The many benefits of herbalism cannot be denied, it has been known for centuries, and now it can be said that it is experiencing a real renaissance and increase in popularity. A variety of herbs and other plants with proven, confirmed medicinal properties can be used to alleviate the symptoms of many ailments. Some we have to import from distant countries, but many grow in Polish meadows and forests, and one of them is St. John’s wort, which our Mothers and Grandmothers have already used.

To begin with, it will certainly be useful to have some relevant information about St. John’s Wort (Hipericum perforatum) itself, also called common St. John’s Wort. It is a plant of the large St. John’s wort family, growing in the wild almost all over the world, with as many as 75 species found on our continent alone.

It is an annual perennial, a shrub growing up to a maximum of 80-100 cm, with a straight, top-branched stem and narrow leaves, about 3 cm long, mostly elliptical in shape, with a dotted blade. These distinctive dots contain essential oils, determining the fragrance and some of the properties of St. John’s wort.

The flowers are also small, 3 cm in diameter, with a corolla of five yellow petals.The flowering period is in the second half of June, and it is the dried inflorescences that are the prized herbal material.

St. John’s wort inflorescences are harvested precisely in June, when they have the most health-promoting substances in their composition. The medicinal properties were already known in ancient times, described by the famous Greek physician Hippocrates, among others, and are due to the presence of various active compounds, such as:

St. John’s wort herb was already successfully used by our Mothers and Grandmothers, who always had it in their home herbal medicine cabinet. It is worth considering whether to return to these natural ways of dealing with various ailments, to take advantage of the benefits of herbal medicine.

St. John’s wort stands out particularly favorably against many other herbs and plants, both native andboth native and exotic, and herbalists point to the following medicinal properties:

As you can see from the above examples, St. John’s wort really has a lot to boast about when considering itspositive effects on the human body. Therefore, it is worthwhile to additionally learn about its most common uses, it is really wide, and it is appreciated primarily for:

This is one of the primary uses of extracts or infusions of this plant, which is excellent for improving mental mood. This is possible, among other things, due to the fact that it improves and regulates the synthesis of the serotonin responsible for this, commonly known as the “happy hormone.”

Equally important for dealing with the negative effects of stress, anxiety, and even night-wetting symptoms in children, is its content of hypericin, a chemical compound classified as a flavonoid. It has a calming effect and blocks the breakdown of serotonin molecules, which can contribute to worsening mood and feelings of increasing depression.

Specialists also appreciate St. John’s wort’s strong diuretic and diastolic effects, so it can be used to support the treatment of kidney and urinary tract diseases. Its composition makes it increase urine excretion by up to 30 percent, while, of course, drinking the recommended amount of fluids per day.

In this way, among other things, the particularly painful kidney stones can be prevented. At the same time, increased urine excretion promotes detoxification of the body, removing from it all harmful substances and residues from metabolic processes.

If we have any problems with proper digestion, it is St. John’s wort that gives effective help, which, first of all, relaxes the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, thus counteracting the pain. At the same time it improves intestinal peristalsis, relieves such symptoms as diarrhea, heartburn, a feeling of fullness and heaviness, or excessive wind, and stimulates the secretion of more digestive juices.

A great many people complain not only about stomach or intestinal disorders, but also about abnormal functioning of the liver and bile ducts. They are as important part of the digestive system, so it is worthwhile to support them with the help of properly selected doses of St. John’s wort. They can be used, among other things, in inflammation of the bile ducts, stomach or intestines, almost always obtaining positive effects of such natural herbal treatment.

It is also worth appreciating the effect of St. John’s wort on the skin, thanks to which we can find it in many cosmetics intended for its daily care. This is favored by its antiseptic effect, accelerating wound healing, and infusions of St. John’s wort are used externally in this case, to wash the skin.

It also works well in supporting the treatment of ulcers, eczema, such as acne and atopic dermatitis. St. John’s wort extracts also have a beneficial effect on the condition of mucous membranes, especially the mouth and throat, when used as a gargle for inflammation.

The heart and circulatory system will also feel the positive effects of St. John’s wort, which not only reduces the risk of high blood pressure. It also improves blood flow by strengthening weakened, fragile blood vessel walls.

This is another action of St. John’s wort predisposing it to the composition of our home herbal first aid kit, possible thanks to its propertiesantiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and the presence of a large amount of vitamin C simultaneously strengthens the weakened immune system. It can be used for inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract, to relieve the symptoms of coughs, pharyngitis, sinusitis with a troublesome runny nose, and seasonal infections such as cold and flu.

Getting all the positive results of using this herb is possible if we follow its recommended daily dosage. Experts warn that it should not exceed 4 g of St. John’s wort per day, regardless of the form in which we take it, dried infusions or dietary supplements having it in their composition. Most often we use it in the form of an infusion made from dried herb, or you can buy ready-made teas in the form of practical sachets.

However, it is better to use dried St. John’s wort, take 2 tablespoons of it, or about the recommended 4 g, pour over a glass of hot, but not boiling water and steep for about 8-10 minutes. We drink such an infusion up to 3 times a day, if we use it for indigestion, then immediately after a meal, and if for sedation, then in the evening, before going to bed.

Despite the undeniable benefits, which cannot be denied, not everyone can use St. John’s wort herb. Before deciding to do so, it is necessary to know all the contraindications that hinder or prevent this, and the most important are: