Popular names: Ivanovo grass, bloodthirsty, valiant blood, red grass.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)Perennial herbaceous plant of the St. John’s wort family (Hypericaceae), up to 1 m high. The rhizome is thin, branched, giving several stems annually. The stem is straight, dense, cylindrical, with two longitudinal prominent ribs. The leaves are opposite, sessile, smooth, entire, oblong-oval, with numerous translucent light dots and rare black glands containing a coloring matter. Inside the translucent dots are droplets of resinous substances that strongly refract light and therefore the leaves appear perforated. The flowers are golden yellow with black-brown dots on the underside of the petals, collected in a corymbose panicle. The fruit is a three-celled, ovoid, multi-seeded pod that opens with three wings. Seeds are small (within 1 mm), oblong, brown, fine-meshed. Blooms from June to August fruits ripen from July. When mowing St. John’s wort in years with a wet second half of summer in August – September, its growth and secondary flowering are observed. It blooms from the 2-3rd year of life. The yield of the plant in natural thickets is subject to large fluctuations – in dry years it almost does not bloom. Propagated by seeds (mainly) and root offspring. Distributed almost throughout the CIS, with the exception of the northern and northeastern regions. It grows on fresh sandy and loamy soils in pine and mixed forests, clearings, clearings, fallow lands, along roads. Rarely forms large thickets (traditionally on fallows), more often grows in narrow strips along the edges of the forest. In the old days, St. John’s wort was considered a magical plant. In the countryside, when stuffing mattresses for children, Bogorodskaya grass (thyme) was added to the straw, so that the child has sweet dreams, and St. John’s wort, so that the smell of this plant protects the baby 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 see what juice will appear: if it is red, it means they love it, if it is colorless, they don’t 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. The Germans called it “chamber” because they believed that St. John’s wort drives out devils and brownies. St. John’s wort was considered a medicinal plant in Ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, Avicenna wrote about him. The people call it a herb for 99 diseases, and there was practically no collection that would not include St. John’s wort as the main or auxiliary medicine. so that the smell of this plant protects the baby 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 see what juice will appear: if it is red, it means they love it, if it is colorless, they don’t 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. The Germans called it “chamber” because they believed that St. John’s wort drives out devils and brownies. St. John’s wort was considered a medicinal plant in Ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, Avicenna wrote about him. The people call it a herb for 99 diseases, and there was practically no collection that would not include St. John’s wort as the main or auxiliary medicine. so that the smell of this plant protects the baby 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 see what juice will appear: if it is red, it means they love it, if it is colorless, they don’t 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. The Germans called it “chamber” because they believed that St. John’s wort drives out devils and brownies. St. John’s wort was considered a medicinal plant in ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, Avicenna wrote about him. The people call it a herb for 99 diseases, and there was practically no collection that would not include St. John’s wort as the main or auxiliary medicine. They twist it in their hands and see what juice will appear: if it is red, it means they love it, if it is colorless, they don’t 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. The Germans called it “chamber” because they believed that St. John’s wort drives out devils and brownies. St. John’s wort was considered a medicinal plant in ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, Avicenna wrote about him. The people call it a herb for 99 diseases, and there was practically no collection that would not include St. John’s wort as the main or auxiliary medicine. They twist it in their hands and see what juice will appear: if it is red, it means they love it, if it is colorless, they don’t 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. The Germans called it “chamber” because they believed that St. John’s wort drives out devils and brownies. St. John’s wort was considered a medicinal plant in ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, Avicenna wrote about him. The people call it a herb for 99 diseases, and there was practically no collection that would not include St. John’s wort as the main or auxiliary medicine. The Germans called it “chamber” because they believed that St. John’s wort drives out devils and brownies. St. John’s wort was considered a medicinal plant in ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, Avicenna wrote about him. The people call it a herb for 99 diseases, and there was practically no collection that would not include St. John’s wort as the main or auxiliary medicine. The Germans called it “chamber” because they believed that St. John’s wort drives out devils and brownies. St. John’s wort was considered a medicinal plant in Ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, Avicenna wrote about him. The people call it a herb for 99 diseases, and there was practically no collection that would not include St. John’s wort as the main or auxiliary medicine.
COLLECTION AND DRYING OF RAW MATERIALS
St. John’s wort herb (Herba Hyperici) is used as a medicinal raw material, that is, the tops of the stems with flowers, leaves, buds and partially unripe fruits. St. John’s wort is harvested in the flowering phase of the plant, before the appearance of immature fruits. When harvesting with knives or sickles, leafy tops are cut off up to 25-30 cm long; without rough stem bases. Uprooting of plants with roots is not allowed, as this leads to the destruction of thickets and a decrease in the quality of raw materials. When harvesting, it will be necessary to leave part of the plants intact for seeding. The raw material is immediately sent for drying, because it warms up easily, and subsequently darkens when dried. St. John’s wort grass is dried in attics, under sheds or in rooms with good ventilation, spreading it in a thin layer (5-7 cm) and periodically turning over. It is best to dry in dryers with artificial heating at a heating temperature of the material to be dehydrated not higher than 40°C. In good weather, the raw material dries in 4-5 days, and in dryers in 1-2 days. The end of drying is determined by the degree of fragility of the stems (in the dried state, they do not bend, but break). The shelf life of raw materials is 3 years. Properly dried raw materials have a balsamic smell and a bitter astringent taste. Along with St. John’s wort, in some parts of its range there are other species of the same genus, the use of which is not yet allowed in medicine. A number of external features makes it possible to distinguish these species. St. John’s wort (H. maculatum Crantz) is distinguished by a tetrahedral stem and the absence of glandular cilia along the edge of the sepals. St. John’s wort (H. hirsutum L. ) has densely pubescent leaves and cylindrical non-furrowed densely pubescent stems. St. John’s wort (H. elegans Steph.) has spotted stems due to dotted glands, and the inflorescence is a pyramidal panicle. St. John’s wort (H. scabrum L.) has rough stems covered with small glandular warts.
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
St. John’s wort has versatile pharmacological properties. The most active compounds are flavonoids, which have an antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the bile ducts of the intestine, blood vessels and ureters. Flavonoids increase the outflow of bile, prevent stagnation of bile in the gallbladder and thereby prevent the formation of stones, facilitate bile secretion into the duodenum. In addition, flavonoids stop spasms of the large and small intestines, restore normal peristalsis, thereby improving the digestive capacity of the gastrointestinal tract. St. John’s wort not only relieves spasm of blood vessels, especially capillaries, but also has a capillary-strengthening effect. Hypericum preparations improve venous circulation and blood supply to some internal organs,
APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE
Aboveground part. In Bulgaria, a decoction is used for stomach ulcers, high acidity of gastric juice, gout, sciatica, rheumatism, scrofula, hemorrhoids, nocturnal enuresis in babies, diarrhea, and nervous diseases. In domestic medicine, a decoction is used for diseases of the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver diseases, menorrhagia, hemorrhoids, venereal and skin diseases. Tincture – for diseases of the oral cavity. In folk medicine, juice – for bronchial asthma, colds, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, hypotension, scurvy, colitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, cholelithiasis, kidney disease, cystitis, urinary incontinence in babies, gastritis, bloody diarrhea, diseases liver, jaundice, nervous diseases, headache, anemia, uterine bleeding, hemorrhoids, cough, decreased appetite, rheumatism. In Lithuania and Ukraine – for cancer of the liver, stomach, ovaries, for the treatment of goiter. In Moldova, infusion – for chronic colitis; tincture – for gingivitis and stomatitis. Leaves. Heals wounds and malignant ulcers, has a diuretic effect. Flowers. Infusion – for coughing, with suffocation, ascites, heart failure; externally – for the treatment of rheumatism. Essential oil – for the treatment of burns, face pityriasis, leg ulcers, gastric and duodenal ulcers. St. John’s wort (externally) – as a wound healing agent, orally – on the recommendation of a doctor for gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Seeds. They have a powerful laxative effect and have antibacterial activity. St. John’s wort is part of the diuretic, astringent, antirheumatic and other fees. In Lithuania and Ukraine – for cancer of the liver, stomach, ovaries, for the treatment of goiter. In Moldova, infusion – for chronic colitis; tincture – for gingivitis and stomatitis. Leaves. Heals wounds and malignant ulcers, has a diuretic effect. Flowers. Infusion – for coughing, with suffocation, ascites, heart failure; externally – for the treatment of rheumatism. Essential oil – for the treatment of burns, face pityriasis, leg ulcers, gastric and duodenal ulcers. St. John’s wort (externally) – as a wound healing agent, orally – on the recommendation of a doctor for gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Seeds. They have a powerful laxative effect and have antibacterial activity. St. John’s wort is part of the diuretic, astringent, antirheumatic and other fees. In Lithuania and Ukraine – for cancer of the liver, stomach, ovaries, for the treatment of goiter. In Moldova, infusion – for chronic colitis; tincture – for gingivitis and stomatitis. Leaves. Heals wounds and malignant ulcers, has a diuretic effect. Flowers. Infusion – for coughing, with suffocation, ascites, heart failure; externally – for the treatment of rheumatism. Essential oil – for the treatment of burns, face pityriasis, leg ulcers, gastric and duodenal ulcers. St. John’s wort (externally) – as a wound healing agent, orally – on the recommendation of a doctor for gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Seeds. They have a powerful laxative effect and have antibacterial activity. St. John’s wort is part of the diuretic, astringent, antirheumatic and other fees. In Moldova, infusion – for chronic colitis; tincture – for gingivitis and stomatitis. Leaves. Heals wounds and malignant ulcers, has a diuretic effect. Flowers. Infusion – for coughing, with suffocation, ascites, heart failure; externally – for the treatment of rheumatism. Essential oil – for the treatment of burns, face pityriasis, leg ulcers, gastric and duodenal ulcers. St. John’s wort (externally) – as a wound healing agent, orally – on the recommendation of a doctor for gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Seeds. They have a powerful laxative effect and have antibacterial activity. St. John’s wort is part of the diuretic, astringent, antirheumatic and other fees. In Moldova, infusion – for chronic colitis; tincture – for gingivitis and stomatitis. Leaves. Heals wounds and malignant ulcers, has a diuretic effect. Flowers. Infusion – for coughing, with suffocation, ascites, heart failure; externally – for the treatment of rheumatism. Essential oil – for the treatment of burns, face pityriasis, leg ulcers, gastric and duodenal ulcers. St. John’s wort (externally) – as a wound healing agent, orally – on the recommendation of a doctor for gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Seeds. They have a powerful laxative effect and have antibacterial activity. St. John’s wort is part of the diuretic, astringent, antirheumatic and other fees. have a diuretic effect. Flowers. Infusion – for coughing, with suffocation, ascites, heart failure; externally – for the treatment of rheumatism. Essential oil – for the treatment of burns, face pityriasis, leg ulcers, gastric and duodenal ulcers. St. John’s wort (externally) – as a wound healing agent, orally – on the recommendation of a doctor for gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Seeds. They have a powerful laxative effect and have antibacterial activity. St. John’s wort is part of the diuretic, astringent, antirheumatic and other fees. have a diuretic effect. Flowers. Infusion – for coughing, with suffocation, ascites, heart failure; externally – for the treatment of rheumatism. Essential oil – for the treatment of burns, face pityriasis, leg ulcers, gastric and duodenal ulcers. St. John’s wort (externally) – as a wound healing agent, orally – on the recommendation of a doctor for gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Seeds. They have a powerful laxative effect and have antibacterial activity. St. John’s wort is part of the diuretic, astringent, antirheumatic and other fees. St. John’s wort (externally) – as a wound healing agent, orally – on the recommendation of a doctor for gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Seeds. They have a powerful laxative effect and have antibacterial activity. St. John’s wort is part of the diuretic, astringent, antirheumatic and other fees. St. John’s wort (externally) – as a wound healing agent, orally – on the recommendation of a doctor for gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Seeds. They have a powerful laxative effect and have antibacterial activity. St. John’s wort is part of the diuretic, astringent, antirheumatic and other fees.
DOSAGE FORMS, METHOD OF APPLICATION AND DOSES
A decoction of St. John’s wort (Decoctum herbae Hyperici): 10 g (1 1/2 tablespoons) of raw materials are placed in an enamel bowl, pour 200 ml of hot boiled water, cover with a lid and heat in boiling water (in a water bath) for 30 minutes, cool for 10 minutes at room temperature, filter, the remaining raw material is squeezed out. The volume of the resulting broth is adjusted with boiled water to 200 ml. The prepared broth is stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days. Take 1/3 cup 3 times every day 30 minutes before meals. Tincture of St. John’s wort (Tinctura Hyperici). Prepared in a ratio of 1:5 for 40% alcohol. Used as an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent in dental practice. Inside appoint 40-50 drops 3-4 times every day. For rinsing – 30-40 drops per 1/2 cup of water. Shelf life is 4 years. Briquettes are produced from St. John’s wort: rectangular shape, size 120×65×10 cm, weight 75 g, divided into slices of 7.5 g each. The decoction is prepared at the rate of one slice per 200 ml of water. St. John’s wort (Herba Hyperici) is also produced in packs of 100 g. Stored in a cool, dry place. Novoimaninum (Novoimaninum) is a polyphenolic complex product. Transparent resinous reddish-yellow mass with the smell of honey. Available as a 1% solution in 95% ethanol. For external use, inhalation, also in otorhinolaryngology, a 0.1% solution of the product is used, which is obtained by diluting a 1% alcohol solution with 0.25% anesthesin solution or 10% glucose solution, or isotonic sodium chloride solution or distilled water. Solutions obtained by diluting a 1% alcohol solution of Novoimanin are suitable for use throughout the day. The shelf life of the product is 3 years, 1% alcohol solution for 2 years. Novoimanin is used externally for infected wounds, felons, paronychia, phlegmon, abscesses, carbuncles, boils, hydradenitis, diseases of the ear, throat and nose, trophic ulcers and burns II and III degree. The drug increases the regenerative properties of tissues, accelerates the process of wound healing. With postoperative infiltrates, lymphadenitis, adenophlegmon, some forms of osteomyelitis, purulent lesions of the pleura and lungs, postoperative wounds, Novoimanin is used by electrophoresis. Aerosol inhalations of Novoimanin are used for bronchitis, pneumothorax, lung abscesses, purulent pleurisy, tonsillitis, acute respiratory diseases and exacerbations of chronic tonsillitis, including in children. as it can lead to bleeding. ♦ St. John’s wort juice is prepared in June – July from the fresh grass of a flowering plant (without stems). Take 1 tablespoon of juice and honey 3 times every day 30 minutes before meals. ♦ St. John’s wort: 20 g (3 tablespoons) of fresh leaves pour 200 g of sunflower oil. Infuse for 2 weeks in a dark place at room temperature, shaking from time to time, then filter. Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times every day. ♦ St. John’s wort ointment: crushed St. John’s wort grass is mixed with vegetable oil, turpentine is added. Rubbed into painful places (with radiculitis, arthritis, sciatica). CONTRAINDICATIONS AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: St. John’s wort herb can cause discomfort in the liver and a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, constipation, decrease in appetite. Since St. John’s wort increases blood pressure, it is advisable to prescribe it to people suffering from hypertension, only as part of a collection. * All types of St. John’s wort can cause poisoning in animals. The aerial parts of the plant are poisonous. Sheep, cattle, horses, especially young white ones are sensitive to them. In case of poisoning, general weakness, cardiac insufficiency, inflammation of non-pigmented areas of the skin, its necrosis, and the appearance of dermatitis are observed. A weak form of the course of intoxication traditionally ends in recovery in 2-3 days. A feature of the course of a severe form of toxicosis with St. John’s wort is a more pronounced itching of the affected areas of the skin. With all this, animals are worried, fall to the ground, bite the skin, damaging it. In sunlight, itching traditionally intensifies.
APPLICATIONS IN OTHER FIELDS
St. John’s wort is used in the alcoholic beverage industry for the manufacture of tinctures. Included in the bitter tinctures “St. John’s wort”, “Balm” and wine “Vermouth”. Recommended in recipes for new tonic drinks. It is used as a seasoning for fish dishes and products. Flowers are used to dye fabrics in yellow, green, pink and black. When adding a decoction of common sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.), St. John’s wort gives fawn tones, and if you add a decoction of mint, you get an orange-red paint. Flowers, leaves – a substitute for tea. Imanin isolated from the plant is an effective tool in the fight against viral diseases of tobacco. Honey plant. Cultivated. The yield of air-dry above-ground mass during the flowering period is up to 20 c/ha, seeds up to 1 c/ha.
ELEMENTS OF AGROTECHNICAL CULTIVATION
For the cultivation of St. John’s wort, flat, low areas with fertile light loamy or sandy loamy soils are required. Sowing is best done in late autumn (October – November) after plowing and cultivating with dry, freshly harvested seeds, in an ordinary way (with row spacing of 45 cm) without incorporation into the soil. When spring sowing, stratification is required (mixed with wet river sand and kept in winter under a layer of snow for 2-3 months). Seeds begin to germinate at a temperature of 5-6°C, the optimum temperature for germination is 20°C. The crop care technology provides for the destruction of weeds and annual early spring top dressing with a mixture of mineral fertilizers. To reduce the cost of fighting tall weeds, it is recommended to sow row-spacings with meadow bluegrass mixed with creeping clover.
TASTY TIPS
Hypericum drink.
Shredded grass (50-70 g) with leaves and flowers insist in boiling water (1 l) for 1 hour in a warm place or a thermos. Strain, add sugar or honey.
St. John’s wort tea.
Chopped fresh or dried herb (10 g) brew like tea (250 ml water). Add sugar, honey (to taste).
St. John’s wort powder.
Grind the dried herb in a coffee grinder. Use in the preparation and preservation of fish dishes.
St. John’s wort tincture.
Add dried St. John’s wort (10 g) to vodka (1 l) and leave for 10 days. Strain, add sugar (20 g).