Biological characteristics
St. John’s wort (lat. Hypericum) is a genus of herbaceous plants in the family Hypericaceae. It includes more than 400 species distributed throughout the world, mainly in temperate and subtropical regions. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is best known for its medicinal properties and is widely used in herbal medicine.
Medicinal properties of St. John’s wort
St. John’s wort has an astringent, anti-inflammatory and some antimicrobial effect, which promotes tissue regeneration. In addition, it moderately affects bile secretion and stimulates gastric secretion. These properties make St. John’s wort an effective remedy in the treatment of various diseases.
Also, St. John’s wort herb is used as part of the complex therapy of biliary tract diseases, such as biliary dyskinesia and cholecystitis. It is also used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including acute and chronic colitis, diarrhea, flatulence and hypoacid gastritis. St. John’s wort is effective for inflammatory processes of the oral cavity, such as gingivitis and stomatitis.
Contraindications of St. John’s wort
Despite its many beneficial properties, St. John’s wort also has a number of contraindications. It is not recommended to take it in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the plant, with arterial hypertension, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. St. John’s wort can interact with a number of drugs, which reduces their effectiveness.
Use in medicine
Digestive tract
St. John’s wort helps to improve the functioning of the digestive system due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It helps in the treatment of gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as colitis and enterocolitis. Regular use of St. John’s wort infusion or tea can normalize intestinal function, liver, reduce heartburn and reduce bloating. St. John’s wort also stimulates the secretion of gastric juice, which contributes to better digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.
Nervous system
St. John’s wort is widely known for its antidepressant and calming properties. It is used to treat mild depression, anxiety, and nervous exhaustion. The active components of St. John’s wort, such as hypericin and hyperforin, increase the level of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) in the brain, which improves mood and reduces anxiety levels. Preparations based on St. John’s wort are recommended for insomnia, increased irritability and chronic fatigue syndrome. St. John’s wort tincture or infusion can be useful for restoring the nervous system after stress and emotional overload.
Colds and dentistry
St. John’s wort has pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which makes it effective in the treatment of colds. It helps reduce the symptoms of runny nose, sore throat, bronchitis and other respiratory infections. St. John’s wort infusion and decoction are used for gargling, which contributes to the rapid healing of inflamed tissues and reduces pain. St. John’s wort in dentistry is used to treat gingivitis, stomatitis and periodontal disease due to its antiseptic and regenerating properties. Rinses with St. John’s wort infusion help relieve inflammation and strengthen the gums, preventing the development of infections and bleeding.
Joints
St. John’s wort is used to relieve pain and inflammation in the joints. It is effective in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Infusions and decoctions of St. John’s wort are used both internally and externally in the form of compresses and rubs. Internal use helps reduce overall inflammation in the body and improve joint mobility. External use contributes to the rapid relief of pain and swelling in the affected joints, improving the quality of life of patients with chronic joint diseases.
Skin diseases
St. John’s wort is widely used to treat various skin diseases. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective remedy in the treatment of eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and acne. Infusions, decoctions and oils from St. John’s wort are used for washing, lotions and compresses on the affected areas of the skin. They promote rapid wound healing, reduce itching and redness, and prevent infections. St. John’s wort helps to accelerate skin regeneration, improving its overall condition and appearance. St. John’s wort is especially effective in the treatment of burns and trophic ulcers, contributing to rapid tissue recovery.
Various forms of herbal medicine with St. John’s wort
Infusion
St. John’s wort infusion is prepared by pouring boiling water over dry herbs and infusing for a certain time. This is one of the most common ways to use St. John’s wort for medicinal purposes.
For internal use:
- Recipe: place 1.5 tablespoons (about 10 g) of St. John’s wort herb in an enamel bowl, pour 200 ml of hot boiled water, close the lid and infuse in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes. Strain, squeeze the rest to the strained infusion. Bring the volume of infusion with boiled water to 200 ml.
- Application: take warm 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals: adults and children over 16 years old – 1/3 cup, children 12-14 years old – 1-2 tablespoons, children 15-16 years old – 1/4 cup. The infusion helps with gastritis, ulcers, biliary dyskinesia, cholecystitis, colitis, diarrhea and flatulence.
Decoction
St. John’s wort decoction is prepared by boiling the herb in water, which allows you to extract more active substances from the plant.
For internal use:
- Recipe: Pour 1.5 tablespoons of St. John’s wort herb with 200 ml of boiling water, close the lid and heat in a water bath for 30 minutes. Then cool the broth, strain and bring the volume of boiled water to 200 ml.
- Application: take warm 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals: adults and children over 16 years old – 1/3 cup. The decoction helps with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, biliary tract, as well as with inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.
Tea
St. John’s wort tea is a convenient and delicious way to use the medicinal properties of the plant in everyday life.
For internal use:
- Recipe: place 2 filter bags (1.5 g each) in a glass or enamel container, pour 200 ml of boiling water, close the lid and infuse for 15 minutes. Then squeeze the bags.
- Application: drink warm 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals: adults and children over 16 years old – 1/2-1 glass, children 12-14 years old – 1/4 glass, children 15-16 years old – 1/2-1/3 glass. St. John’s wort tea helps to improve digestion, normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, helps with nervous disorders and colds.
Literature:
- Hypericum: The Genus Hypericum by Edzard Ernst
- Hypericum: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles” edited by Vivienne M. Brown
- St. John’s Wort: The Herbal Way to Feeling Good by Linda B. White
- St. John’s Wort and its Active Principles in Depression and Anxiety edited by Walter E. Müller
- Hypericum: Botanical and Pharmacological Properties by Thomas E. Robson
Author: Natalia Kandybey, Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Quality Director of PJSC Pharmaceutical Factory “VIOLA”
