St. John's wort: medicinal properties and contraindications

In folk medicine and cosmetology, many different herbs are used. One of the most popular is St. John's wort. On its basis, infusions, decoctions and even tea are prepared. All of them help to cope with unpleasant symptoms and improve well-being.

Chemical composition

St. John's wort has been popular with folk healers for centuries due to its unique composition. It contains special elements that are not found in many plants and products. The composition of St. John's wort includes:

1. Mirzen. This substance has the ability to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which cause dangerous diseases.
2. Geraniol. It has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. It is thanks to him that grass is used to destroy staphylococcus, worms and Escherichia coli.
3. Cineol. The element has a positive effect on the nervous system. It allows you to normalize sleep, relieve insomnia. St. John's wort is also recommended for patients who are subject to frequent stress and depression. Cineol also has the ability to increase overall tone and relieve nervous tension.
4. Hypericin. Refers to unique substances. It activates the growth of new cells and helps destroy old ones. Thus, the grass has the ability to prolong youth.
5. Alkaloids. They are used as part of complex therapy, help eliminate neurosis, cope with stress and depression.
6. Azulen. This is a substance that has the ability to calm the nervous system. Azulene is also used to accelerate the healing process of wounds.
7. Saponins. Essential to the body substances. Due to their sufficient number, the risk of developing atherosclerosis is several times reduced. Saponins are also known for their laxative and diuretic effects.
8. Routine. Essential for blood vessels. Rutin has a positive effect, strengthens the vascular walls.
9. Hyperoside. The substance helps to stop the inflammatory process, eliminate swelling of the tissues. Hyperoside also allows you to restore muscle tone.
10. Vitamin C. In St. John's wort is present in sufficient quantities. The body needs to strengthen the defenses. Thanks to the use of the plant as tinctures and decoctions, it is possible not only to avoid the development of colds and other diseases, but also to accelerate the healing process.
11. Vitamin R. It is also important for the human body, as it allows several times to reduce the likelihood of cancerous tumors that affect various tissues and organs. Their danger lies in the fact that they can form for a long time without symptoms, and in the later stages, when signs appear, diseases often can no longer be treated.

St. John's wort also contains B vitamins.They participate in almost all processes in the body, have a positive effect on the functioning of the organs of vision, the digestive system, support the normal functioning of the central nervous system, protect against stress, help strengthen the heart and blood vessels.

Thus, St. John's wort is a unique plant. Its composition contains such substances, which are difficult to find in others. Therefore, it is widely used both in medicine and in cosmetology.

How it looks and where it grows

St. John's wort is a plant that is perennial. In height, it is able to reach 1 m. The plant has one, but more often several stems of cylindrical shape with longitudinal ribs that branch in the upper part.

Hypericum leaves are elliptical or oblong, depending on the species. In length, they can be up to 3 cm, and in width - only 1.5 cm. Each leaf has veins scattered over the entire area.

St. John's wort is characterized by golden flowers, the diameter of which is up to 3 cm. They are collected in inflorescences and are located at the top of the plant. Each flower has five petals.

Wild St. John's wort usually grows in regions with a temperate climate, and it can also be found in the tropics and in the south. The plant is common in the Mediterranean.

Kinds

Today, botany knows about 430 species of St. John's wort. But the most common are:

1. Ordinary. Also called perforated. It can be found in the northern regions of Africa, Eurasia, the Canary and Azores, in Australia. It is used as a dye in the distillery and food industry, traditional and traditional medicine, cosmetology.
2. Tinting. It grows in Europe, Asia and Africa. Great for creating hedges and takes root well with other plants. It is usually applied in landscaping.
3. Calyx. You can meet him in Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey. Used as a decorative plant.
4. Kamchatsky. It got its name as a result of being widespread in Kamchatka. It can also be found on Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. It is not used in medicine, but it is actively used in cooking for the preparation of tasty and fragrant tea.
5. Trihedral. It grows in Tunisia, Turkey, Cyprus and Malta, found in Jordan and Israel. St. John's wort is actively used in local medicine.
6. Spotted. It is also a medicinal plant and grows in Europe.
7. Mountain. It got its name, as it is distributed mainly in the mountains of the Caucasus. It is found in Europe. In Belarus and Lithuania, it is protected as an endangered species.
8. Olympic. This is a decorative culture. Olympic hypericum is common in the Balkans, in Syria, Turkey and Greece.
9. Elongated. It is actively used in traditional medicine. Also used in industry as a dye.
10. Goat. In Israel, it is considered an endangered species.

The most common of these are ordinary St. John's wort and tetrahedral. They are evergreen and are used as ornamental plants.

Collection and storage

Collect grass for harvesting should be in the second or third year after sowing. It was at this time that the plant began to bloom actively. Harvesting begins during flowering, from approximately late June to early July. But this should only be done in dry weather, cutting only the top 30 cm of the plant. To do this, it is better to use a sickle or a fairly sharp knife. Harvested shoots are immediately sent for drying, as they quickly begin to rot. They are laid out in a separate room, always darkened. It is important that there is ventilation, and the room temperature does not fall below 50 degrees.

Collected shoots should be turned over regularly to dry evenly. Drying can be completed when the leaves begin to crumble and the shoots break easily.

Store dried hypericum in a glass container or cardboard boxes. Duration of storage at a temperature of 5 to 25 degrees is three years.

Medicinal properties of St. John's wort grass

Such a plant as St. John's wort, thanks to a number of unique components that make up the composition, has been used in folk medicine for more than a century. It has the following healing properties:

1. Antibacterial. Infusions and decoctions are used for diseases caused by various bacteria. Active substances have a negative effect on them, destroying them and slowing down the process of their reproduction in the body.
2. Sedative The composition contains a sufficient amount of B vitamins and other substances that have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. St. John's wort is used for stress, psycho-emotional stress and depressive states.
3. Wound healing. The plant is known for its ability to activate the cell regeneration process for burns and wounds, therefore, special ointments are prepared on the basis of St. John's wort.
4. Painkiller. Means prepared on the basis of the plant, perfectly help to cope with painful sensations in the digestive organs, joints, as well as with headaches.
5. Diuretic. The plant is known for its properties to remove not only excess moisture, but also to normalize the process of excretion of bile. Thus, St. John's wort based products are actively used to eliminate puffiness and in cases of bile excretion.
6. Antiseptic. With the help of St. John's wort-based agents, it is possible to treat wounds, preventing the entry and spread of infection.
7. Anthelmintic. St. John's wort is also actively used as a remedy for worms.
8. Antispasmodic. Due to the fact that St. John's wort helps relieve spasms, it is widely used to treat certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
9. Expectorant. The substances that make up St. John's wort contribute to the dilution and elimination of sputum from the bronchi. Therefore, plant-based products are used for colds, flu and other diseases accompanied by a cough.

In addition, all plant-based products are used to strengthen the cardiovascular system, as a preventive measure for the development of rheumatism.

For women

St. John's wort for many years was used as an additional treatment in the presence of gynecological diseases. It significantly reduces pain during menstruation, helps to improve the condition with menopause and allows you to restore hormone levels. The plant has a powerful effect on the female body and is used in the treatment of diseases of the internal genital organs.

St. John's wort also found its application in cosmetology. On its basis, various products are made that help prolong the youth of the skin, eliminate signs of aging, and remove fine wrinkles.

For men

St. John's wort is believed to have the ability to increase sexual activity, especially in cases where stress or constant fatigue are the cause.

The plant will benefit the male body, as it helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, blood vessels. According to statistics, it is men who are most susceptible to their development.

During pregnancy

A woman during pregnancy, in the presence of certain diseases, should not take most drugs, since they can cause harm to the fetus. That is why future mothers often resort to traditional medicine. Herbs in rare cases are contraindicated during pregnancy. Usually they are not used in case of allergies.

But it is important to consider that traditional medicine can be dangerous during this period. St. John's wort also belongs to this group. Despite the fact that it has many useful properties, it is forbidden to use it in its pure form. It is usually used in complex therapy in small quantities.

The composition of the plant includes the unique substance hyperin, which helps not only improve mood, but also cope with stress.St. John's wort also contains a large amount of vitamin C, which is necessary to strengthen and maintain immunity, which is quite important during pregnancy.

But applying it to expectant mothers is still not recommended. The thing is that funds based on it have the ability to increase blood pressure, which can lead to irreparable consequences. The most dangerous are miscarriage or premature birth. Use drugs based on it should be prescribed by a doctor and only in the indicated dosages. Most often they are prescribed when the benefit significantly exceeds the expected harm.

When breastfeeding

Specialists also do not recommend the use of St. John's wort based products for breastfeeding. This is due to the fact that the constituent substances have the ability to penetrate into breast milk and cause harm to the baby.

Thus, with lactation, it is better to abandon the use of plants as a means of treating diseases.

For kids

St. John's wort, if used correctly, will benefit the baby's body. But it should be given with great care and only at the indicated dosage. Before use, it is best to consult your doctor.

The plant will help maintain immunity, especially in the season of flu and colds, to eliminate violations of the gastrointestinal tract. St. John's wort also has a positive effect on the child’s nervous system. Before use, make sure that there is no allergic reaction.

When losing weight

In order to reduce weight, many women have already tried many diets and various means. Among them can be distinguished and St. John's wort. Based on it, decoctions and infusions are prepared that help maintain normal body weight. The process of losing weight using a plant occurs by suppressing appetite, reducing stress and normalizing the digestion process.

Many women practice fasting as a means of losing weight. As a result, the body experiences severe stress, there is constant fatigue. Such nutrition negatively affects not only the nervous system, but also the state of the digestive system. St. John's wort will help relieve unpleasant symptoms and contribute to weight loss.

St. John's wort oil: properties and applications

Oil is prepared from flowers and stems. It is brown with a red tint and has a light aroma of the plant. The tool is also used in traditional medicine, since there are many useful components in the composition. These include vitamins of groups B, C, PP, A and E.

Microelements, which are also part of the oil, also benefit the body. By its properties, it is equivalent to almond oil. The tool is known for its bactericidal, astringent, warming properties. It also helps to eliminate pain of various kinds, reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis, support the work of the heart, blood vessels, muscle tissue.

In addition, the oil is actively used in folk medicine to relieve spasms, eliminate the inflammatory process and accelerate the process of tissue regeneration after damage.

The oil, prepared on the basis of the plant, has a positive effect on the functioning of the kidneys, liver, and digestive organs. It strengthens the nervous system, eliminates the symptoms of an allergic reaction to food or cosmetics, and is used for gout and rheumatism.

St. John's wort oil is also used to improve the general condition of osteochondrosis, helping to restore damaged tissues and get rid of unpleasant symptoms. It is used for gastritis, ulcers, the presence of ulcers, burns. The tool is also actively used in cosmetology to care for combination and oily skin. It allows you to eliminate violations of the sebaceous glands, wrinkles and prolong the youth of the skin.

Thus, even oil prepared on the basis of St. John's wort, if used correctly, will bring invaluable benefits to the body, improve the general condition and relieve a whole complex of unpleasant symptoms that arise with certain diseases.

St. John's wort in medicine

From time immemorial, the plant has been used by traditional healers to treat many diseases. All products prepared on the basis of St. John's wort will have a positive effect on the body.

With diabetes

The disease is often accompanied by swelling of the tissues. St. John's wort will help relieve unpleasant symptoms due to its diuretic properties. Also, infusions and decoctions will help restore the gallbladder, support the liver and remove harmful substances from the body. However, they do not affect the level of glucose in the blood.

With pancreatitis

Patients suffering from this disease are often tormented by severe pain, which is not only intense enough, but also prolonged. St. John's wort will help get rid of them, from which special decoctions or infusions are prepared. A similar property is due to the presence of hyperforin in the plant. This substance helps to eliminate pain and improve the general condition.

In addition, St. John's wort-based products will help get rid of inflammation, which is also often accompanied by a number of unpleasant symptoms.

With gastritis

Gastritis is a fairly common disease, which is characterized by the occurrence of an inflammatory process on the gastric mucosa. In the case of pathology, a diet is prescribed, and medications are prescribed. Also, as an additional therapy, tincture based on St. John's wort can also be used. It will help stop inflammation, has an antimicrobial effect.

In addition, the tool will help restore microflora and normalize the intestines. With regular use, the symptoms disappear after a few days.

For the intestines

St. John's wort folk healers are also used to normalize the intestines. With the help of the tool, it is possible to get rid of flatulence, bloating, constipation. Thanks to its properties and the constituent components, with the help of infusions based on plants, it is possible to cope with intestinal infection. The tool helps to destroy pathogenic microorganisms and slow down their reproduction.

St. John's wort is also used to get rid of painful sensations that can be caused by disruption of the intestines, inflammatory processes leading to a number of diseases.

For constipation

Intestinal congestion is a common problem, especially in women after pregnancy. Constipation can be caused by malnutrition, a sedentary lifestyle.

To tackle such a delicate problem will help tincture of St. John's wort. The plant has a laxative effect and facilitates the process of excreting feces. Also, the drug is recommended as a prevention of the occurrence of stagnant processes in the intestine.

With gout

The disease is a form of arthritis. It occurs as a result of the accumulation of salt deposits in the joints. As a result, their mobility is limited, which is accompanied by pain.

St. John's wort will help to cope with unpleasant symptoms and eliminate the inflammatory process. The plant will remove pain, inflammation and reduce the likelihood of complications.

With colitis

The disease is characterized by the development of inflammation on the colon mucosa. Pathology in the early stages is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. St. John's wort tincture will help to cope with them.

The tool will help stop the spread of the pathological process, protect the organ mucosa from further damage.

For the liver

The liver is subjected to heavy loads daily. It protects the body from exposure to harmful substances.The use of tinctures and decoctions based on St. John's wort will significantly reduce the load, since the substances that make up the plant contribute to the elimination of toxins. Thus, St. John's wort is used by traditional healers both as a prophylaxis of a number of liver diseases and for their therapy.

With hemorrhoids

A sedentary and sedentary lifestyle affects the overall health of a person. One of the diseases, the cause of which is the lack of motor activity, is considered hemorrhoids. It manifests itself with unpleasant symptoms, accompanied by an inflammatory process. The use of St. John's wort-based products will help stop the spread of pathology. They will also help save a person from pain.

With cholecystitis

It occurs as a result of inflammation of the gallbladder and is a complication of gallstone disease, in which solid formations begin to form in the gallbladder and ducts. Everything is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, pain is especially intense.

St. John's wort will also help get rid of them. The plant, on the basis of which infusions and decoctions are made, contains substances that help not only stop the inflammatory process and relieve pain, but also restore the outflow of bile. This is quite important in the presence of a similar disease.

With vitiligo

The disease is quite common today. This is a dermatological disease in which there is a violation of the synthesis of melanin. As a result, the skin acquires a special color. All this leads to the appearance of white spots on the skin. The disease can have a different degree of severity. Often vitiligo is almost imperceptible, but in some cases, the violation is noticeable to the naked eye, since the skin becomes like marble.

St. John's wort oil is used to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and restore the synthesis of melanin. It is used for compresses that are applied to the affected areas of the skin. After a few days, discolored spots begin to disappear.

With sinusitis

Sinusitis is a complication of a cold, in which pus begins to accumulate in the sinuses of the nasal cavity. With an increase in its number, a worsening of smell, nasal congestion is noted. Soft tissues under the eyes swell, which over time becomes noticeable and surrounding.

Swelling is observed in the forehead. All this can be accompanied by fever and other unpleasant symptoms. St. John's wort will help to eliminate the inflammatory process and relieve pain. The plant is used as an additional therapy and helps to significantly speed up the healing process, reduce the risk of complications.

From alcoholism

Alcohol gradually destroys the body. First of all, the liver and stomach suffer. Over time, a person becomes dependent on alcohol, he wants to regularly use them.

To help cope with this addiction will help infusion based on St. John's wort. The substances that make up the plant contribute to the intolerance of alcohol. St. John's wort has been successfully used for many years as a cure for alcohol addiction.

From depression

Depression occurs as a result of prolonged stress that a person is exposed to. It is characterized by depression, irritability, apathy and other symptoms. A long stay in this condition negatively affects a person’s life and therefore requires treatment.

You can get rid of depression not only with the help of drugs. For these purposes, you can use tools based on St. John's wort. The plant perfectly helps to restore the emotional state, get rid of depression and normalize the nervous system. This property is due to the fact that the composition of St. John's wort contains B vitamins and other substances that have a positive effect on the nervous system.

With a cold

The common cold often occurs in the autumn and spring. Lack of therapy can lead to the development of diseases such as meningitis, sinusitis, otitis media and others. Therefore, when a runny nose, cough, temperature rises, you should immediately begin treatment.

Often, a complex of drugs is prescribed. But to speed up the healing process, you can use tools based on St. John's wort. They will help maintain immunity, relieve pain in the throat, stop inflammation of the mucosa, relieve cough and runny nose.

St. John's wort with a cold significantly increases the effectiveness of drugs due to the sufficient content of vitamin C.

With menopause

Menopause is always accompanied by signs such as excessive sweating, hot flashes, worsening general condition, the development of depression. Decoctions made from St. John's wort will help to cope with unpleasant symptoms.

The composition of the plant includes many substances that help normalize the functioning of the nervous system, improve mood and improve the general condition.

With cystitis

The disease occurs with inflammation of the bladder and is accompanied by painful sensations, frequent urge to urinate, as well as a violation of this process.

St. John's wort is actively used not only for menopause, but also for gynecological diseases, cystitis. Decoctions and tinctures are used to relieve the inflammatory process, due to which it ceases to spread further on the walls of the bladder.

The plant also has an analgesic effect, which contributes to a significant improvement. Use plant-based products should only be used in combination therapy with drugs prescribed by your doctor. This will help to quickly get rid of unpleasant symptoms and reduce the likelihood of complications.

From worms

Helminthic infestation is a fairly common problem. Infection with parasites can occur both due to a lack of proper hygiene, and after eating insufficiently well-prepared fish or meat. St. John's wort will help to get rid of them, since the plant has a powerful anthelmintic property due to the components that are part of it. Tinctures and decoctions contribute to the destruction of worms and slow down the reproduction process.

St. John's wort increases or decreases pressure

The question of whether St. John's wort lowers or raises blood pressure is of interest to many patients suffering from sudden drops in blood pressure.

All products prepared on the basis of the plant have the property of increasing blood pressure. Therefore, before applying any infusions or decoctions, it is important to consult a specialist.

As a result of the fact that St. John's wort increases blood pressure, it cannot be used during pregnancy. A sharp jump in blood pressure can cause premature birth or miscarriage.

Types of medicinal compounds with St. John's wort

Based on the useful and healing plant, several types of compounds are prepared. Each of them will bring invaluable benefits to the body when used correctly and will allow you to cope with certain diseases. Before using them, it is important to verify the absence of an allergic reaction and other contraindications.

Infusion

Cooking it is quite simple. To do this, take three tablespoons of the dried plant. Pour everything in a glass of boiling water. Insist for two hours. After the grass gives all its taste, smell and nutrients, strain the solution. Take one third of a glass. The infusion is used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, sleep disturbances and cystitis.

The tool copes with painful sensations, helps to normalize sleep and restore the functioning of the digestive system. After a course of therapy, a significant improvement is noted.

Tincture

This tool helps with diseases of the oral cavity, such as stomatitis. It is prepared on the basis of alcohol or vodka. Therefore, children should not be given such a remedy, even despite the fact that the tincture is also intended for rinsing.It is also used for external use to treat wounds, cuts and abrasions.

Tincture can be used inside. To do this, a few drops of the product are diluted in a small amount of water.

For cooking you will need alcohol or vodka. If vodka is used, then the dose needs to be taken more. One part of the dried plant should be mixed with 10 parts of alcohol. Insist for 3 weeks, regularly shake the tincture. After time, strain the solution with gauze and pour into a container of opaque material, close the lid. Leave in a cool room.

Decoction

Dry St. John's wort in the amount of two tablespoons need to pour 250 ml of hot water. Then cook everything in a water bath for half an hour. When the broth is ready, cool and strain everything. This tool is used for many diseases. It can also be used as a cosmetic product for washing or washing hair. It helps restore microcirculation, eliminate the signs of aging, relieve pain and inflammation.

Tea

One of the popular hypericum-based products is tea. It can be used instead of a regular drink. It helps to cope with insomnia, chronic fatigue, depression and stress. Also, tea will be beneficial for colds. This is due to the fact that vitamin C is present in large quantities in the plant. It will help strengthen immunity.

In addition, such a drink eliminates inflammatory processes in the throat and nasopharynx, destroys pathogenic microorganisms, which are the cause of the development of colds, flu.

When making tea, you can add linden, lemon balm or rose hips. They will enhance the therapeutic effect of St. John's wort. In order to brew a drink, you need two tablespoons of a dried plant and 500 ml of boiling water. All you need to insist. You can add honey to your taste.

The drink is not only useful, but also quite tasty. It will appeal to adults and children. It is used not only during colds, but also as a prophylactic.

Application in cosmetology

Such a plant as St. John's wort, in its composition has many useful components, some of which are rare. All of them have a beneficial effect on the body.

But St. John's wort is used not only to treat a number of diseases, but also in cosmetology. All products have anti-inflammatory, tonic, regenerating and anti-aging properties. With their regular use, it is possible to eliminate the signs of early aging, superficial wrinkles, minor inflammation, acne, acne.

The plant is used in the presence of the following problems:

• increased oily skin;
• acne;
• dandruff and hair loss;
• pustules on the skin;
• cracks in the heels;
• wrinkles and wilting of the skin.

There are many different recipes that will help maintain the beauty of the skin of the face and hair. The most famous and effective among them are:

Acne Tincture

It is used for washing in the presence of purulent rashes on the skin of the face. You can apply it daily. To prepare it, you will need a tablespoon of the dried plant and a glass of boiling water. All mix and insist for 20 minutes. Wash your face in the evening every day before going to bed. In this case, after the procedure, you do not need to wipe your face, but let the infusion soak.

Decoction for oily skin

Greasy gloss is also a common problem. To restore the sebaceous glands, it is enough to take two large spoons of St. John's wort, pour them with a glass of water and boil. The broth should cool, after which it must be filtered. Moisten a cotton pad in the solution and wipe the face.You can use it daily.

Oily shine mask

Also an effective remedy. To prepare the mask, you need to pour two tablespoons of St. John's wort with four tablespoons of boiling water. Everything should be infused until gruel is obtained. Apply it on the skin of the face, leave for 15 minutes, and then rinse. The tool can be used every 3-4 days.

Lotion for wrinkles and signs of aging

For its preparation, you need a tablespoon of vodka and a glass of infusion based on St. John's wort. Everything needs to be mixed. Wipe face with lotion after evening washing.

Infusion for hair loss

St. John's wort copes with hair loss. To prepare the product, you should take a tablespoon of the plant, pour it with a glass of boiling water and leave everything for 20 minutes. After cooling, strain and take orally before meals twice a day.

Dandruff Infusion

To eliminate such a problem as dandruff, you need to prepare an infusion according to the recipe indicated above. It is used to rinse hair after washing.

Hair Growth Mask

Its regular use will help normalize hair growth, activate dormant bulbs. The result will be noticeable after 2-3 months. To prepare it, you will need one egg and two large tablespoons of honey and a dried plant. Melt honey in a water bath to make it liquid. Brew the plant in 250 ml of boiling water and insist for 20 minutes, then strain. Combine honey with yolk, add infusion and mix everything thoroughly. The product must have a consistency of balm. Apply the resulting mass to the hair, wrap with a film and a towel, leave for one hour, then rinse with warm water.

All recipes have been used in cosmetology for many years. With their help, you can maintain the beauty of your skin, prolong youth, get rid of dandruff and hair loss.

Precautionary measures

Before using St. John's wort-based products, you need to know a few key points. It is important to observe the following precautions:

1. During treatment, you should not drink alcohol and coffee. This combination can adversely affect the general condition.
2. To achieve good treatment results, you need to abandon the use of sweet, spicy, smoked and salty. Throughout the treatment period, it is very important to adhere to proper nutrition, especially in the presence of diseases of the digestive tract.
3. You can not use funds from St. John's wort if the specialist prescribed antidepressants. The combination of such drugs will negatively affect the nervous system, since the grass has a sedative effect. With the simultaneous use of drugs and St. John's wort, confusion occurs, a feeling of constant anxiety and anxiety, as well as other symptoms.
4. To use infusions and decoctions based on St. John's wort should only be according to the recipe, not exceeding the dosages. Excessive use of funds can lead to bloating and cramping in the digestive system.
5. St. John's wort should be taken with caution with painkillers. This is due to the fact that the plant due to the constituent substances contributes to the long-term effect or its elimination.
6. Collect the plant should be in remote areas where there are no roads and cars. The thing is that St. John's wort, collected along dusty roads, contains a large amount of cadmium. This substance is harmful to human health.

It is also important to know that with prolonged use of the plant as an additional therapy, bitterness in the oral cavity, constipation and loss of appetite may occur. Therefore, the course of treatment should not be long. If necessary, you need to take breaks for 10-14 days.

Contraindications

St. John's wort folk healers was called a remedy for 99 diseases. The plant has a number of properties that contribute to improving the condition in various diseases. But, before you start using St. John's wort, it is important to know when it cannot be used. Contraindications and possible side effects are:

1. Photosensitivity. The disease is characterized by an increased sensitivity of the epidermis to sunlight. Experts do not recommend being in the sun for a long time during the course of therapy.
2. Hypertension Elements that make up the plant contribute to an increase in blood pressure. Thus, people suffering from hypertension are contraindicated to take infusions and decoctions based on St. John's wort without consulting a doctor.
3. Earlier transplantation of a donor organ transplant. St. John's wort contains in its composition special substances that can provoke the process of rejection. Thus, it is forbidden to carry out treatment with St. John's wort to people who have undergone surgery for organ transplantation.
4. Taking contraceptives. The plant helps to reduce the effects of contraceptives. That is why the use of drugs and infusions based on St. John's wort should not be. This can lead to an unwanted pregnancy.
5. Mental illness. Patients suffering from mental disorders should not be treated with hypericum. The use of traditional medicine based on plants leads to the development of manic syndrome.
6. Taking antidepressants. Specialists do not recommend the use of drugs and infusions or decoctions of St. John's wort, since their combination causes confusion, sleep disturbance, hallucinations, convulsions, severe headaches, and anxiety. In some cases, a coma may occur.
7. Taking antibiotics. St. John's wort should not be used with antibiotics, since the substances that make up the plant contribute to the rapid excretion of the active components contained in the preparations. As a result, the effectiveness of treatment is reduced several times.
8. Reception of "Indinavir" from AIDS. St. John's wort should not be used when undergoing treatment for a disease such as AIDS, using a medicine called Indinavir. The thing is that the plant several times lowers the concentration of the drug’s active substances in the blood. Thus, therapy becomes insufficiently effective.
9. Taking painkillers. Experts also do not recommend combining St. John's wort and painkillers. A plant can enhance or weaken their therapeutic effect. Also, if it is necessary to carry out surgery using anesthesia, it is important to inform the doctor about the use of St. John's wort. According to studies, it was found that certain components of St. John's wort, when combined with anesthesia, can cause damage to the optic nerve.

All St. John's wort-based products are not recommended for use during pregnancy and during lactation, as the constituent substances can have a negative effect on the development, formation of the fetus and cause an allergic reaction in the child. If necessary, the use of such funds should consult with a specialist.

It is also important to know that St. John's wort with prolonged use can cause impaired potency in men. It passes independently after the end of treatment after some time.

Many experts argue that the use of drugs prepared on the basis of St. John's wort can lead to an increase in the liver.

Among the side effects, the following conditions are noted:

1. Allergy. It is expressed as the appearance of a rash on the skin, redness, itching, eczema.
2. Headaches of varying intensity.
3. Anxiety, anxiety and fatigue.
4. Anemia, in which an iron deficiency is noted in the body.
5. Pain in the abdomen.
6. Violations of the stool, which is expressed in constipation and diarrhea, replacing each other.
7. Decreased appetite, as a result of which a person begins to lose weight.
8. Bitterness in the mouth.

When such symptoms appear, you should abandon the use of decoctions and infusions based on St. John's wort. Many of them pass independently after their cancellation.

St. John's wort is the most popular medicinal herb in folk medicine. It contains substances, most of which are quite unique. The plant helps to restore the work of almost all body systems and is used to treat certain diseases. To achieve the best effect, you must follow all safety precautions, properly prepare and take decoctions, tinctures, oil and tea.

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