The medicinal plant of St. John's wort has long been known for its ability to cure 99 diseases. From time immemorial, our grandmothers collected and dried the blossoming St. John's wort , and then in the fall and winter, broths, tinctures, medicinal teas were prepared from it.
The most surprising is why this useful plant has such an unattractive name. The answer is simple: a St. John's wort harmless to humans can be dangerous for cattle, horses, sheep, as it causes severe toxic poisoning in animals.
Why is St. John's wort useful?
Healing properties of St. John's wort consist in high content in its colors and leaves of essential oils and esters, molybdenum and tannins, ascorbic acid, resins, etc.
St. John's wort has healing properties:
- antibacterial;
- painkillers;
- antiseptic;
- diuretics;
- wound healing;
- antidepressant;
- choleretic;
- antirheumatic;
- anthelmintic.
St. John's wort is used externally or taken inside, grind it and prepare broths, tinctures, teas. Juice from St. John's wort is not squeezed, since the required amount of liquid from this plant is difficult to obtain.
How is St. John's Wort?
- The decoction of St. John's wort is used to treat gastritis, cholelithiasis, as well as in colitis, cystitis or headache. The broth is cooked in a water bath, the bay is pre-boiled with boiling water. The St. John's wort is also used for topical use in cuts, bruises, impregnating them with compresses. In the baths for children add a decoction of St. John's wort for the treatment of non-infectious skin diseases.
- The infusion of St. John's wort is made on water or alcohol and insisted from several hours to several days. Also popular is the alcohol tincture of St. John's wort, the use of which includes compresses for muscle pains, rinsing with throat diseases, inhalation, and use in a diluted form.
- St. John's wort of depression began to be used relatively recently. Specially conducted clinical studies have confirmed the positive effect of St. John's wort on the human nervous system. St. John's wort extract is used for the preparation of certain medicines. For the use of St. John's wort in the treatment of depression it is better to consult a specialist.
For tanning St. John's wort is not used, rather, on the contrary - when applying this folk remedy, do not advise to stay long under the sun's rays. St. John's wort increases the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to unwanted burns.
How to make St. John's wort?
St. John's wort can be used in fresh and dried form. Stem with leaves and inflorescences of St. John's wort are crushed and brewed in a ratio of 2-3 tablespoons per glass of water (200 ml). If the grass is dried, then 1-1.5 tablespoons is enough.
For the preparation of tinctures use a ratio of 1: 7 or 1:10.
Contraindications to the use of St. John's wort
St. John's wort is a herb that has contraindications to the use. Despite all its useful properties,
It is not recommended to use St. John's wort with the use of cardiac drugs and anticoagulants. It is believed that St. John's wort reduces the effect of these tablets, quickly removing them from the body.
People with skin sensitive to sunlight should be cautious in applying St. John's wort in the summer. Since this can increase the possibility of severe sunburn.
St. John's wort is not recommended for use in pregnancy and lactation.