The medicinal properties of St. John's wort guard our health
The amazing world of field plants is an invaluable treasure for humans. The healing properties of St. John's wort are especially impressive, which are actively used in the fight against ailments. Since time immemorial, all kinds of decoctions, tinctures, oil have been prepared from the herb. She was shrouded in superstition. It was believed that evil spirits are afraid of fiery flowers. Therefore, mattresses filled with dry grass were made for babies. Although today few believe such fables, the medicinal properties of St. John's wort are still worthy of attention. What does this cute plant look like? Where does it occur in nature? How to prepare raw materials correctly? What diseases does it cure, how to prepare and take a medicinal drug? Are there any contraindications? Let's consider all these questions in detail in order to appreciate the humble wildflower.
Features of the bright outfit of the plant
The medicinal plant is found on open forest edges and spacious meadows. It grows up to 70 cm in height (there are also meter specimens). A perennial dwarf shrub has several cylindrical shoots with longitudinal ribs. In the upper part, each of them branches into several stems, decorated with bright inflorescences. The leaf plates of a plant are oblong or elliptical. In length they reach 3 cm. The width of the leaf, as a rule, is 2 times less (1.5 cm). Veins are visible across the entire surface of the plate, which gives it a truly "glamorous" look.
The botanical description of St. John's wort also includes bright golden buds. They are gracefully collected in inflorescences located at the top of the plant. The flowers are composed of five delicate petals, stamens and pistils. The diameter of the bud is approximately 3 cm.
Collect the medicinal herb during the flowering period. This is best done in dry weather. With the help of a sickle or pruner, the upper part of the plant is cut, about 30 cm long.
The raw materials are laid out in a well-ventilated room, where direct sunlight does not fall. The maximum temperature should be between 40-50 ° C.
The cut off shoots of St. John's wort are periodically turned over. Thanks to this, they dry out qualitatively. When the shoots begin to break easily, and the foliage crumbles, the raw material is ready. Store dried grass in cardboard boxes or glass containers at temperatures up to 25 ° C. The maximum term of use is no more than 3 years.
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A valuable set of elements and benefits for the body
The healing properties of St. John's wort are determined by the substances that are included in its composition.
Scientific studies have shown that the herb contains a huge amount of valuable components necessary for human health:
- nicotinic and ascorbic acids (vitamin C);
- quercetin and rutin (flavone compounds);
- carotene (vitamin A);
- saponins;
- hypericin;
- phytoncides (natural antibiotics);
- essential oils;
- tocopherol (vitamin E).
Healing chemical compounds are actively used to treat various ailments.They act as a pain reliever, antibacterial and antiseptic. Herbal tinctures are used for the stomach, wound healing, stimulation of the gallbladder.
Since ancient times, drugs prepared on the basis of St. John's wort have been used to treat:
- colds;
- headache;
- heart problems;
- stomach;
- liver;
- Bladder;
- hemorrhoids;
- female diseases;
- rheumatism.
Modern research has shown that the elements that St. John's wort contains have a positive effect on the central nervous system. Therefore, it is often prescribed for emotional distress and even depression.
Thanks to the abundance of tannins, medicinal herbs are used to relieve inflammation and accelerate wound healing.
The healing properties of St. John's wort and classical medicine
Often doctors call St. John's wort "a remedy for 99 diseases." They actively use medicinal preparations based on herbs, as well as dried raw materials.
Tincture from the plant is prescribed for various inflammations in the oral cavity:
- angina;
- pharyngitis;
- stomatitis;
- inflammation of the gums.
Homemade decoctions stimulate the intestines, stomach and biliary tract. In gynecology, they help get rid of inflammatory processes. And in psychiatry, tinctures treat insomnia and increased anxiety.
The effectiveness of raw materials is due to the presence of beta-carotene, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
The well-known drug "Novoimanin" is created on the basis of components obtained from St. John's wort extract. It is prescribed for serious illnesses:
- phlegmon;
- abscess;
- inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa;
- infected wounds;
- sinusitis;
- burns.
The drug is highly effective against microbes. It successfully suppresses the multiplication of Staphylococcus aureus, which is resistant to penicillin. The essential oils that make up the plant normalize bowel function.
Traditional preparations based on St. John's wort are available in the form of tinctures, tablets and dry herbs. The most popular of them are: "Gelarium", "Deprim", "Life 900", "St. John's wort extract". All of them are prescribed by the attending physician and are taken under his supervision.
These medications help women fight PMS. Regulates mood, frequency of hot flashes and headaches during menopause. St. John's wort is an effective remedy for middle-aged men. The drugs stimulate sex drive during physical and emotional fatigue. St. John's wort medicines are used to treat drug and alcohol addiction.
The combination of drugs is determined by the attending physician. Without such advice, the use of substances is strictly prohibited.
"Magic" herb and folk healers
A positive effect in the treatment of various diseases is achieved only with a correctly established diagnosis. Therefore, herbalists warn about possible complications caused by improper use of herbal infusions and decoctions.
With the help of dried raw materials, traditional healers treat:
- gallstone disease;
- hepatitis;
- gastritis;
- arthritis;
- joint pain;
- heart palpitations;
- sinusitis;
- heartburn;
- depression;
- burns;
- skin diseases.
As medicinal drugs are tinctures, decoctions, oil, hot teas. Additional plant components are often used. Thanks to this, the "preparation" acts much faster, since it contains an abundance of valuable compounds.
For the preparation of medicinal solutions, you can use the herb purchased at the pharmacy.
DIY medicine
Any drug is easily prepared at home, focusing on proven recipes. Fresh St. John's wort is mainly used as an external treatment. Inflorescences and foliage are finely chopped. Pour in a little boiling water. Insist 15 minutes. Used as a lotion for the healing of open wounds, bruises and external ulcers.The drug helps to neutralize allergies after being bitten by mosquitoes and other poisonous insects. To relieve pain in the spine, a natural liquid is added to the drug honey.
A medicinal decoction for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract is prepared in the usual way:
- chopped dry grass is poured with hot water;
- insist in a dark place for about 4 hours;
- filter through cheesecloth.
The finished drink is taken in the treatment of gastritis 3 times a day after meals. The same dose is effective for cholelithiasis, hypertension, cystitis and headache.
To combat colds, a hot medicinal decoction is made from dry herbs:
- put 1 tablespoon of St. John's wort flowers in a cup;
- pour boiling water over;
- insist 20 minutes;
- the raw material is squeezed out;
- add lemon juice;
- a teaspoon of honey.
Warm up in a microwave oven before each meal. Drink 0.5 cups in the evenings. Then they go to bed, wrap themselves up and try to sleep. The ailment recedes after several regular doses in combination with antiviral drugs.
If you additionally add the juice of a small onion to the tincture, you get a mixture of "lethal" power.
How to brew medicinal tea to strengthen the immune system? They take a porcelain teapot for business. Pour dry crushed herb St. John's wort. Pour boiling water over. After 5 minutes, add lime blossom, strawberries, may honey. Usually the drink is not diluted with water, but is drunk in its natural form.
The healing properties of St. John's wort in tinctures and oil
An effective remedy for many problems is a tincture of St. John's wort in alcohol or vodka. Pour 2 tablespoons of dry chopped herbs into a glass container. Pour in alcohol (200 g). Insist 3 days in a cool dark place.
The drug is convenient to take in field conditions, since it retains its healing properties for a long time. The tincture helps with sudden sore throat, as well as a compress for bruises and muscle damage.
The original drug for external use is the oil from St. John's wort inflorescences. Get it in a simple way. The dried buds of the plant are poured into a jar and poured with any vegetable oil (sunflower, olive or linseed). A small oppression is placed on top so that mold does not form on the grass. The components are taken at the rate of 1: 1.5. Infuse the oil for a month. The finished product is bottled. Store in a cool, dark place. They are used both externally and internally.
St. John's wort oil is used to strengthen the gums by applying medicinal applications.
Similarly, a life-giving ointment is made. Instead of oil, take animal fat, baby cream or petroleum jelly. St. John's wort extract is combined with a thick component. Mix well. Put it in a jar. Store in the refrigerator. Used for sprains, bruises and wound healing.
Beauty "does not require" sacrifice
Cosmetologists pay special attention to St. John's wort. Its healing effect was noticed by our ancestors. They rinsed their hair with broths, washed their faces, and soared their feet. Oil was used to treat abscesses and fight acne. Modern cosmetologists, continuing the ancient tradition, actively use the plant in their business.
Velvet leather "for ages"
Daily facial care does not require much effort if it is an old habit. A rich decoction of St. John's wort inflorescences will help to remove the greasy shine. Pour the herb into a saucepan. Pour in hot water. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes. When the product has cooled down, filter it into a glass container. Use a cotton pad to wipe the skin of the face. Allow to dry, and then wash with cold water.
Dandruff and baldness are not a problem
Hair loss is a serious problem for both men and women. The question is solved by the usual decoction of St. John's wort. It is recommended to take it 15 minutes before the start of the meal in the morning and evening. The maximum dose of the drink is 3 tablespoons.
If dandruff appears on the scalp, a herbal tincture will help get rid of.It is brewed in the usual way, but insisted for 4 hours. Every time after washing the hair, the liquid is used for rinsing.
The healing properties of St. John's wort for the treatment of acne, abscesses and cracks
Young people are often embarrassed about their appearance, because the face is affected by acne. Cosmetologists advise to prepare a classic decoction of St. John's wort and use it daily for washing. Take a tablespoon of the herb. Pour a glass of boiling water over. Insist 25 minutes. After applying to the affected skin, wait until it dries. Wash off after 2 hours. The procedure is effectively done before bedtime.
With the help of such a solution, purulent formations are treated. The wound is thoroughly washed with a cotton pad several times a day until complete healing.
If cracks appear on the heels, a medicinal bath is prepared. You will need 8 tablespoons of herbs, 1 liter of boiling water. The solution is boiled for 5 minutes over low heat. The drug is poured into a basin. When it cools down a little, lower your legs. They soar for about 15 minutes, 2 times a week.
Dangerous signals
Despite the beneficial effect that St. John's wort has on the body, problems sometimes arise.
Long-term use of decoctions, tinctures and oils leads to unpleasant sensations:
- bitterness in the mouth;
- aching pain in the liver;
- increased blood pressure;
- dizziness;
- nausea.
Women who take contraceptive drugs have serious problems. The components contained in the plant weaken the effect of contraception. Therefore, there is a risk of unwanted pregnancy.
In men, after long-term treatment with St. John's wort, a decrease in potency is observed. Elderly people who are taking sedative pills are not advised to drink medicinal decoctions. The combination of the ingredients leads to dizziness and insomnia.
Despite the contraindications, medicinal drugs bring great benefits to the body. The main thing is to take them under the supervision of a doctor. Adhere to prescribed doses and regularity. In any case, health is in our hands.