St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

  • 2012

Also known as hypericum, hypericon, little heart, or St. John's wort (in English, St. John's wort), it is the most abundant species in the gutifera (Guttiferae) or hypericaceae (Hypericaceae) family. It is a common plant on the grounds Low and medium height. It is found practically throughout Europe, to the east of Russia, and has been acclimatized in numerous parts of the world: China, Australia, North Africa and America.

It is a perennial shrub plant with yellow flowers. St. John's Wort was named because the flowers bloom for the first time around June 24, the birthday of St. John the Baptist. The word "grass" means "plant" in Old English.

The hyperic name derives from the Greek hyperikon ("above images" or "above an appearance"). For some, the name refers to the property that was attributed to fleeing evil spirits and apparitions; flowers of this plant used to hang on religious images on St. John's Day. For others, the glands of their petals seem to form images (this fact was given much importance in the Middle Ages, as it was used in exorcisms for their cabalistic virtues). The term perforatum is due to the oil glands located in its leaves and sepals that give the plant a perforated appearance, if observed in the light.

History

Hippocrates recommended it as a refreshing and anti-inflammatory remedy.

Dioscorides writes the following (with the spelling of the old translations): The Hyperico, called Androsemo by some, by others Corio, and by other Camepytis, who wants to say Pinillo, because its resin smells like pine resin, it is a bushy bush, roxeta and a high palm, which produces the leaves like the rue, and yellow flower: the one rubbed between the fingers, resumes a blood-like liquor, from where it came to be called Androsemo which means human blood. The hyperico is born in cultivated and rough places. It has the power to move urine and, applied by baxo, causes menstruation. Drunk with wine, exterminate tertianas and quartanas. Its seed, blessed for a quarentena of days, cures the sciatica and the leaves with the seed applied in the form of emplastro, heal the burns of the fire.

Hypericum components:

Acids: ascorbic, palmitic and stearic.

Essential oils.

Minerals

Hypericin

Hyperforin

Quercetin

Routine.

Limonene

Flavonoids

Tannins

St. John's Wort has been used as a popular remedy for emotional disorders. It was once thought to rid the body of evil spirits. St. John's Wort has also been used for wound healing and for a variety of other conditions. St. John's Wort can be found in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid extract, dried herb and tea. Oil-based ointments and lotions are also available. St. John's Wort is known as a natural remedy for mild to moderate depression. Numerous studies in Europe, and more recently in the United States, have discovered that St. Grass Juan is more effective than a placebo and as effective as tricyclic antidepressants for the short-term (1 to 3 months) treatment of mild to moderate depression. Apparently, it causes fewer side effects than many antidepressants, which is one of the main reasons why it has become so popular. St. John's wort oil, applied to the skin, was a popular remedy for skin lesions, nerve pain, burns and hemorrhoids. Although the oil is sold in some herbal stores, creams are also available. Some have been standardized for hypericin or hyperforin, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. St. John's Wort also contains tannins, compounds of natural origin designed to relieve skin irritation, such as those derived from small cuts.

The use of St. John's wort is contraindicated in pregnant women, as it can cause uterine contractions.

If you are taking other medications you should consult with the specialist because the hypericum is incompatible with some (especially not taking it if we are taking medication with antidepressants and anxiolytics)

If an external treatment with St. John's wort is followed, prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided as this plant can cause our skin to be more sensitive.

Contributor: Iñaki Silva Enatarriaga

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