St. John's wort is not one species of a perennial herb, as many might think, but a whole family. In total, there are about 100 of its species. They are distributed mainly in Eurasia and North America.
St. John's wort is easily recognizable by the characteristic rich yellow flowers collected in inflorescences, and a specific, slightly tart smell. The name of the herb is due to the fact that for humans this plant is completely non-toxic, but can cause serious poisoning in some species of animals (in particular, horses and
cattle) .
The useful properties of St. John's wort and contraindications to the use of this tool have been of interest to specialists for a long time. It is not for nothing that this plant is recognized as one of the most healing. The first detailed medicinal characteristics of St. John's wort belong to the ancient era and belong to Hippocrates, Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides. Even at the present stage of development of technologies for the production of medicines, the properties of this plant are still indispensable.
Medical action
The main qualities of St. John's wort, discovered by people for a long time, are relevant to this day. These include antimicrobial, disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effects. Antispasmodic and hemostatic properties should be added to this. It becomes clear why St. John's wort was so valued in past eras. Useful properties (photos of the plant attached) of this herb were used to heal wounds back in those days when there were no antiseptics at all. But even today you should not neglect this potent natural remedy.
The beneficial properties of St. John's wort and contraindications to the use of this plant are mainly manifested when using its decoctions and infusions. In this form, this plant effectively fights gastritis, various stages of enteritis, colitis (if it is not a bacterial form). The action is due to the fact that the preparations based on St. John's wort eliminate irritation of the mucous membrane of the internal organs and thereby relieve pain, contributing to the rapid healing of all kinds of ulcers. Means based on this herb are used as an auxiliary component of the course of treatment for flatulence, hepatitis, cholecystitis, intestinal diseases provoked by bacteria. In this case, the ability of substances contained in St. John's wort to inhibit harmful microflora comes to the fore.
In diseases associated with impaired renal function, or in cases of fluid retention in the body, St. John's wort infusions and decoctions work as a mild, natural diuretic.
If you correctly use the beneficial properties of St. John's wort and contraindications are not ignored, you can discover an excellent tool for the treatment of purulent otitis media, tonsillitis, stomatitis, tonsillitis, as well as strengthen the gums and get rid of the unpleasant odor in the oral cavity.
With age, many representatives of the strong half of humanity face problems associated with sexual dysfunction and prostatitis. In such cases, it is recommended to use St. John's wort. Useful properties for men are inherent in this plant by nature itself.
Contraindications
Do not reduce the many
beneficial properties of St. John's wort and contraindications, and side effects from the use of this natural medicine. Therefore, it is still worth taking note of them. You can not use
decoctions, infusions and industrial medicines containing St. John's wort during pregnancy and hypertension. This herb raises blood pressure, so it can even lead to a hypertensive crisis or termination of pregnancy!
Also, drugs containing St. John's wort should not be used longer than prescribed by the course of treatment. Before using St. John's wort alone or in combination with other drugs, you should consult your doctor.