St. John's wort

St. John's wort (lat. Hypericum perforatum), has long been valued and used by the people for the treatment of cuts, burns, hemorrhoids, wound healing and as an antiseptic (external use), as well as for liver disease, stomach pain and diarrhea (internal use). Its use in healing dates back to the time of the Ancient Greeks and Romans.

St. John's wort is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to one meter in height on dry hills, sunny meadows, desolate and uncultivated land, as well as forest edges. The healing properties of St. John's wort, popularly known as St. John's wort, have been known since ancient times. This plant has been used for medicinal purposes for more than 2,000 years. St. John's wort has a solid branched stem with leaves interwoven with many transparent dots. The yellow flowers of five petals, which have black dots on the underside, are located at the top of the stem, have many anthers and one pistil. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, contains essential oil, flavonols, phytosterols, resin, tannins, carotene, anthocyanin, hypericin and vitamin C.

A natural antidepressant

Numerous scientific studies have shown that St. John's wort contains significant amounts of hyperforin and hypericin, compounds that play an important role in preserving the nervous system. This herb relieves symptoms and treats mild depression. Unlike other antidepressants, St. John's wort does not shorten the REM phase of sleep, enabling adequate night rest, which in itself has a beneficial effect on mood. It also prevents the breakdown of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are responsible for good mood. The antioxidant properties of St. John's wort help with Parkinson's disease, which occurs as a consequence of a pronounced lack of dopamine in the part of the brain responsible for controlling voluntarily coordinated movements and the beginning of some motor action. The healing properties of St. John's wort help regulate blood pressure and have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.

Prevents cancer

The results of research conducted at the National Cancer Institute in America showed that St. John's wort helps in the treatment of cancer. The research was done on laboratory mice injected with the leukemia virus. After only one dose of St. John's wort, the mice were able to fight the infection.

Relieves pain

St. John's wort has a beneficial effect on the digestive organs - it relieves heartburn, unpleasant belching and bloating. It is a good ally in the treatment of inflammation of the kidneys and renal pelvis, and helps to expel stones. This herb is widely used in the treatment of menstrual problems. This was confirmed by research conducted in Great Britain. The results showed that St. John's wort reduces mood swings and anxiety in menopausal women, and in addition, relieves cramps during and before the menstrual cycle. Antibiotic and antiviral effects of St. John's wort accelerate the secretion of mucus and prevent cough, help in the treatment of sinus infection, flu and bronchitis. In addition, its soothing properties and rich concentrations of antioxidants make St. John's wort an ideal plant for relieving pain due to arthritis, gout and muscle pain.

Depression tea

Mix equal amounts of dried flowers of St. John's wort and ragweed, pour two decilitres of hot water over them and let the tea stand for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day.

Oil for wounds and burns

Pour four large spoons of St. John's wort flowers into a jar and let it stand for a day, until it turns a little. Pour a liter of olive oil over them, close the jar and let it stand for six weeks. Lubricate wounds, rashes, burns, hemorrhoids with oil…

Wine for better digestion

Pour forty grams of St. John's wort flowers with a liter of quality white wine and let it stand in a warm place for a month. Strain and drink two glasses a day before meals.

Tea for gastritis

Pour a teaspoon of dried St. John's wort flowers into two decilitres of hot water, cover and let it stand for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink three times a day after meals.

St. John's wort should not be used concomitantly with antidepressants because it has the same mechanism of action.

Namely, this plant also increases the level of serotonin in the blood, which can lead to an increase in this enzyme and complications in the body.