oil (+ 500 ml of white wine) you will need 500 g of St. John's wort flowers (fresh, ground in advance in a porcelain mortar). In the first couple of days, do not close the container (transparent bottle) until the fermentation process is completed. Then the bottle is tightly closed and exposed to the sun.

The entire preparation process lasts about one and a half to two months. At the end of the infusion period, strain the liquid, then evaporate the wine in a water bath.

Some traditional healers suggest preparing “ St. John's wort oil"from dried flower powder. For 1 liter of sunflower (linseed, olive) oil you will need 100 g of powder. Pour the raw materials with hot (temperature within 60 - 80 °C) oil in a glass container and leave for two weeks.

The healing properties of St. John's wort for diseases of the female genital area

— Algomenorrhea ( painful menstruation) V puberty (puberty). Prepare a herbal mixture: valerian root, rue and St. John's wort, mint and tripoli leaves (trifolia), chamomile and yarrow flowers - all ingredients are taken in equal proportions by weight. For 2 cups of boiling water you need to take 2 tbsp. medicinal mixture, leave for half a day. Drink 50-100 ml three times a day. The course of treatment is approximately 90 days. If you need to repeat the course, you must take a break of 30 days.

— Hypomenstrual syndrome (poor and infrequent menstruation). They often appear during puberty or menopause. Ingredients for collection: rose hips, parsley root and wormwood herb - 4 parts each; 2 parts each of fennel fruits, juniper berries, parsley seeds, St. John's wort, rue and cinquefoil. For 2 cups of boiling water you need 2 tbsp. collection of herbs. Leave for a couple of hours. Drink 100 ml 2 times a day. The duration of continuous treatment can be several months.

- Oligomenorrhea (abnormally increased interval between menstruation). It is often a manifestation of hypomenstrual syndrome. To prepare the collection you will need St. John's wort, valerian root and wild thorn flowers (take all ingredients in equal weight ratio). For 200 ml of boiling liquid, 1 tbsp is required. medicinal mixture. Leave until cool. Take in the evening.

- Hyper- and polymenorrhea. The collection includes: horsetail grass - 3 parts, 2 parts each of St. John's wort and centaury, juniper fruits and plantain leaves. For 1 liter of boiling water - 4 tbsp. herbal mixture. Leave in a cooling oven for half a day. Take 100 ml before meals. The course of treatment is 10 - 14 days.

- Uterine fibroid. For cooking medicinal collection must be taken in equal parts following plants: flower baskets of yarrow, chamomile, immortelle herb (dried annual flower) and St. John's wort, bearberry leaf. For half a liter of boiling water you need to take 1 tbsp. mixtures of herbs. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, leave until cool. The dosage is based on three times a day.

- Itching in the vaginal area. For 4 liters of water you need to take 1 tbsp. chamomile flowers, St. John's wort and bearberry leaves, as well as 2 tbsp. oak bark. Boil the mixture for a quarter of an hour (over low heat). At the end of cooking, add 6 tbsp. coarse table salt (you can use sea salt). When the temperature of the decoction drops to 37 - 38 °C, add 40 drops of eucalyptus tincture (sold in pharmacies). The composition is used for douching.

Medicinal properties of St. John's wort for gastrointestinal diseases

— “Universal tincture” of St. Peter. St. John's wort has been used since ancient times in the manufacture of medicines intended to treat wide range diseases of the digestive tract. From past centuries a recipe for a tincture has come to us, which, as legend says, St. Peter advised to take for the treatment of many diseases, including extremely dangerous ones, for example, during a plague epidemic in order to protect against infection. The healing tincture includes elecampane root, St. John's wort and centaury herbs, anise seeds - 20 g each, and 50 g of raisins. Quantitative composition given for one and a half liters of grape wine. Leave for 10 to 14 days, then strain. Take 30-50 ml before meals.

- At chronic gastroduodenitis against the background of increased acidity, traditional healers advise using a decoction healing collection, which includes hop heads, chamomile flowers, mint leaves, St. John's wort and marsh grass - 1 tbsp each, as well as 2 tbsp. chicory root. Pour the prepared mixture of herbs with 3 cups of boiling water, cook for 7 - 10 minutes at moderate boil. After cooling, it would be good to add spirulina powder (3 g). Drink the decoction before meals, 100 ml three times a day. The course of treatment is 20 days, after which you need to use another herbal medicine.

— Infectious diseases intestines. The recipe below has shown quite good results in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases caused by the introduction of pathogenic microflora (Vibrio cholera, salmonella, dysenteric amoeba, etc.). The collection includes wormwood (0.5 parts), St. John's wort and agrimony (1 part each), mint, plantain and chamomile (2 parts each). Brew medicinal mixture needed at the rate: adults - 2 tbsp. for 200 ml boiling water; children - 0.5 tbsp. for the same amount of liquid. Leave for half an hour, then strain. Children are prescribed 1 tsp. per reception, adults - 1 tbsp. After stool normalization, the dosage is reduced by 2-3 times and taken to consolidate the results for another 2-3 days.

— Food poisoning nitrates. The infusion should be consumed immediately after the first symptoms of poisoning appear. For cooking medicine required: St. John's wort herb, plantain (herb along with seeds), horse sorrel fruits along with the seed capsule. All ingredients are taken in a ratio of 2:1:1. For 2 glasses of liquid, 1 tbsp is required. herbal mixture. Cook after boiling for 2 - 3 minutes; leave for half an hour. Take the drug depending on the severity of poisoning - in especially severe cases, 1 - 2 glasses every 1 - 2 hours. Further, when the patient’s condition improves, the dosage and frequency of administration must be reduced. After the symptoms of poisoning disappear, for the purpose of prevention, the infusion is continued for another 2 - 3 days, half a glass 3 times a day. This herbal tea binds free nitrates and blocks their absorption through the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. To protect the liver from the harmful effects of nitrates, you need to take burdock infusion and milk thistle seed powder in parallel.

- Kidney tea. The product is recommended to be taken in case of illness inflammatory in nature, as well as in preparation for surgical intervention. For a three-week course you need: 6 g of St. John's wort herb and 8 g of knotweed herb, 10 g nettle leaf, 15 g horsetail. Take a pinch of herbal mixture per glass of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes. After infusion, the liquid is drained, the raw material is poured with double the amount (of the original volume) of liquid and boiled for 10 minutes. The decoction and infusion are combined. Take the drug 1/2 cup three times a day: on an empty stomach in the morning, an hour and a half before lunch and before bed. You can repeat the course after a two-week break. Kidney tea is also recommended to be used for the purpose of prevention - 4 times a year for 3 weeks.

— Soothing tea. Ingredients: motherwort and St. John's wort - 50 g each, maral root - 100 g, lavender - 10 g. For 1 glass of water you will need 1 tbsp. herbal collection. Brew like tea (infuse in a porcelain teapot for 15 minutes). Take half a glass in the morning and evening.

— General strengthening tea. The product is recommended to be taken for the treatment or prevention of various diseases. Medicinal tea has a positive effect on the state of the cardiovascular system, has the ability to normalize metabolism in the body, and helps cleanse fluids of toxins and pathogenic microflora. According to adherents of traditional medicine, this tea serves true prevention heart attacks and strokes, stimulates protective functions body and normalizes the functioning of all organs and systems. The health collection includes the herb St. John's wort and wild strawberry (along with roots), inflorescences of sandy cumin (immortelle), flower baskets of chamomile and birch buds. For a course of treatment you need to take 100 g of each of the listed ingredients. You need to prepare tea in the evening: for half a liter of boiling water - 1 tbsp. mixture of herbs, leave for 20 - 30 minutes. Drain the liquid, dissolve 1 tsp. honey and drink (1 glass). In the morning, heat the rest of the infusion and drink on an empty stomach (an hour before meals). Preventive courses are repeated every 4 - 5 years.

St. John's wort preparations for external use

- Ointment-balm. The remedy is recommended by the Ukrainian healer M. Groza, who assures that this balm can even counteract gangrene. To prepare the ointment you need 2 parts pine resin, 3 parts incense, 5 parts honey, 10 parts fresh St. John's wort flowers and 50 parts olive oil. Heat vegetable oil, add St. John's wort flowers and cook over low heat for 1 hour. At the end of cooking, strain the oil and mix with the remaining ingredients, stirring vigorously with a wooden (glass) stick until a homogeneous consistency is obtained. The balm is used for dressings (compresses), which need to be changed morning and evening.

- A decoction of St. John's wort and oak bark. It is used to treat traumatic and other skin injuries, trophic ulcers, including burns, neglected and festering wounds, etc. St. John's wort herb and oak bark are taken in a 1:2 ratio. Pour the mixture with water (the volume of liquid should be 2 times more than the medicinal raw material). After boiling, cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and add 1 part of calendula flowers. Warm infusion is used for compresses on the damaged area.

Other uses of St. John's wort

- At involuntary urination. For 3 glasses of water you need 1 tbsp. elderberry berries, St. John's wort and lingonberry leaves. After boiling, cook for 10 minutes, then leave for about 1 hour. You need to start taking the decoction after lunch (from about 16:00), half a glass 4 - 5 times at regular intervals.

- At high blood pressure. The collection includes the following components: St. John's wort and astragalus - 3 parts each; hop fruits, lemon balm, mint, calendula - 2 parts each; 1 part thyme herb. For 2 cups of boiling water you need to take 1 tbsp. mixtures. Leave for half an hour and take half a glass before meals.

Side effects and contraindications

There are no special contraindications for the treatment of St. John's wort with monopreparations, and in the case of multicomponent preparations, the possible side effect other ingredients included in medicinal products. It should be taken into account that St. John's wort increases the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.

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Bright, sunny flowers St. John's wort can often be found on forest edges, clearings and fields in the summer months. This plant loves dry, bright places and sun. Its flower has 5 leaves, which gives reason to think that these are real pentacles, the rays of which point to 5 important elements life - Water, Air, Fire, Earth and Spirit. And, indeed, St. John's wort herb has strong healing and even magical properties.

In Rus', in the ancient times of the 16th century, even under Tsar Michael, the obligation was even introduced to collect St. John's wort and send it to the capital, one bag at a time. And Hippocrates had this plant first on the list of medicinal herbs and was called a magic plant.

The magical properties of St. John's wort herb

St. John's wort has always been considered a witchcraft plant. There are many signs and beliefs associated with it. It is still often used in some rituals. And folk healers talked about St. John's wort and say that it is a healing herb for 99 diseases.

In terms of magical effects, St. John's wort is considered a protective herb. In the old days it was always used as a talisman against evil and evil spirits. It was believed that a bouquet of this plant would cleanse the energy of any home and ensure its cleanliness.

Often its dry branches were set on fire, and when smoke appeared, they surrounded all the corners of the house with it, thereby clearing the living space of everything negative and dark.

Also in the old days, branches of medicinal herbs were hung from the ceiling of the house for drying, for better smell and protection from evil spirits. Often placed under the threshold. And this was also a kind of amulet against those guests who came with evil thoughts.

And on a long journey, a traveler was sure to take a small bag of dried grass with him, as protection from dark thoughts and an unkind eye. And a small St. John's wort flower, placed in shoes, brought its owner a successful and prosperous day.

In July, on the day of Ivan Kupala, girls wove wreaths from this wonderful grass to find out their girlish future. They laid the wreaths on the water and waited... If the wreath sank, the girl was not expected to get married that year; if the wreath floated on, then she could safely wait for the wedding. Or they put branches of St. John's wort under the pillow and waited for prophetic dreams.

And parents often wove wreaths for their children, placed them on their children’s heads and watched. If the flowers remain fresh for a long time, then everything is fine. If the wreath quickly withers, expect trouble.

It is believed that the herb St. John's wort has the ability to accumulate healing properties. sunlight, and influencing its magical power, fills a person with vital energy.

Types of St. John's wort

St. John's wort is rightfully considered one of the best medicinal plants here in Rus'. And people often call it “sickness”. Indeed, alcohol tincture of St. John's wort, infusion, decoction and tea from the herb increase immunity, treat colds, relieve many inflammatory processes, and are wonderful. And St. John's wort oil has strong healing properties for the skin.

For treatment you need St. John's wort, which is popularly called St. John's wort. It can be distinguished from other varieties by two characteristics.

The first way is to look at the leaves in the light, preferably in the sun, and find small, small holes in them.
And the second way is to tear off a flower and rub it on the skin of your hand. A lilac-blue stripe appears. Its appearance is caused by a special dye, which is present in this particular type of St. John's wort.

Composition of St. John's wort

Chemical composition St. John's wort is considered super-complex and multifaceted. This explains its use in many dietary supplements and pharmaceutical drugs. Sometimes only one herb is used for treatment, but often in combination with other plants.

St. John's wort contains a huge number of vitamins, minerals, acids, and oils. It contains a lot of carotene, vitamin E and C, nicotinic acid, valerian, a whole bouquet of various essential oils that give St. John's wort astringent and healing properties.

St. John's wort has three main and medicinal properties. St. John's wort tincture perfectly calms and normalizes work nervous system. Decoctions are often used to treat the entire gastrointestinal tract. And St. John's wort oil and ointments based on it perfectly heal and regenerate skin. Earlier severe burns were treated with decoctions and ointments of this particular plant.

St. John's wort decoction and tincture improves the functioning of the stomach and promotes the functioning of the gallbladder, since the herb has a choleretic effect. Has the ability to relieve inflammation and spasms. Treats gastritis and intestinal diseases.

St. John's wort has antibacterial effect and pain reliever. Effectively relieves pain from rheumatism. It can be used when the temperature drops. St. John's wort tincture is good for treating sore throat. It is considered a strong antiseptic and, when gargling, disinfects the entire oral cavity from harmful bacteria and microbes.

Use of St. John's wort herb

St. John's wort is used in in different forms. These are teas, decoctions, tinctures, oils and ointments. St. John's wort tincture is often drunk in courses of 2-3 months to strengthen the immune system, often in the autumn-spring periods.

St. John's wort has good diuretic properties and also has a beneficial effect on the entire reproductive system, both female and male.

Ointments are used for muscle spasms. They stop bleeding well and promote fast healing wounds and cuts. St. John's wort infusions also effectively stop internal bleeding.

By the way, a teaspoon of dried, crushed St. John's wort contains 2.5 grams.

How to prepare St. John's wort oil

We cut fresh flowers from the top of the St. John's wort and put them in a jar to the very top. Then we take oil, maybe olive, maybe sunflower not refined. Fill these flowers with oil to the very top. Cover with a lid and place in a warm, bright place. Leave it for two weeks. During this time, the oil begins to change its color and becomes ruby.

We take it, filter it and use it for its intended purpose. Perfectly heals burns and treats hemorrhoids. We regularly lubricate all cuts, scratches, wounds and cracks with this oil. We store St. John's wort oil in a cool place, a refrigerator will do.

St. John's wort in cosmetology

An excellent remedy for acne. To do this, make an infusion: 1 tbsp. A spoonful of St. John's wort is poured into 200 grams (a glass) of boiling water, and infused for 20 minutes. Then we wash ourselves with this infusion. We don’t wipe our face, but let all the liquid dry on the skin.

Cracked heels. Let's prepare a decoction. To do this, pour 4 tablespoons of herbs into 0.5 liters of boiling water and leave for 5 minutes over low heat. Next, dilute the broth with 1.5 - 2 liters of warm water and lower your feet into it. Keep it there until the water cools down.

Tonic for dull skin. Let's prepare an infusion, as in the anti-acne recipe. Next, pour the infusion into molds and freeze in the freezer. Wipe morning and evening clean skin face, neck, décolleté with these ice cubes.

Use it instead of cream. St. John's wort oil perfectly nourishes the skin and makes it elastic, fresh and radiant. To do this, you can apply the oil to the skin of your face, neck and décolleté in the evenings instead of night cream.

Conclusion

We must not forget that St. John's wort is a very strong herb. medicinal plant, therefore all treatments must be carried out in courses. And it is better to drink tea with St. John's wort alternating with other herbs. For example, drink mint or chamomile for a week, St. John's wort for a week. It will be useful to know that tea with St. John's wort increases appetite, as if “forcing” all digestive organs to work better. And don't forget about magical properties this wonderful herb.

Be healthy and stay connected!

St. John's wort, beneficial properties and whose contraindications are widely used in the treatment of many ailments, grows in well-lit forest clearings and dry meadows. This is an annual medicinal plant with bright yellow flowers, oblong-shaped leaves, up to 80 cm high. In folk medicine, all its aerial parts are used. How is St. John's wort useful?

Biochemical composition

Preparation and storage of St. John's wort

For use in medicinal purposes The grass is collected during flowering, which begins at the end of June. Plants are cut completely to the ground and tied in bunches. Dry flowers down in a warm, dry room. The air temperature should not be higher than 40˚ in order for all healing properties St. John's wort. Store dried herbs in an airtight container in a dry place and can be used for 3 years.

What diseases does it treat?

The beneficial components of St. John's wort allow you to cope with pathologies of the circulatory, digestive, nervous, genitourinary system.

Side effects and harm from using St. John's wort

The main contraindications for St. John's wort are during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. The plant increases blood pressure and can cause spontaneous abortion. At breastfeeding the milk may taste bitter.
Hypericin enhances the effect sun rays on the body (photosensitization). Therefore, during treatment with St. John's wort, you should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun to avoid getting burned.
The harm of St. John's wort appears when long-term use herbs (more than 1 month), allergic manifestations may occur in the form of nausea, vomiting, urticaria. It is caused by saponins and vitamin C.
St. John's wort is a catalyst for the formation of enzymes that accelerate excretion medicines from the body. Therefore, when taking antibiotics or other medications, their benefit is significantly reduced. The effect of using painkillers will decrease. Oral contraceptives may not work.
If used for too long (more than 1 month), patients may experience a feeling of heaviness in the liver and kidneys. Excess vitamin E acts as a toxin on the cells of these organs.
St. John's wort increases blood circulation and raises blood pressure. Therefore, it can cause harm to hypertensive patients.
Medicinal plant may cause harm to bipolar patients affective disorder(manic-depressive disorder). There is an exacerbation manic syndrome. In complex therapy with medications convulsions, hallucinations, and confusion occur.
For older people taking antidepressants, the health harm from using St. John's wort is the development side effects: hallucinations, migraine, tremor, dizziness.
The plant is harmful when treating HIV-infected patients. St. John's wort can neutralize the effects of medications.
Long-term use medicinal plant does not bring benefit, but harm to men. There may be temporary sexual dysfunction. You can use decoctions and tinctures for no more than 30 days. After stopping the use of the herb, sexual dysfunction in men can be observed for another 1-2 weeks.
It is harmful for children under 12 years of age to take St. John's wort due to the toxic components of the plant - saponins.

Since St. John's wort has an effect on the nervous system, you should avoid using it during therapy. alcoholic drinks and driving.

St. John's wort oil

You can buy St. John's wort oil at any pharmacy or prepare it yourself. For this, take 20 g fresh leaves and St. John's wort flowers, add 200 ml of natural cold-pressed vegetable oil (sea buckthorn, pumpkin, olive, sunflower, flaxseed). The mixture needs to stand for 4-6 weeks in a dark room, stirring constantly, otherwise it will become moldy. When exposed to sunlight, the anti-inflammatory properties disappear. Afterwards, the resulting mass is filtered through cheesecloth so that there is no sediment; it can be passed through a filter. Ready oil It has a dark ruby color, a specific aroma and a bitter taste.

The product is used in the treatment of wounds, bedsores, burns, ulcers. A bandage soaked in a healing agent is applied to the damaged area of skin. St. John's wort oil is also used to treat ulcers in the mouth with stomatitis and gingivitis.

To scar stomach ulcers, you need to drink 1 tbsp. spoon of oil in the morning on an empty stomach. Full treatment course– 1 month.

The components of St. John's wort improve blood supply to the body and promote rapid resorption of hematomas, therefore St. John's wort oil helps in the treatment of hemorrhoids. It can be taken internally and externally. Drink 1 teaspoon on an empty stomach 2 times a day until the condition improves, but not more than 30 days.

St. John's wort oil is also used in cosmetology. The product helps eliminate inflammation and irritation of the skin, moisturizes it well and preserves youth. For women, it is useful to use a hair strengthening product.

Recipes for healing decoctions and tinctures

Decoctions normalize blood circulation in the body, stimulate the glands, and therefore have a beneficial effect on potency in men. The remedy is beneficial if impotence caused by psychoemotional disorders. Thanks to the calming effect of St. John's wort, men note improved erections.

For women, using the decoction helps normalize hormonal imbalances during menopause and reduce PMS pain. The product can be used as an antiseptic douche for leucorrhoea and vaginitis.

A medicinal decoction for oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries) in women: take 2 teaspoons of St. John's wort, add 2 teaspoons of motherwort, 1 teaspoon of stinging nettle, 2 teaspoons of chamomile. Then 2 tbsp. spoons of the mixture are poured into the prepared container, 1 liter of boiling water is poured, closed with a lid and wrapped. Leave the decoction for 12 hours. Take 100 ml in the morning and evening for 7–10 days. Externally wipe with decoction oily skin. This helps relieve inflammation and irritation.

For diseases of the digestive system, prepare the following decoction: add 200 ml to 10 g of dry St. John's wort warm water, boil for 15–20 minutes. Then strain and take a third of a glass three times a day 30 minutes before meals. Therapeutic course is 2-3 weeks.

Decoction for the treatment of the gallbladder, liver: 1 tbsp. spoon of St. John's wort, 2 tbsp. spoons of oregano, 1.5 tbsp. spoons of sand cumin inflorescences. The herbs are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water, kept in a steam bath for 10 minutes, cooled and strained. The resulting decoction is divided into 3 doses and drunk before meals for 1-2 weeks.

The finished decoction should be stored for no more than 2 days.

Alcohol tincture: take 100 g of herb for 0.5 liters of vodka. Let it brew in a dark place for 7–10 days. Used as a mouth rinse antibacterial agent(add 30 drops of tincture to 100 ml of water). Take 50 drops orally with meals. The benefits of the tincture are manifested in increasing potency in men, improving appetite and the functioning of the digestive system.

St. John's wort tea

Herbal tea recipe: 1 tablespoon of St. John's wort herb is poured into 1 glass of boiling water, the drink is brewed for 5 minutes. Porcelain dishes are used to prepare tea, as they retain heat longer. You can add other flavors medicinal herbs, instead of sugar it is better to use honey. For medicinal purposes, tea is drunk 2-3 times a day, 200 ml for 2 weeks. The benefit of the drink is relief depressive states, improving sleep, strengthening the immune system, protecting the body from viral infections.

St. John's wort tea can be taken to prevent viral infections. colds, strengthening immune defense body.

Recipe medicinal tea for colds: take equal proportions of St. John's wort, marshmallow root, sage, eucalyptus. Brew one tablespoon of the mixture in 1 liter of boiling water. Drink tea 2-3 times a day, 200 ml, until the symptoms of the disease disappear.

Tea recipe for men: mix mint, St. John's wort, oregano in equal proportions. 1 teaspoon of the mixture is poured into 0.25 liters of boiling water, brewed for 5–10 minutes under the lid. Drink tea 2-3 times a day, 200 ml. The use of tea helps improve potency and is a preventative against prostatitis in men.

Important! Use of St. John's wort for more than one month can lead to temporary sexual dysfunction in men, which goes away after stopping the herb. This is caused by the ability of St. John's wort to increase blood pressure. Blood stagnation occurs in the pelvic vessels.

Tea recipe for diseases of the digestive tract (gastritis, heartburn, ulcers): mix 1 teaspoon of St. John's wort, blueberry leaves and 1.5 teaspoons of fireweed tea and rose hips. Brew 1 tablespoon of herbal mixture per 1 liter of boiling water. Take tea 3 times a day for 7–10 days.

Tea for women: mix St. John's wort, chamomile, nettle, sweet clover, coltsfoot, calamus, buckthorn bark at a ratio of 1:1. Pour 1 tbsp. spoon into 0.25 liters of boiling water, let stand for 30 minutes. Drink 100 ml tea 3 times a day. The benefit of the drink is in the treatment of endometritis, adnexitis, and has a calming effect during menopause.

It is harmful to drink tea that is brewed too strongly (more than 2 teaspoons per 200 ml of water), it irritates the mucous membranes of the stomach and leads to cramps.

increased sweating;
weakened immunity, frequent colds;
weakness, fatigue;
nervous state, depression;
headaches and migraines;
alternating diarrhea and constipation;
I want sweet and sour;
bad breath;
frequent feeling of hunger;
problems with losing weight;
decreased appetite;
night grinding of teeth, drooling;
pain in the abdomen, joints, muscles;
cough does not go away;
acne on the skin.

If you have any of the symptoms or are in doubt about the causes of your ailments, you need to cleanse your body as quickly as possible. How to do it.

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St. John's wort- perennial herbaceous plant with bright yellow flowers family St. John's wort. There are more than 100 species in the genus. The flowers are collected in paniculate inflorescences with a specific tart odor. St. John's wort has medicinal properties, which were known to our ancestors. But there are a number of contraindications, which we will also discuss in detail.

St. John's wort (ordinary) and tetrahedral are mainly used for medicinal purposes, which will be discussed in the article.

The grass got its name thanks to negative influence on the animal body. It can cause severe poisoning up to fatal outcome. St. John's wort poses no threat to humans. Based on it they make various tinctures and decoctions, used in tea.

Habitats: northern temperate regions and southern tropics, Mediterranean.

It is found in meadows, along field roads, near forests and plantings, and in clearings.

Plant height 70 cm with a tetrahedral stem. Leaves have short petioles, sessile. The flowers are collected in an umbrella-shaped inflorescence. The fruit is in the form of a skin capsule, which, after ripening, opens into several parts. The flowering period in temperate climates occurs in mid-summer: June-August. Seeds oval shape, small, but in large quantities.

Since ancient times, recipes based on St. John's wort have come to us, which were used in ancient Rome and Greece. In many countries, the plant is officially recognized as a medicinal plant and is used to prepare many recipes.

There is an opinion that St. John's wort can cope with any disease with the right approach.

We will look at basic recipes and their preparations in folk medicine. I extract essential oil from the plant, which is also used to treat diseases.

Chemical composition of St. John's wort

The plant contains large number useful substances and vitamins:

Essential oils are formed by pinenes.
Geranoyl has calming effect, prevents the emergence and progression of salmonella, E. coli, staphylococcus, and some forms of influenza.
Myrcene - localizes and neutralizes Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Cineol - resumes work internal organs, improves well-being and renews vitality, relieves stress.
Alkanoids - relieve stress and depression and are part of a comprehensive course of therapy.
Hypericin - promotes the formation of new cells by destroying old, non-viable and weak ones, rejuvenates the body as a whole.
Azulene - calms the nervous system, promotes rapid healing of wounds.
Sapononyms and flavonoids: have diuretic and choleretic effects. Taken as a laxative. Prevents the appearance of sclerotic plaques.
Coumarin - strong remedy from the appearance of blood clots. The disease, which progresses quickly and is difficult to notice in time, has no outward signs.
Hyperoside - reduces the tone of vascular muscles, prevents allergic manifestation, swelling and inflammatory processes.
Rutin - strengthens the walls of blood vessels and capillaries.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - strengthens the immune system, improves heart function.
Vitamin P - prevents the formation of malignant tumors.
Vitamin E - protects against free radicals.
Carotene
Vitamin PP (nicotinic acid).
Tannins - relieve inflammation in the wound area, prevent infection, promote regeneration.
Essential oils and resins.

Medicinal properties of St. John's wort

The plant has:

St. John's wort is used in the treatment of diseases such as:

hearts and cardiovascular system generally
For joint and muscle pain
Haemorrhoids
Diseases of the liver, stomach, gastrointestinal tract
Relieves inflammation of the female genital organs
Relieves depression
Restores the skin (dry skin, high oil content, acne, heals cracks)
Treatment bladder
Prevents hair loss.

Traditional medicine recipes

St. John's wort is used in folk medicine in the form of infusions, decoctions, alcohol tinctures, tea, and oil. We will tell you how to prepare this or that recipe at home from ready-made dried herbs, which you can prepare yourself, or buy in ready-made dry form at the pharmacy.

Preparing the infusion

To prepare you need to take 2 tbsp. spoons of crushed raw materials, pour 250 ml of boiling water, cover tightly and let steep for 4-5 hours, then strain before use.

For gastritis, colitis, hyperacidity, hypotension, cholelithiasis, pain during menstruation, take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals.

For liver and gall bladder disease, take 100 ml of the decoction on an empty stomach for 1 week, then take a break for 2 weeks and repeat the course.

Inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, remove daily rinsing with infusion.

For superficial treatment skin, lotions are made from a decoction of St. John's wort and washed in the morning and evening.

Preparing the decoction

For cooking you need 2 tbsp. pour boiling water over spoons, place on water bath and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Let cool and strain.

Take a decoction when various diseases. Used for internal and external treatment.

Used for stomach upsets, intestinal infections, with sinusitis, gastritis.

For diseases of the nose and sinuses, I wash the canals with a decoction 3-5 times throughout the day.

Skin pathologies, cracks, wounds, use St. John's wort baths. 1 l. The broth is diluted in 3-4 liters of water. The procedures are carried out for 15 minutes several times a day.

The broth is also frozen and ice cubes are wiped on the skin in the morning. Excellent rejuvenating effect, relieves fatigue, restores skin integrity.

Treatment of alcoholism: 3 tbsp. spoons, pour 400 ml of boiling water, bring to a boil, cover tightly and let sit for half an hour. Take 2 tbsp. l. morning and evening. The course of treatment is 2 weeks. If necessary, take a break for 1 week and repeat the course.

Alcohol tincture

This recipe It is allowed to be taken only by adults who are not allergic to alcohol.

Chopped dry grass 1 tbsp. spoon, pour 250 ml medical alcohol, or vodka, close tightly and place in a dark and dry place for 5 days.

Use 1 tsp. tinctures diluted in 50-100 ml of water. The tincture is used in compresses, inhalation and mouth rinsing.

St. John's wort tea

The herb is often used to make tea; it is beneficial for the body and enriched with a large number of vitamins. Tea strengthens the immune system and acts as prophylactic especially in winter period when the body lacks vitamins.

To prepare tea, take 1 tbsp. spoon of dry crushed herbs and add 250 ml of boiling water. Cover tightly and let sit for 20 minutes. Before use, the tea leaves are diluted boiled water. You can add dry berries for taste. Use honey instead of sugar. But honey is added to tea at a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees.

Preparation of St. John's wort oil

Inflammation of the oral mucosa: Mix dry herbs and vegetable oil in equal proportions and leave for 1 week. Used for gingivitis, sore throat, stomatitis.

Gastrointestinal disease: Grind 1 tablespoon of fresh St. John's wort flowers and add 1 glass of olive oil. Leave to ferment for 7 days, shaking occasionally.

After a week, close tightly and place the container in the sun for 4 weeks. The oil will be ready for use as soon as it turns bright red.

Take 1 tsp. morning and evening 20 minutes before meals for gastritis, diseases of the stomach, intestines, ulcers and duodenum.

Use of oil for external treatment: Crushed dried flowers are mixed in equal proportions with vegetable (olive) oil and left for 4 weeks.

The oil is used for external treatment as compresses for wound healing, for burns and ulcers, for insect bites, restoration and rejuvenation of the skin, for stretch marks and bruises.

Cough and cold treatment: The oil is first applied to the fabric. The compress is placed on the throat in the evening and throughout the night. Wrap it in a warm ball on top. In the morning the neck is washed off warm water with soap and apply moisturizer.

For coughs and bronchitis, a similar compress is placed on the chest.

Gargling for a sore throat: Use the above-described hydroalcohol-based tincture of St. John's wort. Rinse several times throughout the day.

Inflammation of the throat and larynx: Take St. John's wort tincture, table salt, 1 tsp soda, 10 drops of iodine, pour a glass of warm water and rinse several times a day.

Cold decoction: Pour 1 teaspoon of chopped raspberry leaves and St. John's wort into a glass of boiling water. After 10 minutes, add a few drops of squeezed lemon juice, add honey to taste and drink before bed.

Treatment of heart diseases with St. John's wort

A prepared decoction of St. John's wort restores heart function, normalizes blood pressure, and copes with arrhythmia. The decoction is taken for cardiovascular diseases.

To prepare the decoction, take 2 tablespoons. lemon balm herb, crushed valerian root and yarrow, add 4 tbsp. l. herbs or St. John's wort flowers and mix everything thoroughly.

1 tbsp. l. ready collection pour a glass of boiling water, bring to a boil, then cover and let it brew for 30 minutes, strain and drink half a glass once a day.

Treatment of stomatitis, periodontitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease

To rinse the mouth, use the following infusion: 1 tbsp. Pour a spoonful of dry herbs into a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 2-3 hours, then strain. Rinse with infusion oral cavity, holding it in your mouth for several minutes. The procedure is repeated 3 times a day after meals.

To treat periodontitis, use oil from the plant in the form of a compress.

The compress is applied several times a day for 10-15 minutes on the affected areas.

To strengthen the gums and eliminate unpleasant odors, rinse the mouth with oil.

Contraindication

There are a number of contraindications when taking herbs for internal use forbidden.

Constant use of St. John's wort causes impotence, urticaria, headache, rash, nausea and vomiting.
It is prohibited to take elevated temperature or together with taking antibiotics.
During pregnancy, St. John's wort tea can cause miscarriage.
It is not recommended to use in case of hypertension, in combination with alcohol.
During the treatment period, avoid sweets, fried and smoked foods.
Taking herbs with various medications and sedatives.
For stomach ulcers and gastritis, an overdose causes pain and cramps.
Long-term use may cause constipation, bitterness in the mouth, pain in the right side.
Do not take in case of hypertrophic cirrhosis of the liver or nephritis.
People with heart or cardiovascular disease should consult their doctor first.
During treatment with St. John's wort, limit your exposure to the sun. The likelihood of sunburn increases.

St. John's wort has long been glorified in Rus'. “Just as you can’t bake bread without flour, you can’t cure a person without St. John’s wort,” says folk wisdom. To this day, this medicinal plant is widely used in traditional and folk medicine.

What is St. John's wort?

St. John's wort is a perennial herb with bright yellow flowers, reaching a height of one meter. There are about 200 species of this grass in the world, 50 of them grow in Russia. IN Western Siberia, Central Asia and in the Caucasus, the most common St. John's wort, or St. John's wort. You can meet this plant in the forest or in the field. St. John's wort grows like a weed along roadsides, in vacant lots, and clearings. In such places, collecting grass for further use is not recommended.

There are several versions of where the name "St. John's wort" came from. According to one of them, it came from the Kazakh language. Translated, "jerabai" means "healer of wounds." According to another version, the name of the herb speaks for itself. St. John's wort can cause severe burns on skin livestock with white fur. This is explained by the content of a special pigment in the grass, which several times increases the sensitivity of albinos to sunlight. St. John's wort is dangerous only for such animals.

The benefits and beneficial properties of St. John's wort are widely used in the production of medicines. In addition, folk alternative medicine cannot do without it.

Chemical composition

The flowers and leaves of St. John's wort contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals. The chemical composition determines the healing properties of the plant for its use as a medicine. Vitamins E, C, PP, essential oils, tannins, carotene, choline and other micro- and macroelements provide effective prevention and treatment of many diseases.

Useful properties of St. John's wort. Its harm to the body

At proper preparation and in the right dosage The flowers and leaves of the plant have a healing effect on the body. In non-traditional and conventional medicine They also prepare tea from St. John's wort, the benefits and harms of which have been known for a very long time. St. John's wort is used as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, wound healing, antidepressant, diuretic and cholagogue. The herb also has a general strengthening effect on the body, thereby increasing its resistance to various diseases.

The benefits and harms are as follows:

Successful treatment of diseases gastrointestinal tract(colitis, gastritis).
Removal nervous excitement- acts on the nervous system as a sedative.
Effective prevention cardiovascular diseases(strengthens the heart muscle).
Treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Normalization of intestinal function (prevention of constipation, treatment of diarrhea).
Treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system in women and men.
Regulates menstrual cycle, stops uterine bleeding.
Used for bronchitis and asthma.
Treats bedwetting in adults and children.

The beneficial qualities of St. John's wort can be continued to be listed endlessly, because it has long been considered a remedy for a hundred diseases. However, the grass is not as harmless as it might seem at first glance.

Indiscriminate use of folk remedies based on St. John's wort can cause significant harm to the body.

Firstly, St. John's wort, the harm and benefits of which depend on certain factors, narrows blood vessels, thereby increasing blood pressure.

Secondly, it is important to avoid overdose folk remedies and preparations based on St. John's wort. It can provoke abdominal cramps, cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, and in the blood of women.

Thirdly, when long-term treatment weak may appear toxic effects on the body. It should not be used simultaneously with other medications, since the plant reduces their medicinal effect.

Contraindications for use

St. John's wort in any form should not be taken:

pregnant and lactating women;
with an increase in body temperature;
people with high sensitivity to solar radiation;
with individual intolerance.

All products prepared using St. John's wort should be taken only after consultation and as prescribed by a doctor.

St. John's wort tea: benefits and harms

St. John's wort can be prepared healing drink with a pleasant tart taste. Tea with St. John's wort, the benefits and harms of which have long been known, will help get rid of many ailments.

Stop diarrhea. It is enough to take a tablespoon of dried St. John's wort and yarrow and brew it in a glass of boiling water. It is recommended to drink in the morning on an empty stomach.
Stop bedwetting in children. To do this, just drink a glass of St. John's wort tea some time before bed.
Tea made from St. John's wort and mint will help calm the nervous system.
You can strengthen your immune system if you drink weak tea made from St. John's wort and rose hips every day.

How to brew St. John's wort tea

To really cook healthy drink, you should learn how to brew tea correctly. To do this, you will need a porcelain teapot, which must be doused with boiling water before adding the herbs.

The dry mixture is poured into the kettle at the rate of one teaspoon per glass of water. Then boiling water is poured in and St. John's wort tea, the benefits and harms of which allow it to be used as a tonic and warming medicine, is ready. Before pouring it into cups, it must sit for at least 15 minutes.

By mixing St. John's wort with other herbs, leaves and berries, you can enrich the taste and healing composition tea. For example, if you add oregano and rose hips and let the raw materials brew in boiling water for at least half an hour, the result can be a tasty

Refreshing tea from St. John's wort, the benefits and harms of which have long been proven, can be prepared by adding black currant, raspberry or cherry leaves to the dry mixture. Such a drink will not only be healthy, but also especially aromatic.

How to prepare St. John's wort for the winter

St. John's wort is usually harvested in July - on the 7th. This is the time when it blooms. For preparations, not only the flowers of the plant are used, but also the upper part of the stem. St. John's wort is dried outdoors in a place protected from sunlight or in a well-ventilated area (for example, in an attic). A special dryer for vegetables and fruits is also suitable for this. Temperature in this case it should be set at 35-40 degrees.

St. John's wort, the harm and benefits of which have long been assessed both in modern and alternative medicine, can be stored in bags made of natural fabric, in cardboard boxes or paper bags for no more than two years.