Sing (2016). St. John's wort How to store dried herb St. John's wort

St. John's wort - a unique plant with a whole range of useful properties. In the old days it was called "a cure for 99 diseases." St. John's wort is found all over Russia, and you have probably already met these bright sunny flowers.

St. John's wort contains a lot of substances useful and necessary for the human body, however, if consumed excessively, St. John's wort is poisonous. Animals avoid the use of St. John's wort, because for them it is poisonous (hence the name "St. John's wort").

St. John's wort is often brewed for a variety of diseases, as well as simply in tea for vigor and strength.

Hypericum names

The Latin name for St. John's wort is Hypericum perforatum
The popular names of St. John's wort are blood, chertogan, red grass, valiant blood, dzherambay (among the Kazakhs).
The official name of St. John's wort is St. John's wort.

Why does the plant have such a terrifying name? Cases have been seen since antiquity poisoning of small livestockJohn's wort, in particular sheep and cows. At the same time, not all animals were poisoned, but only white: their lymph glands became inflamed, and poorly healing ulcers appeared. It turned out that the cause of the diseases is in a special pigment of St. John's wort, which increases the sensitivity of non-pigmented areas of animal skin to the sun's rays. Therefore, the animals were specially painted in a dark color.

Where does St. John's wort grow

St. John's wort grows in meadows, in the steppes, among bushes, on the edges, in clearings, in lightened forests, along roads, in the mountains. For medicinal purposes, the plant is sometimes grown in specialized farms. St. John's wort can grow in your garden.

What St. John's wort looks like

St. John's wort - perennial plant with erect stems 40-80 cm high (up to 1 m), branching in the upper part.

Hypericum Leaves small enough flowers Hypericum bright yellow, collected in inflorescences. If you take a close look at the leaves and flowers of St. John's wort, you will never confuse it with anything. How else to distinguish St. John's wort? If you crush a yellow bud, a bright purple paint will remain on your hands.

Flowering time of St. John's wort

St. John's wort blooms from May to August, the fruits ripen in July-September. The fruit is an oblong-ovoid brown leathery capsule with numerous small seeds.

Collection and preparation of St. John's wort

St. John's wort only blooming... The top 10-20 cm of herbs are carefully cut off. St. John's wort is also convenient to collect with your hands, sharply breaking and, as it were, undercutting the stem. Be careful not to damage the rest of the plant and roots. Never collect all St. John's wort, always leave a couple of inflorescences on the bush for subsequent reproduction. Tie the herb St. John's wort in bunches and hang to dry. The best thing dry St. John's wort without artificial heating, but in the attic or in a dark, ventilated room. Do not dry St. John's wort in the sun. You can store dried St. John's wort for a long time - about 3 years.

Healing properties and use of St. John's wort

In the old days it was said that getting into the body St. John's wort himself finds "weak" spots and begins to heal where it is most needed. The plant has a beneficial effect on all body systems.

St. John's wort contains flavonoids (up to 1%), tannins (up to 13%), essential oil, coloring agents (about 0.5%), resins, carotene, which is provitamin A (up to 55 mg), ascorbic acid, that is, vitamin C (up to 140 mg), vitamin PP, etc.

Digestive tract

Decoction of St. John's wort It is successfully used in the treatment of diseases such as: gastritis, ulcerative lesions of the gastroduodenal region, colitis, diarrhea, liver and gallbladder, kidney and urinary tract diseases.

Nervous system

St. John's wort actively contributes to the restoration of the functions of nerve fibers, calms the nerves, relieves stress, restores strength. It is successfully used to relieve PMS and menopause in women, in the treatment of neuroses, especially complex neuroses, accompanied by headache and insomnia. This herb is found in some antidepressants. Modern scientists have proven that the use of St. John's wort helps to strengthen the immune system and helps heal depression.

Circulatory and cardiovascular systems

St. John's wort is able to relieve vascular spasms, which normalizes the heart and blood circulation in general. St. John's wort has hemostatic properties and is widely used in the treatment of wounds and injuries caused by surgery.

St. John's wort It has a unique property to relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes, which allows it to be used in the treatment of respiratory and dental problems (pharyngitis, influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia, gingivitis, etc.), as well as in inflammation of the female genital area.

Joints

St. John's wort it is used in the treatment of joint diseases, it relieves inflammation, reduces swelling, and normalizes joint movement. External use allows you to strengthen the walls of the capillaries, to accelerate the healing of cuts and abrasions.

To alleviate the symptoms of skin diseases and allergies, a decoction of St. John's wort is added to the baths.

St. John's wort - contraindications

When applying St. John's wort, it is necessary to remember that it also contains toxic substances, which in large quantities are capable of a depressing effect on perception (photosensitivity is significantly increased), contribute to an increase in blood pressure (therefore St. John's wort is contraindicated in hypertension).

The use of St. John's wort

In Russia, an infusion of St. John's wort was drunk with bruises and so that keep vigor and health... For this reason, herbalists have often recommended using it those who get tired very quickly or doing grueling work.

For the same purpose, St. John's wort was also used by soldiers who had to make long pedestrian crossings.

Throwing branches of St. John's wort into the collected water, the Slavs got rid of the risk of getting sick with dysentery and other diseases. By chewing St. John's wort, it was possible to remove bad breath.

Herbalists, when there was nothing at hand, treated cuts and burns with St. John's wort. It was necessary to chew flowers, leaves, and then close up the wound with the resulting gruel.

St. John's wort in folk ideas is considered one of those plants that originated from blood or feathers, etc., a bird (lightning) that brought heavenly fire to earth and was wounded by a hostile creature. Later, the property was attributed to St. drive away evil spirits.

St. John's wort is popularly considered a magical plant: he protects from witches and ghosts.

If you crush a yellow flower or a bud of St. John's wort, then a well-colored purple juice will flow out of it. The purple juice of St. John's wort was considered a charming remedy.

St. John's wort gives honey bees a lot of pollen, especially in the morning.

In Ancient Rus, and later in Ukraine, from the roots of St. John's wort they extracted the insect "worm", and they already made it out of it: they collected in a vessel the blue bubbles located in the upper part of the root, in which there is dyeing insect. Red paint was called chervonny, and the month of June, when they collected St. John's wort with insects, was a worm. In addition to Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Czechs, Slovaks call June a worm, and Poles call June a worm. In ancient times, this paint was sold to foreign merchants for big money, until a similar insect living in cacti was found in Mexico. The Mexican method of extracting paint turned out to be cheaper and more productive, and they forgot about the ancient Russian paint.

In folk medicine, it is difficult to find a medicinal plant that is used more often than St. John's wort, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which were described by the famous Soviet phytotherapist Mikhail Nosal. An experienced herbalist called the plant a remedy for ninety-nine diseases. Without it, as Mikhail Andreevich noted, the treatment of many diseases of children and adults cannot do. The plant can be used independently, but more often it is included in the complex of phytotherapeutic fees.

Features of Hypericum perforatum

By name, the culture is associated with a dangerous one, capable of "beating animals." In fact, the plant is completely safe in its natural habitat, non-toxic. Its name comes from the Kazakh term "dzherabay", which means "healer of wounds".

St. John's wort or common is part of the large family of St. John's wort. The term "perforated" arose from the external features of culture. On its leaves specks of resinous sap are formed. Illuminated by the sun, these spots refract light in such a way that they appear to be holes.

Description

St. John's wort. Botanical illustration from the book by O. V. Tome "Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz", 1885.

A perennial herb has a thin but powerful rhizome, capable of germinating to great depths. Annually in autumn, the upper herbaceous part dries up, and in spring it grows back. Several thin stems rise from the root. At the beginning of development, they attract attention with a rich green color, as they grow, they become reddish-brown. The height of the stems is different. Some bushes grow no more than forty centimeters, others go up to one meter in height.

The stem is smooth but uneven. Periodic internodes and faces are visible on it. The latter can accurately determine the type of plant. The perforated St. John's wort has two facets, they are located strictly opposite, and in relation to internodes, clearly at an angle of ninety degrees.

The question of what St. John's wort looks like is important when planning the harvest. The culture is very similar to the closest "relatives" from the Hypericum family. In our country, nine species grow at once.

They are distinguished by a number of characteristics:

• spotted - has four ribs (faces) on each stem;
• rough - the stem is covered with small hairs, but there are no ribs on it at all;
• mountain - the stem is pubescent with rare whitish needles, there are no ribs.

As the stem grows, periodic leaves cover it. They are located infrequently, strictly opposite, elliptical or oval in shape. The leaves are small, grow up to three centimeters in length, and reach one and a half centimeters in width. On their plane characteristic points of resinous substance are "scattered", because of which the leaves look full of holes.

St. John's wort blooms with bright golden-yellow flowers, collected in inflorescences in the form of a shield or panicle. You can clarify the type of culture during the flowering period. If you rub a golden flower between your fingers, the skin turns red.

The flowering period of each plant is long, about one month. The general period of flowering of St. John's wort falls on the summer months - from June to August. Then capsules are formed on the stems - containers of seeds. They are ovoid and consist of three valves. By the end of September, all the stems are covered with such bolls.

Geography and distribution

Where St. John's wort grows is well known to herbalists. This unpretentious culture is often found in sunny areas. She prefers clearings, forest edges, meadows well-lit by the sun, and often coexists with young pines in the undergrowth. You can meet grass along the roads, under the fences of summer cottages, in abandoned fields.

In Russia, it grows within the temperate climatic zone up to Siberia, Baikal and Transbaikalia. But more often it grows in thickets in warm regions of the Caucasus, Crimea.

In its natural environment, St. John's wort freely and actively grows in the Volgograd and Pskov regions. The areas of its distribution are noted in the Krasnodar Territory, in the Altai and in the Stavropol Territory. There are also designated plantations where the culture is harvested centrally for the needs of the pharmaceutical industry.

Collection and procurement

The healing properties of the herb St. John's wort largely depend on the time of its collection. The period for harvesting is determined by the time interval of flowering of the culture until the moment the fruits are formed. Collect the upper part of the plant, capturing stems no more than thirty centimeters long. Hard shoots are left on the root.

During collection, it is necessary to use pruners, scythes and other cutting tools. This is important for preserving the root system of the culture in the ground, from which new shoots will develop next year. Pulling out a plant by the root leads to its destruction, a decrease in the population and a decrease in the quality of raw materials. You should also periodically save stems with flowers on the site for seed reproduction.

The prepared raw materials are formed into bags and bales, quickly delivered to the drying place. There it is laid out on paper under a canopy, scattered in a thin layer up to seven centimeters and left to dry. As the grass is harvested, it must be agitated and turned over. St. John's wort is ready when its stems break easily.

Composition and properties

According to herbalist Mikhail Nosal, the question of how St. John's wort is useful should be considered widely. In addition to the fact that this plant has an exceptional composition and surpasses most other medicinal crops in its value, it retains its healing qualities for a long time.

Mikhail Andreevich compared the therapeutic power of St. John's wort with the healing strawberries. But, according to the scientist, the value of the herb is higher, since strawberries can be used only three months a year, during the fruiting period. The use of St. John's wort is possible throughout the year, since its chemical composition remains practically unchanged after drying.

The composition of herbal raw materials is well studied. The main components are tannins, their volume in the raw material reaches thirteen percent. The content of resinous substances is high - up to seventeen percent. Flavanoids are recognized as important elements - rutin, hyperoside, quercitrin, as well as carotenes and ascorbic acid are identified in the composition.

Recent studies have revealed other compounds not previously known. It has been established that the composition of St. John's wort contains steroid substances and the antibiotic hyperforin. Such a rich natural complex is a rarity among medicinal plants, which is why the healing properties of St. John's wort are so extensive.

• Anti-inflammatory... The main action of a medicinal plant, provided by tannins. In this capacity, decoctions and infusions are used both internally and externally. Hyperoside, which is part of the plant, activates the production of the enzyme lipoxygenase. This substance is involved in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes - cells involved in suppressing the inflammatory process and allergic reactions.
• Antimicrobial... The antibiotic hyperforin has an antibacterial effect. It is the main active component of the antimicrobial and wound-healing agent "Novoimanin", used to treat infected wounds and abscesses, therapy of the upper respiratory tract during acute inflammatory processes. Several years ago, scientists identified another property of hyperforin. The substance has an antitumor effect and, as such, is promising for science and the pharmaceutical industry.
• Antiviral... It is provided with a number of active substances in the composition of St. John's wort. Proven to be effective against several viruses, including avian influenza and AIDS. Activity is manifested due to the presence of the substance hypericin. In 2005, its properties were experimentally proved to inhibit a whole spectrum of the most important enzymes in the human body that have antiviral and antitumor activity.
• Antidepressant... St. John's wort belongs to the cohort of herbal antidepressants, the benefits of which are evaluated by official medicine. Over the past years, no less than thirty studies have been carried out, in which almost five and a half thousand people with mild to moderate depression took part. Treatment with St. John's wort in depression provided no less noticeable effect than when using standard synthetic antidepressants. At the same time, the number of side effects was less. In particular, in patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, which are often observed in depressive conditions, a positive effect of therapy on the cardiovascular system was noted. Other trials have confirmed the herbal remedy's efficacy in treating anxiety and self-form disorders.
• Therapeutic... The general health-improving effect of a herbal preparation in the body is noted in a number of ways. Therefore, the question of what treats St. John's wort should be considered comprehensively. It has a mild sedative effect and stops bleeding. In patients with epilepsy, it reduces the likelihood of developing a seizure. The substances quercetin, kaempferol and biapeginin work as neuroprotectors in coronary artery disease and support the heart. The phytopreparation reduces the intensity of colitis, reduces the manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome. The extract stimulates the immune system, reduces the manifestations of climacteric conditions.

The latest research has confirmed that taking St. John's wort tablets reduces the need for nicotine. This allows us to consider it as an important component of tobacco dependence therapy.

The substance hypericin is not preserved when the plant is harvested. It is found only in fresh St. John's wort juice. It was found that hypericin has a photosensitizing effect, which can be used for radiation therapy of tumor diseases. When injected into the body, the substance selectively accumulates in cancer cells, which become obvious targets for exposure to rays.

The use of the herb St. John's wort

In folk medicine, St. John's wort is used extremely widely. It is used to treat acute and chronic diseases of an inflammatory, pathological nature.

Decoction for the stomach

Traditionally used for the stomach as a remedy for colitis. The broth helps in the treatment of acute and chronic gastroenterocolitis, has a healing effect in the presence of ulcerative formations.

Preparation

1. Place ten grams of herb (a rounded tablespoon) in an enamel bowl.
2. Pour two hundred milliliters of boiling water.
3. Simmer over low heat for ten minutes.

The remedy should be taken before meals thirty minutes. The dosage is one third of a glass three times a day.

Tea for liver diseases

With liver diseases, impaired movement of bile, chronic diarrhea, it is recommended to brew tea from St. John's wort. The drink has an astringent, bitter taste.

Preparation

1. Place a tablespoon of the dried herb in a cup.
2. Pour two hundred milliliters of boiling water.
3. Leave it to sit for ten to fifteen minutes.

It is necessary to drink tea chilled half an hour before meals. Take it in a quarter cup up to four times a day.

Antiseptic infusion

St. John's wort tincture has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties. The substances included in it are especially active against staphylococci, including those resistant to penicillin. It is used for external treatment of infected, poorly healing wounds, ulcers, and burn surfaces. Used for rinsing in dentistry with gingivitis, stomatitis. In gynecology, it is used as an anti-inflammatory agent for vaginitis, colpitis.

Preparation

1. Place three tablespoons of raw materials in a glass container.
2. Leave covered for two hours.
3. Strain.

An antiseptic infusion is used to wipe the affected skin surfaces, treat mucous membranes, and the oral cavity. For vaginal treatments, douching is performed. The infusion is used in cosmetology as a remedy for acne, acne, oily skin. To combat inflammation, the skin is wiped with tampons dipped in a medicinal product twice a day.

Cough infusion

The agent has an anti-inflammatory effect, it is recommended for bronchitis, tracheitis, inflammatory processes in other parts of the respiratory system.

Preparation

1. Add a tablespoon of the herb to a cup.
2. Pour two hundred and fifty milliliters of boiling water.
3. Leave to brew, strain.

Alcohol tincture

It is not prepared at home, it is used industrially. The pharmaceutical industry extracts St. John's wort extract from coarsely ground herbs, which is fixed with 70% alcohol in a ratio of one to ten. They are used internally and externally.

Oral treatments can help combat odor and strengthen the gums. To do this, rinse the mouth with a solution of thirty drops of alcoholic tincture per hundred milliliters of warm water.

Inside alcohol tincture is prescribed for cystitis, enterocolitis and gallstone disease. They drink thirty drops, diluted in water, thirty minutes before meals three times a day.

St. John's wort oil

A delicate form of a remedy for healing wounds, large burn surfaces, various skin lesions.

Preparation

1. Pour one part of the flowers without stems into the container.
2. Pour in one part of alcohol (two hundred and fifty milliliters of alcohol with a strength of forty percent are required per liter can).
3. Pour in two parts of sunflower oil (half a liter of oil is needed per liter of product).
4. Leave to steep for three days in a dark place.
5. Pour into a saucepan, boil over low heat until the alcohol and water have completely evaporated.
6. Strain hot.

St. John's wort oil has wound healing and antiseptic properties. Softens the skin, stimulates its regeneration. Can be used on hair as a growth stimulating agent. Lubricate your scalp with oil three times a week. After an hour, the product should be washed off with warm water and washed with shampoo.

The drug "Novoimanin"

It is an extract of St. John's wort in the form of a reddish-yellow oily mass. It smells like honey. It has antibacterial activity, therefore it is used to treat infectious diseases. When sinusitis is used to treat the sinuses of the nose in the form of a ten percent solution, it is prepared at the rate of one part of the drug to ten parts of distilled water.

Contraindications

When using all dosage forms of the plant, the contraindications of St. John's wort should be taken into account. “Pure herb is rarely used,” notes herbalist Andrey Varenikov. - You can evaluate all its wonderful properties in the form of combined fees.

The famous phytotherapist Mikhail Nosal was of the same opinion. In his book "Medicinal plants and how they are used by the people" recipes for more than ten anti-inflammatory preparations are indicated, in which, along with St. John's wort, chamomile, bearberry, oregano, elderberry and other herbs are used. “If you don't have a lot of herbs at hand, you can combine St. John's wort with the sand immortelle,” recommends Mikhail Andreevich. "This collection is anti-inflammatory and beneficial for the liver."

When used externally, the product has no contraindications and can be used for a long time. Internal use requires caution. It has been noted that with prolonged use, the plant increases blood pressure and stimulates the vasoconstriction.

According to the observation of phytotherapists, culture provokes the production of male hormones in the body. In women, this can lead to menstrual irregularities, facial hair growth, and oily skin. St. John's wort for men is dangerous by the development of impotence of a secondary order, which is characterized by premature ejaculation. With prolonged use, overexcitation, fatigue, and anxiety are observed.

Despite the fact that the medicinal properties of the herb St. John's wort are well described in the medical literature, science continues to study this medicinal plant. Its potential has been proven as an antiviral agent, an auxiliary element in anticancer therapy. The people use culture widely and often. The greatest positive effect is achieved in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the skin and internal organs. Pure phytopreparation should be taken with caution, in short courses. In the form of medicinal preparations, the agent is recommended for the treatment of diseases of the liver, kidneys, respiratory tract, and stomach.

St. John's wort is one of the most powerful anti-demonic herbs in central Russia. This is a herb that absorbs sunlight, immediately affects the entire human body, cleansing it. St. John's wort helps well with depression, fatigue, the first signs of colds. It opens a person's heart, allowing his soul, mind and body to unite into a single whole. All evil spirits are afraid of him, just as they are afraid of sunlight.

St. John's wort gains its greatest strength by mid-July. Previously, it (like all magical herbs) was collected for Ivan Kupala (July 7, new style). St. John's wort is a very proud and whimsical plant that remembers the pain caused to it, so if you cut off the strongest shoots that caught your eye, then next year you risk not finding it at all in this place.

St. John's wort is not used in smoking, since it does not have the power to drive out evil spirits from the room * nichrome, even as it possesses. Kehl *... It just very powerfully fills the body with the solar energy contained in it. Therefore, St. John's wort is used in infusions or in aromatic oils, that is, for direct effects on the body. Earlier in Russia, St. John's wort often replaced tea, which was very good, since in our climate there is a noticeable lack of solar energy, which the body has to extract from other sources.

St. John's wort (Hypericum), a genus of plants in the family St. John's wort. Perennial, rarely annual grasses, shrubs with opposite whole leaves. St. John's wort (Hypericum regforatum) is widespread, with translucent pinpoint glands on the leaves. From the dried ground parts of St. John's wort, a decoction and tincture are prepared (contain tannins, essential oils), which are used internally as astringent and anti-inflammatory drugs for colitis, as well as for lubricating gums and rinsing the mouth with gingivitis, stomatitis; also used externally for burns, wounds, skin diseases. An antibiotic - novoimanin - was obtained from St. John's wort.

St. John's wort is an ideal remedy for strengthening the nervous system, it is a natural antidepressant .. In crisis situations in life it is useful to take three to six cups of St. John's wort tea and an additional 20 drops of St. John's wort tincture 3 times a day. The tincture is made as follows: 50 g of dry crushed St. John's wort herb is poured into 0.5 liters of vodka, left in a dark place for 10 days, periodically shaking the contents, filter.

If you are sensitive to weather changes, St. John's wort teas will help normalize vegetative fluctuations. For hormone-related mood swings during menopause, tea made from St. John's wort or from a mixture in equal proportions of St. John's wort and hop cones is also recommended. For children and adults who cannot concentrate and concentrate, St. John's wort and lemon balm tea will help. This delicious blend is the perfect tea for breakfast, before class or an exam.

St. John's wort is useful for children, especially during the ripening period of vegetables and fruits. If you brew St. John's wort and take it daily instead of tea in the summer, then you will be guaranteed to be protected from indigestion during the period of getting used to the body to berries, vegetables and fruits. Unlike many other plants, St. John's wort does not taste bitter in infusions and decoctions, so its use can be called not only tasty, but also pleasant.

St. John's wort (perforatum), St. John's wort treatment

Dosage forms of St. John's wort exist in the form of decoctions of herbs and briquettes. Tinctures and infusions are used as astringent and antiseptic agents for colitis, diarrhea: for lubricating the gums and rinsing the mouth in the prevention and treatment of gingivitis, stomatitis. The antibacterial drug Novoimanin is recommended for the treatment of abscesses, phlegmon, infected wounds, second and third degree burns, ulcers, pyoderma, mastitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis. The hyperforin contained in the drug inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. On the basis of the catechins of St. John's wort, the preparation neflavit has been created, which has P-vitamin activity and reduces capillary permeability.

St. John's wort preparations relieve spasms of blood vessels, have a capillary-strengthening effect, improve venous circulation and blood supply to some internal organs, increase urine output. The bitter substance contained in the herb St. John's wort stimulates the secretion of the stomach, improves appetite.

The plant is widely used in traditional medicine. It has long been used internally as a hemostatic and anti-inflammatory agent, in the treatment of mastitis, anemia, hemorrhoids, jaundice, migraine, hypertension, cough, gastric and pulmonary diseases, as well as in diseases of the liver, kidneys, respiratory tract. Used the herb St. John's wort and as an external agent in the treatment of wounds, ulcers, bedsores, allergies, rashes.

To prepare the broth, 10 g (1.5 tablespoons) of herbs are placed in an enamel bowl, 200 ml (1 glass) of boiling water is poured, covered with a lid and heated in a water bath for 30 minutes. After that, it is cooled, filtered, the remaining raw materials are squeezed out and boiled water is added to obtain 200 ml. It is taken orally for the above diseases, 1/3 cup 3 times a day for 30 minutes. before meals. The broth can be stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days.

St. John's wort tea is also useful, the constant use of which helps to stimulate the endocrine glands, regulates the work of the gastrointestinal tract, and enhances the protective functions of the body.

St. John's wort is a favorite herb of traditional medicine. Grows throughout Russia, with the exception of the Far North. As a medicinal raw material, St. John's wort herb is harvested during the flowering period.

It is used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the kidneys, bladder, bedwetting, colds, flu, weakness of the heart, pulmonary tuberculosis, cancer, headache, nervous diseases, and round worms. Prepare an infusion or decoction of herbs (1 tablespoon per 1 glass of boiling water), drink 1 / 3-1 / 2 cup 3 times a day 20-30 minutes before meals.

The herb, which is harvested during flowering, serves as a medicinal raw material. Only the upper part of the plant 15-20 cm long is cut off. The herb has a balsamic smell and a bitter taste.

At home, children with diathesis, skin tuberculosis, rashes, abscesses are washed with a decoction of St. John's wort. Children with non-infectious skin diseases are washed with a decoction 3 times a week.

An infusion of St. John's wort is used in dermatological practice in the treatment of vitiligo: 3 tablespoons of dry crushed raw materials are poured with 1 glass of boiling water, insisted in a thermos for 2 hours, then filtered and drunk 1/2 cup 3 times a day after meals. During exposure to the sun, the affected areas of the skin are covered.

St. John's wort has always been considered a witch plant. Many signs and beliefs are associated with it; it has long been used in rituals and ceremonies. How to use its magical properties in our time?

St. John's wort is considered a protective herb. It was used as a talisman against evil and evil spirits. A bouquet of St. John's wort can cleanse the energy of the house and establish harmony in space. If the room is fumigated with this herb, then its aroma will completely kill all negative vibrations of the house and renew energy.

John's wort was also carried in bags. as a talisman against damage and evil eye. It is believed that this herb, like wormwood, is not tolerated by black sorcerers and those with dark thoughts and an unkind eye.

St. John's wort is considered the most powerful anti-demonic herb middle zone of Russia. It absorbs sunlight, affects the entire human body, purifying it and filling it with strength and health.

It is believed that the branch of St. John's wort, laid under the thresholdor hanging over the front door, does not allow a person with unkind thoughts to enter the house.

If you put a hypericum flower in your shoesthen the day will go well.

St. John's wort is one of the best medicinal plants.It is not for nothing that the people often call him "ailment". Teas, decoctions and infusions with this herb can boost the immune system, get rid of colds, stomach diseases, relieve inflammation and cleanse the body.

This plant becomes especially popular in July, on the day of Ivan Kupala. Wreaths woven from St. John's wort could predict the future of a young girl. If you put such a wreath into a pond, you can find out whether the girl will get married in the near future or not. The wreath will sink - it won't work, if it floats on - there will be a wedding.

We often forget about the valuable gifts of nature, and in vain. No energy drink can compare with a decoction of healing St. John's wort. The whole summer is still ahead, which means there is an opportunity to stock up on this magical herb. Good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and

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St. John's wort (Herba Hyperici) is also called "the herb for 99 diseases." This plant received this nickname due to its medicinal properties, which have a beneficial effect on the entire body. John's wort can be prepared by yourself. To do this, you just need to know a few simple rules for collecting this plant and the subtleties of drying it at home.

St. John's wort is a plant with a unique composition that can tone the entire body, forcing the immune system to work actively. At the same time, all parts of the plant have healing properties: stems, flowers and leaves. To achieve maximum healing effect, they must be taken together. For the same reason, the herb is harvested in whole branches, and crushed before use.

St. John's wort grows almost everywhere, in meadows and forest edges. Large thickets of St. John's wort can be found quite rarely, usually these are small strips of shrubs. To collect raw materials, you need to choose places remote from landfills, roads and enterprises, since the grass is capable of absorbing all harmful substances.

Since ancient times, St. John's wort has been considered a magical plant, so it was collected on the day of Ivan Kupala, July 7, which was timed to coincide with the summer solstice. On this day, they collected all the "magic" herbs, suggesting that it was during this period that nature reaches its highest peak.

If you do not take into account the exact dates, then the collection of medicinal raw materials should be carried out from mid-June to August. The main condition for the plant to bloom actively.

So, let's summarize:

• you need to collect St. John's wort in an ecologically clean area;
• the best harvest time is June - August;
• you need to cut off the branches of plants, with flowers and unblown buds, no more than 35 centimeters long;
• collecting herbs must be done from different plants;
• you need to start drying immediately after collecting raw materials.

Watch a video from the channel "Fazenda" about the beneficial properties and use of St. John's wort (ordinary) for medicinal purposes

Drying in the fresh air

It is best to dry St. John's wort in a natural way, without resorting to heating appliances.

The grass is folded into small bunches. The bundles are held together with string and hung down with flowers in dark, ventilated rooms. Attics and sheds are ideal for this. The main thing is that direct sunlight does not fall on the grass. Sunlight will destroy most of the healing properties of St. John's wort, and the collected herb will remain for you only a delicious drink that does not bring any benefit to the body.

Another drying method is unfolded on paper. To do this, lay out St. John's wort in one layer on clean sheets of parchment. Periodically, the twigs are agitated and turned over. Under no circumstances should you use old newspapers for the grass underlay, as toxic ink will be absorbed into the medicinal raw materials.

You can dry St. John's wort in mesh bags. The collected grass is laid out in small portions in nets and hung in a dark, dry place. It is important that the drying room is weather-protected and well ventilated.

Drying time naturally takes about 14 - 20 days. If the weather is dry and hot, then you can dry the grass in 7 to 10 days.

Watch the video from Evgeny Raevsky - Medicinal herbs: collection and description and drying. Linden, St. John's wort, immortelle

Drying in an electric dryer

You can also dry grass in an electric fruit and vegetable dryer. St. John's wort is spread on the lattice in an even layer. The unit temperature is set at 35 - 40 degrees, not higher. If your dryer does not have a thermostat, and the standard operating temperature of the device exceeds the above values, then this method should be abandoned.

How to store dried St. John's wort

Well-dried St. John's wort is fragile and fragile.

Dried bundles of grass can be wrapped whole in cotton bags and tied with string. Also St. John's wort can be stored in a crushed form. To do this, the grass is broken into small pieces and placed in glass jars or plastic containers.

It is very important to keep St. John's wort in the dark. A kitchen cabinet with a door is suitable for this. Subject to all storage conditions, the product can retain all its medicinal properties for 3 years.