St. John's wort: description, useful properties and application. Why is St. John's wort so called? Hypericum treatment for vitiligo

WHY IS HUMAN WORT CALLED THAT?

The bright yellow flowers of St. John's wort open in mid-summer. It grows in wet places in meadows and marshes, and even just in shallow water along the banks of rivers, and in sands, and on stony placers, and in bushes, and along roads. It can also be found high in the mountains, in alpine meadows.

Bright, but devoid of nectar, St. John's wort flowers are pollinated by flies, bumblebees, butterflies, and bees. Many of its light and small seeds are dispersed by wind and rain. If you break the St. John's wort pedicel, blood-red juice will appear. For this reason, miraculous properties were attributed to St. John's wort in the old days, they considered it a cure for many diseases. Among our people, St. John's wort is treated with respect. It is used as a hemostatic agent. It heals wounds, kills germs and stops inflammation and suppuration.

In North America, in Australia, in New Zealand, St. John's wort is considered a malicious weed. The fact is that the red pigment contained in the plant causes an increased sensitivity of the white areas of the skin to sunlight in pets. Animals develop wounds on their heads and bodies, their ears swell, they lose weight and may even die.

For humans, St. John's wort is a medicinal plant. Among the people, St. John's wort flowers insist on sunflower or cottonseed oil and are used to heal wounds. People believe that the infusion of St. John's wort helps with all sorts of ailments. Travelers brew its flowers and leaves instead of tea. It makes a nice drink. St. John's wort leaves contain essential oils, vitamins E and C. Preparations prepared from St. John's wort treat gastric and intestinal diseases. St. John's wort is used against worms and as a diuretic.

The bright yellow flowers of St. John's wort open in mid-summer. It grows in wet places in meadows and marshes, and even just in shallow water along the banks of rivers, and in sands, and on stony placers, and in bushes, and along roads. It can also be found high in the mountains, in alpine meadows.

Bright, but devoid of nectar, St. John's wort flowers are pollinated by flies, bumblebees, butterflies, and bees. Many of its light and small seeds are dispersed by wind and rain. If you break the St. John's wort pedicel, blood-red juice will appear. For this reason, miraculous properties were attributed to St. John's wort in the old days, they considered it a cure for many diseases. Among our people, St. John's wort is treated with respect. It is used as a hemostatic agent. It heals wounds, kills germs and stops inflammation and suppuration.

In North America, in Australia, in New Zealand, St. John's wort is considered a malicious weed. The fact is that the red pigment contained in the plant causes an increased sensitivity of white areas of the skin to pets in pets. sunshine. Animals develop wounds on their heads and bodies, their ears swell, they lose weight and may even die.

For humans, St. John's wort is a medicinal plant. Among the people, St. John's wort flowers insist on sunflower or cottonseed oil and are used to heal wounds. People believe that the infusion of St. John's wort helps with all sorts of ailments. Travelers brew its flowers and leaves instead of tea. It makes a nice drink. St. John's wort leaves contain essential oils, vitamins E and C. Preparations prepared from St. John's wort treat stomach and intestinal diseases. St. John's wort is used against worms and as a diuretic.

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What can be in common between the medicinal plant St. John's wort and the state of ecstasy called happiness? Why do herbal teas, which include St. John's wort, relieve us of the blues, depressive thinking and bad mood? St. John's wort is a component of the happiness formula?

When a person experiences happiness and euphoria, the production of the hormone serotonin increases in his body. Serotonin is also known as the hormone of happiness. It is produced not only under a favorable set of circumstances that cause a state of happiness, but also when taking certain products, including plants. St. John's wort actively stimulates the production of serotonin in the human body.

Unfortunately, the global trend is an increase in the proportion of depressive and anxiety disorders. This is evidenced by the statistics of the increase in the incidence and increase in the consumption of psychotropic drugs, in particular antidepressants.

There is a constant search for natural antidepressants of plant, animal and mineral origin, in which high efficiency combined with a high acceptance of the agent by the human body.

Of course, one of these remedies is St. John's wort (St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum L.). St. John's wort has been known since the time of Hippocrates. In Russia, it is called "a remedy for 99 diseases." In the west it is called "Saint John's plant". John's wort is officially registered in many countries of the world and is very effective in the treatment of depression and anxiety. For example, in 1984 in Germany, St. John's wort was introduced into the prescription drugs for the treatment of depression and became the best-selling antidepressant. Moreover, St. John's wort extract is characterized by a complex mechanism of antidepressant action, which distinguishes it from other drugs.

In addition, St. John's wort is used as an astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial and tonic. It is effective in diseases of the digestive tract, liver, kidneys, Bladder. St. John's wort preparations have found application in gynecological practice, in the treatment of cholelithiasis. It has a beneficial effect on the heart.

Fresh grass is applied to wounds, bruises and with aching joints. At sunburn effective oil extract from the plant: chop the tops of fresh St. John's wort and pour any vegetable oil, after 3 days the extract will be ready. It relieves heat and pain, and the “roasted” skin will not “climb” later.

For the treatment of wounds, ulcers, bedsores, "St. John's wort" is obtained from it. 20 g of fresh flowers (or 50 g together with leaves) pour 200 ml of vegetable oil, insist for two weeks, apply to the sore spot in the form of a compress.

St. John's wort is a sunny plant, it is harvested during flowering on a clear sunny day, cutting off the upper part of the stem to a height of 15–20 cm. In no case should the plant be uprooted, and large plants should be left as seeds. Dry the plant in the shade in a well-ventilated area. Fresh and dried, the herb has a slight balsamic odor and a slightly bitter, resinous taste. Store dried plants in closed glass or metal jars. Dried grass retains its properties for three years.

Attention! St. John's wort is a very well-known herb, but only one of its varieties - St. John's wort has a significant healing effect. It is called so because of the presence of glands in the leaves - small dots visible in the light. It is in the glands that the balsamic secret, the source of aroma and the medicinal principle of the plant, is contained.

St. John's wort is brewed in ceramic dishes. One tablespoon of herbs in a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes. An adult can take an infusion of 3 cups a day before meals for a week.

St. John's wort tea has a tonic effect on the human body, its beneficial effect increases when brewed together with other medicinal plants - oregano, currant, wild rose, etc., which is why St. John's wort is part of many herbal teas and drinks.

Mentally St. John's wort contributes to the beginning of a new process, it can be the birth of a new life, or it can be the birth of a new idea or a new business, it also contributes to the smooth flow of the process and its successful outcome. It helps to think clearly, avoid rash acts and make right choice, restores internal balance and stabilizes the state. St. John's wort prevents external negative influences and protects against aggression. It heals wounds, opens a second wind and stops the leakage of internal energy.

For animals, the plant is poisonous, which, in fact, follows from the name. People should not forget about this property of St. John's wort, infusions are not recommended. long time, it is contraindicated in people suffering from hypertension, as well as those who have an individual intolerance to the plant.

Altai Mountain Pharmacy wishes you health and active longevity!

St. John's wort is a medicinal plant belonging to the St. John's wort family. There are approximately 110 species, predominantly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. St. John's wort is most often found in the wild in Europe, the Caucasus, Western Siberia and mainland North America.

The vast majority of varieties of St. John's wort has been widely used in medicine and cosmetology since ancient times. For therapeutic purposes, St. John's wort was used in Rome and Ancient Greece, scientists of those times studied in detail the chemical composition and beneficial features plants.

Today, in many countries of the world, St. John's wort is officially considered a medicinal plant. It is an integral part of a large number of herbal preparations, it is used for the manufacture medicines, various tinctures and essential oils.

St. John's wort

What does a St. John's wort plant look like: description

St. John's wort is herbaceous plant, the height varies significantly depending on the species. Some representatives are able to reach two meters in height. St. John's wort is a herb with a thin stem with small leaves, the flowers form yellow in color. Representatives of the species mainly bloom in July - August.

Note! The habitat range can vary significantly depending on the cultivar, most often the plant can be found on forest lawns and mountain slopes.

The plant has been known to people since ancient times, therefore, in colloquial speech, there are a large number of other names of St. John's wort, for example, twig, Ivanovo grass and hare grass.

It is recommended to collect blanks during the flowering of the plant, while only flowers should be cut from big amount foliage. To maintain the maximum concentration of medicinal properties, the herb must be dried in dryers or darkened rooms, which must be well ventilated.

St. John's wort

plant species

All representatives of this species can grow on different soils, even among rocky areas. St. John's wort, like most wild plants, propagates by seeds. An interesting fact is that one fruit can simultaneously contain up to 25 thousand seeds, but not all of them will become new plants.

St. John's wort is divided into the following types:

  • St. John's wort, popular name - perforated. It is widely used in medicine, as well as Food Industry. It grows throughout Europe, most often found in pine forests and fields. In height, the plant can reach 0.8 m, a thin stem with two characteristic furrows, miniature leaves. A large number of "glands" are concentrated on the leaves, which visually creates the impression of holes. St. John's wort is contraindicated in people with hypertension.
  • St. John's wort grows as a semi-shrub, the stems have a dark brown color. Flowers are a specialty. large sizes, their diameter can reach 7 cm. The leaves have blunt tips, reach a length of 3 cm, the flesh is fleshy. Distributed in the subtropics, namely in Turkey and the Balkans. You can meet only in open areas with a large number sun rays. You can also find it in Europe, but here it is grown as an ornamental plant.
  • Dye St. John's wort. The height of this representative is capable of reaching 1 meter, characteristic- leaves of large sizes and miniature flowers, grouped in inflorescences. The length of the leaves reaches 10 cm, the width is approximately 6 cm. Each inflorescence has 6-8 flowers. Willingly grows in lighted areas, can often be found in fields and meadows. It can only be used for decorative purposes.
  • Grass that looks like St. John's wort is called tetrahedral. the only distinguishing feature- the presence of four sharp edges on a thin stem. The plant is widespread in Europe and East Asia. The plant is not used by humans, due to the presence in the composition of a large number harmful substances which contributes to the development of severe complications.
  • The drawn St. John's wort reaches a height of more than half a meter, the stem is characterized by a cylindrical shape with two ribs. It grows everywhere in the steppe regions, less often it can be found in forest glades. Individual feature - leaves about 4 cm long, which are tightly pressed against the stem.
  • Medicinal herb blue St. John's wort reaches a height of 0.7 meters, forms many miniature flowers, which are grouped into inflorescences. Distributed in temperate latitudes, prefers open and well-lit areas. This type of plant is highly valued for its chemical composition, with its help they treat many diseases, and also strengthen the immune system.
  • The prostrate St. John's wort differs from its relatives in that the stems do not grow up, but spread along the ground. Flowers and leaves are formed small size. Unlike other representatives, it is an annual. It grows in the central and northern parts of Europe, due to its excellent cold resistance. It loves light, so it will not grow in partial shade and shade.

Useful properties and contraindications, impact on humans

What helps the herb St. John's wort? This question is of interest to many adherents of the use natural ingredients to strengthen the immune system and treat various ailments.

Since ancient times, plant extracts have been used to treat heart diseases, colds, rheumatism, headaches and flu, and infusions are also effective in the treatment of impotence and diseases related to gynecology.

Used to treat heart disease and other

More recently, scientists in the laboratory discovered another quality of the plant: it has an antidepressant effect, has a beneficial effect on work nervous system. This is a significant advantage in the fight against depression, the drug has virtually no contraindications and at the same time strengthens the body.

Application in traditional medicine

Dried raw materials of St. John's wort are indicated for use in the following cases:

  • Inflammatory processes in oral cavity, for example, stomatitis, pharyngitis, inflammation of the gums and tonsillitis.
  • Pathologies of the digestive system and biliary tract, for example, diarrhea, dyskinesia, low stomach acid, gallbladder hypotension, bloating, hepatitis, cholecystitis.
  • Violations in the work of the nervous system, is prescribed for depressive and anxiety states.

Application in traditional medicine

Adherents folk recipes medicine uses St. John's wort in the treatment of:

  • alcoholism;
  • gastritis;
  • sinusitis;
  • heartburn;
  • mental illness, including depression;
  • rapid heartbeat;
  • infectious diseases of the skin, burns;
  • hepatitis, including viral;
  • cholelithiasis, inflammation of the gallbladder.

Important! Before proceeding with treatment, it is necessary to be sure of the correct diagnosis, otherwise various complications may appear. Sometimes effective results can be achieved with an integrated approach, i.e. combination of traditional and folk medicine.

St. John's wort is most often used in the following dosage forms:

  • healing tea;
  • decoction;
  • alcohol tincture;
  • water infusion.

Herbal preparations, which include not only St. John's wort, but also other medicinal plants, are very popular. As a rule, such drugs are more effective due to the total effect of beneficial properties.

Contraindications

The plant, despite the large number positive properties, and has contraindications for use. These features must be taken into account when using raw materials. St. John's wort belongs to slightly toxic plants, so it can not be abused, and also used for a long time.

It is contraindicated for pregnant women,

Abuse can cause high blood pressure and narrowing blood vessels. It is contraindicated for pregnant women, as well as during lactation.

Diseases and pests

St. John's wort, like other representatives of the flora, can be subject to various diseases and pest attacks. Most often, plants are affected by fungal diseases. Poor resistance to leafworms and thrips is noted.

When growing crops on personal plot for prevention and treatment, it is recommended to use special insecticidal and fungicidal preparations. They can be purchased at any specialized store.

Important! If the plant is grown for medicinal purposes, then the use of chemicals is contraindicated. St. John's wort has one feature - it accumulates pesticides.

St. John's wort is a medicinal plant that, if used irrationally, can do more harm than good. Before use, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the contraindications and consult with your doctor, drink infusions and decoctions strictly in accordance with the instructions for use.

St. John's wort. Ivanova grass

How can you not bake bread without flour,
So without St. John's wort you can not cure a person.
folk saying

St. John's wort- one of the most famous wild medicinal plants. This is a low herbaceous plant with yellow-orange flowers. It blooms in late June and blooms all summer. Hypericum perforatum (also called common, or pierced) is a perennial herbaceous plant 30-80 cm in height. It grows in dry, well-lit places - sparse pine and mixed forests, in forest glades and edges, in clearings, in meadows, near roads, along the outskirts of fields, in abandoned arable land, in oak forests, in birch pegs, in meadow steppes. St. John's wort grows in the forest zone almost throughout Europe and in Western Siberia.

St. John's wort perforated (St. The Latin name of the genus Hypericum means growing among the heather, which is associated with the habitat of the first found species of this genus. There are several opinions about the origin of the name of the plant. Perhaps the name comes from the words hyper (over) and eicon (reflection). According to other authors, the name comes from the verb upereidofal (to look into the distance, to show oneself), indicating the presence of transparent spots on the leaves of the plant. Another opinion is that the name comes from hypo (under) and erikn or ereikn (heather), i.e. plant growing under heather. Finally, some botanists believe that the name comes from hyper (over) and eikon (image in the sense of a ghost), referring to people's belief in the mysterious properties of the plant to exorcise spirits, or because the plant grows on old monuments.
And how did the Russian name - St. John's wort come about? It has long been noticed that pets can get sick from St. John's wort, and only white-spotted or white animals get sick. Sheep and horses are most commonly affected. It turned out that the pigment hypericin contained in the herb of St. John's wort makes unpigmented areas of the skin especially sensitive to sunlight. But there is another opinion - the name comes from the Kazakh word "dzhebray", which means a healer of wounds.
The names of St. John's wort in Slavic languages ​​and dialects are extremely numerous and varied. The time of the beginning of flowering, approximately coinciding with the day of John the Baptist, is reflected in a whole group of names: St. Ivanovskaya grass, St. John's potion, Ukrainian. Ivanok, Sventojanske Zilla, Bel. sventajanskaya zellya, svyatayanki, sv. Ivana Zelle, srbh. Ivanovka, Ivanovchitsa, Ivanova grass, St. Ivana, Paul. stojanskie ziele, swietojanskie ziele, swietego Jana korzenie, Old Czech. svateho Jana korenie, Sv. Jana bylina. Another group of names (Ivan's blood, krovavnik, krovyk, seven-brother blood, Ukrainian krivtsya, kravnik, god of krivtsa, Christ's blood, blood of Jesus Christ, blood of St. Ivan, valiant blood, white kryvavets, red grass, Czech krevnicek, krvavnik, puddle konjaca krej) is due to the appearance of the plant: the leaves of some species are dotted with reddish spots, and the infusion has a red color, like the juice of crushed petals. Ukr. seer, Czech prostrelenec, Serbhorv. shooter, pierced zee reflect one more feature appearance plants - its leaves are covered with small transparent receptacles that look like holes (the same feature is also reflected in the nomenclature name of one of the species - St. John's wort perforated, or pierced).
Obviously, the name St. John's wort should also be included here, which, perhaps, is the result of a folk etymologization of Ukrainian. hole or white jiroboy, with the floor. dziurawiec, as well as plakun, Ukrainian. Mother of God tears. Transparent spots on the leaves of St. John's wort, which look like holes, could well evoke the idea of ​​​​tears that fell on the leaves, which is reflected in the name. The bright orange-yellow color of the petals, obviously, gave Ukrainian. firefighter, Croatian rusoglavec, Czech. rusohlavec. One of the legends explains those related to St. John's wort folk names somehow related to blood. While the executioner was carrying the head of John the Prophet to Herod's palace, a few drops of his blood fell to the ground. In the place where the blood dripped, grass grew that absorbed it - this was St. John's wort.
There is another legend about the origin of St. John's wort - he grew up under the cross on which Christ was crucified, and received healing power from his blood. Serbian folk tradition this feature of the color of the plant is explained differently: it is the blood of St. The Mother of God, who during her menstruation dripped on the leaves of this plant, therefore she was given the name: the Mother of God herb, (as well as the Mother of God, the Mother of God, gospino tsveћe, gospino grass, gospino zeљe). In the vicinity of Nis, there was another etiological story about the appearance of spots on the leaves of St. Perhaps this story also explains the Serbian name of St. John's wort pљskavitsa (from pљskati - "splash, splash." In the Czech Republic, the existence of transparent receptacles on the leaves of the plant was explained by the fact that the devil, very angry, pierced all its leaves with a needle and released useful juice.

In the old days, St. John's wort was considered a magical plant. In the countryside, when stuffing mattresses for children, Bogorodsk grass was added to the straw so that the child had sweet dreams, and St. John's wort, so that the smell of this plant protected the child from fear in a dream. And adult boys and girls guessed on the stems of St. John's wort. They twist it in their hands and look at what kind of juice has appeared: if it is red, it means they love it, if it is colorless, it does not like it. The old people believed that St. John's wort drives away evil spirits, diseases and protects a person from the attack of wild animals. IN medieval England and in Germany, bunches of St. John's wort herbs were hung on windows and doors, hidden under the threshold so that evil spirits would not enter the house. In Normandy, St. John's wort, collected on the night before Ivan Kupala, was considered a protective agent against spoilage of cows. In Germany, people wove sashes from St. John's wort, then burned them in a fire lit in honor of St. John, thereby protecting themselves from evil spirits for a whole year. It was also believed that if a person wears St. John's wort grass or puts its stems in shoes, then neither devils nor sorcerers have power over him. In the 17th century St. John's wort was number 12 magical plants Rosicrucians.
At one time it was called "Fuga Daemonum" because it wards off evil spirits and prevents ghosts from entering and settling in the house. It was used in love divination, as a remedy for female infertility and machinations of witches, as well as to protect the house and its inhabitants from fire and lightning. Red spots on its leaves symbolized the blood of John the Baptist; it was believed that they appear every year on August 27, on the day of the Beheading of the saint. Although, like everything yellow flowers, St. John's wort always has magical properties, they are strongest on Ivanov's day. It must be collected on an empty stomach in the early morning, until the dew has dried. If a young girl does this, she can be sure that she will get married this year, and if she puts him under her pillow at night, she will see her betrothed in a dream. If a childless woman goes naked into the garden and picks a St. John's wort flower, she will give birth before the next Midsummer. Similarly, any person who is overcome by evil spirits can collect St. John's wort on Ivan and thus be freed from his troubles. Since magic always works both ways, witches used St. John's wort in their spells, but it was generally considered more dangerous to them than useful.
An old rhyme says:
Clover, verbena, dill, St. John's wort Any witches will overpower the power.
And of the named four, the golden Ivanova grass was considered the most powerful.
In some regions, it was considered deadly to step on a growing St. John's wort. If you do this, a magical horse will grow out of the ground and carry you away. You will have to gallop wildly all night long, and in the morning the horse will be gone, and you will find yourself in some unknown place, in some unknown circumstances, perhaps many miles from home. Another legend says that it is not easy to collect St. John's wort at the right time, because it moves from place to place and eludes the collector. In many parts of the UK, St. John's wort is still considered a lucky herb, although as the once-great Midsummer celebration has faded, so has its traditional significance. Although he remained in the popular assessment of the first of herbs, in divination and fortune-telling on the day of the summer solstice - Ivan's day itself - they used not only him. Many plants were under the care of St. John the Baptist, including fennel, bracken, male fern, hare cabbage, ivy, plantain, daisy, verbena, field chamomile, wormwood, and yarrow. Stowe, in his Review of London, relates that on Midsummer Eve the houses in that city were decorated with lilies, birch, fennel, hare cabbage and, of course, Ivanovy grass. All these plants possessed one or another kind magic power which has doubled this season. In addition, it was believed that the flowers collected on this day last longer, and the seeds germinate better.
St. John's wort played an important role in girls' fortune-telling on Ivan's Day: Czech girls twisted the stalks of St. John's wort and looked - red juice - likes, green or colorless - does not like. Serbian girls, wondering about marriage, on this day before dawn threw a wreath of St. John's wort on the roof of the house: if it lingers - it won't get married this year, it will fall right away or it will fly over - it will. Continuing the theme love magic, it should be said that Ivanovo flowers were also used as a love spell. In Belarus, the flowers of St. John's wort under the name of St. John's flowers act as the main love potion.
St. John's wort was universally considered a talisman. According to Russian popular belief, he "helps from damage and enemy force" (Nizhny Novgorod, Kostroma provinces). In Bosnia, it was believed that he kept from charms and witchcraft, as well as from evil spirits, so the dried fruits of St. John's wort were placed in amulets. In the Czech Republic, St. John's wort has long been considered extremely strong magic grass, which mainly had the power to drive away evil spirits, as well as the diseases they sent. Dried St. John's wort was added to children's straw mattresses so that its smell would protect the child from fear in a dream. It was believed that sorcerers run away when he "rings". Polish women, six weeks after the birth of a child, spread St. John's wort around the room where the child lay and carried it with them to drive out the goddesses. In the vicinity of Krakow, it was believed that evil spirits do not like this plant and avoid it. The mother, trying to protect her newborn child from being replaced by goddesses, had to have St. A similar superstition existed among the inhabitants of the Tatras, where St. John's wort was carried with them as a talisman against the devil. The folklore image of this plant can be quite clearly traced in the Belarusian phraseologism to give the Holy John's potion: "If a guy falls in love with a girl and, overcoming all obstacles, tries to marry her, then they usually say - apparently she gave him the Holy John's potion, understanding by it not everything in general, flowers and herbs, which are also called St. John's, namely one of these two.



ABOUT medicinal properties St. John's wort was written in their writings by the famous naturalists of antiquity Hippocrates, Pliny and Dioscorides. In the Middle Ages, numerous diseases were treated with St. In those distant times, both in Rus' and in Europe, St. John's wort was considered a magical plant; And the reason for this, probably, is that when rubbing its flowers, a bright purple juice resembling blood is released.
Among the peoples different countries there was a belief that St. John's wort has a special magical and healing power if it is collected on the night before the holiday of Ivan Kupala (June 24, old style). Incidentally, this belief is quite scientific explanation. In late June - early July, mass flowering of St. John's wort begins, at this time the aerial part of the plant contains a maximum of active substances. IN traditional medicine it was used against depression, hallucinations and nervous disorders, and also as an analgesic. In Rus', St. John's wort was called the "potion of St. Ivan." In England and America it is called Saint John's herb. In addition to being used in the divination described above on Ivan's Day, St. John's wort was often included in herbal preparations (although the belief about strengthening healing properties it is on this day that it applies not only to St. John's wort, but also to all other herbs). So, the Czechs collected St. John's wort along with other herbs and left them under the table for two days, believing that they would miraculously acquire healing power. It was also woven into wreaths that were put on the head when the fires of St. John were lit. In the vicinity of Yablonets, in the evening on the eve of Ivan's Day, a bed was covered with St. John's wort, hoping that at night the saint would come and lay his head on the prepared bed. If you saw the trace of his head on the herbs, they said that they became healing. There is a legend that St. John's wort, which blooms at noon on Midsummer Day in Saalenstein Castle (in the Upper Franks), uprooted, helps to extract hidden treasures.
St. John's wort is especially widely used in folk medicine. This is already evidenced by its names such as healthy grass (for Hypericum perforatum), razornitsa (for Hypericum quadrangulum), twig (for various kinds). The plant was used "inside to strengthen the stomach and from pain in the abdomen, in the form of an infusion in water or vodka, also for chest pain, suffocation, cough, and externally for aches, bruises." In Ukrainians, all types are considered medicinal. St. John's wort is called "grass species 99 twig". It was used (mixed with other plants) in the treatment of liver stones, gastrointestinal disorders, a number of women's diseases, lung diseases, inflammatory processes, abscesses, rashes, rheumatism, etc. In Bosnia, St. John's wort was considered a cure for chronic cough. It was also used as a hemostatic agent. In addition, St. John's wort was applied to wounds, believing that it heals them and soothes pain. In the Serbian tradition, it was used for coughs and asthma, disorders menstrual cycle, in difficult childbirth, from abdominal pain; it was also applied to cuts and used for rabies. If a woman could not get pregnant because of witchcraft, then the priest had to bless this herb, then they boiled it and drank it in the morning on an empty stomach for several days; in addition, the woman had to carry it with her. In the Czech Republic, St. John's wort, collected at St. Ivan, mixed in the feed of weak animals. During the excavations of the ancient Slavic settlement of Biskutin, which existed 2500 years ago, 20 herbs were found, including St. John's wort. In the State Archive of Ancient Russian Acts there is a charter issued to the voivode Romodanovsky, in which he was ordered to send St. In Rus', it is associated with the belief that the grass keeps from charms and temptations. St. John's wort has been widely used in folk medicine in many countries as an anti-inflammatory agent, especially in the treatment of diseases of the bronchi and urogenital tract, hemorrhoids, and also as an external agent that promotes the rapid healing of various skin lesions.

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