St. John's wort - Herbs supporting mood and reduction of depression symptoms

St. John's wort (hypericum perforatum), also known as Midsummer Herb, has been valued in natural medicine for centuries for its numerous healing properties. It is mainly used as a means of supporting the treatment of mild and moderate depressive states, but its use is much wider. In this article, we will discuss the healing properties of St. John's wort, its impact on the body, contraindications for use and practical advice on its use.

St. John's wort - healing properties - why is it worth using it?

St. John's wort contains many active ingredients that contribute to its healing properties. The most important of them are hyperphorine, hypericin, flavonoids, tannins and essential oils.

Healing properties of St. John's wort

St. John's wort has antidepressant, anti -inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. Its regular use can bring relief in many health ailments. Antidepressant: St. John's wort is one of the most commonly used natural means in the treatment of mild and moderate depressive states. It works by increasing the level of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain, which contributes to improving the mood and reduction of depression symptoms. Anti -inflammatory: Flavonoids and tannins contained in St. John's wort are anti -inflammatory, which helps in the treatment of inflammation, both internal and external. Antibacterial and antiviral: St. John's wort has antibacterial and antiviral properties, which makes it effective in the treatment of infection.

St. John's wort - what does it help? Application and potential health benefits

St. John's wort is used in the treatment of many psychological and physical ailments.

Application of St. John's wort

1. Depression and fears - St. John's wort is effective in the treatment of mild and moderate depressive conditions, as well as in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety.
2. Sleep disturbance - Due to its sedative properties, St. John's wort can help improve sleep quality.
3. Digestive problems - St. John's wort can support digestion, soothing symptoms such as flatulence, indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Muscle and joint pain - Thanks to the anti -inflammatory effect, St. John's wort can be used in relieving muscle and joint pain.
5. Skin infections - External use of St. John's wort oil can help treat skin infections, wounds and burns.

St. John's wort - influence on the body

St. John's wort affects the body with multidirectional, supporting mental health, digestive system, skin and immune system. Health benefits related to the use of St. John's wort

• Mood improvement: Regular use of St. John's wort can contribute to improving mood and quality of life in people suffering from depression and anxiety.
• Digesting support: St. John's wort stimulates bile secretion, which supports the digestion of fats and improves the functioning of the digestive system.
• Healthy skin: Thanks to antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties, St. John's wort can help treat acne, psoriasis and other skin diseases.
• Strengthening immunity: Active compounds in St. John's wort support the immune system, helping to combat bacterial and viral infections.

St. John's wort - contraindications for use

Despite the numerous health benefits, St. John's wort is not suitable for everyone. There are some contraindications to its use, which should be taken into account. St. John's wort can affect the metabolism of many drugs, including antidepressants, contraceptive, anticoagulants and antiviral drugs. People taking these drugs should consult a doctor before starting St. John's wort. In addition, St. John's wort increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, which can lead to phototoxicity. Therefore, people using St. John's wort should avoid direct sunlight and use creams with a filter. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid the use of St. John's wort, because his safety in these periods has not been examined sufficiently.

Practical advice on the use of St. John's wort

The most popular form is the infusion, which is prepared by pouring 1-2 teaspoons of dried St. John's wort with a cup of boiling water and breaking for 10-15 minutes. The infusion can be drunk 2-3 times a day. St. John's wort extracts are available in the form of drops, capsules or tablets, and the recommended dosage depends on the concentration of the preparation and should be in line with the manufacturer's instructions or the doctor's instructions. St. John's wort oil can be used externally to treat wounds, burns and other skin diseases. To prepare St. John's wort oil, pour fresh St. John's wort flowers with vegetable oil (e.g. olive oil) and leave in the sun for 4-6 weeks, and then strain.

Various applications in natural medicine

1. Digestion infusion: St. John's wort stimulates bile secretion, which supports digestion and helps to alleviate the symptoms of indigestion.
2. Bathing with the addition of St. John's wort: Adding a stroke infusion to a bath can help to alleviate skin inflammation and relax.
3. Compresses for wounds: The external use of a St. John's wort infusion or oil can accelerate wound healing and reduce the risk of infection.

Summary

St. John's wort is an extremely valuable herb with a wide spectrum of healing properties. Its antidepressant, anti -inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effect makes it a valued ingredient in natural medicine. Regular use of St. John's wort can support mental health, digestive system, skin and immune system. It is important, however, to remember about contraindications and consult a doctor before starting St. John's wort, especially if we take medicine or we have some diseases.

Footnotes and sources

Linde, K., Berner, M. M., & Kriston, L. (2009). St John's Wort for Major Depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4). Schempp, C. M., Pelz, K., Wittmer, A., Schöpf, E., & Simon, J. C. (1999). Antibacterial Activity of HyperForin From St John's Wort, Against multiResistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Gram-POSITIVE bacteria. The Lancet, 353 (9170), 2129. Kasper, S., Anghelescu, I. G., Szegedi, A., Dienel, A., & Kieser, M. (2006). Superior Effacyy of St John's Wort Extract WS 5570 Compared to Placebo in Patients with Major Depression: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multi-Ciret Trial. BMC Medicine, 4 (1), 1-12.