How does St. John's wort affect blood pressure and how to use it correctly?

Effect on pressure

St. John's wort increases blood pressure, but only when consumed in large doses: more than 500 ml of aqueous decoction or more than 100 drops of alcohol infusion per day. Taking it in smaller quantities will not harm your health, but on the contrary, it will improve the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

It is known that in 90% of cases, arterial hypertension develops against the background of a malfunction of the nervous system. Chronic stress, depression and nervousness disrupt the regulation of vascular tone. A spasm of capillaries, arterioles, and large arteries occurs.

Blood viscosity increases, blood flow speed decreases, and metabolic processes slow down. The vessels begin to change: the walls thicken, their elasticity deteriorates, the lumen narrows, and blood pressure rises. If left untreated, the changes become irreversible, and hypertension becomes chronic.

St. John's wort has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Various antidepressants are produced from its extract, which are superior to their synthetic counterparts. The plant has virtually no side effects. Improves mood, performance, memory and thought processes.

In small quantities, St. John's wort is useful for high blood pressure or so-called. nervous hypertension caused by mental disorders. By targeting the root cause of the disease, this herb helps regulate blood pressure.

Does St. John's wort increase or decrease blood pressure?

Anyone who suffers from vascular and heart disease needs to know that St. John's wort moderately increases blood pressure. This is mainly because the plant contains astringents that increase the tone of the walls of blood vessels.

But in order for St. John's wort preparations to increase blood pressure in a patient with hypertension, the daily dose must exceed 400 ml of infusion or 100 drops of alcohol tincture. The same applies to patients with hypotension: in order for St. John's wort to raise low blood pressure in a hypotensive patient, the daily dose must be very high, which can negatively affect the liver and kidneys.

Let's take a closer look at what St. John's wort is and how to safely use it in the treatment of various diseases.

Proper use of herbal decoctions and infusions helps relieve the symptoms of many diseases

Chemical composition and beneficial properties

St. John's wort contains various chemicals. The main biologically active substances are:

• Anthracene derivatives: hypericin, pseudohypericin - have a pronounced antidepressant effect;
• Flavonoids: hyperoside, rutin, quercetin - have an antispasmodic effect;
• essential oil, tannins, resins - have astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic properties.

Minor amounts of ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, niacin and carotenoids are present.

The rich chemical composition determines the versatility of using preparations based on this plant:

• spasms of blood vessels, muscle spasms;
• mild to moderate depression, panic attacks, insomnia;
• asthenic syndrome - exhaustion, fatigue, irritability due to stress, somatic diseases;
• diseases of the digestive system.

Treatment with St. John's wort eliminates the symptoms of dyspepsia, symptoms of hypothyroidism and hypertension: headaches and dizziness, nausea, weakness, loss of strength.

Contraindications to the use of St. John's wort

Medicines and infusions based on St. John's wort are prohibited for people to take in the following cases:

• high blood pressure;
• photosensitivity of the skin, working in the sun;
• erectile dysfunction;
• liver enlargement;
• previous organ transplantation;
• taking contraceptive medications (reduces their effectiveness);
• pregnancy at any stage, breastfeeding;
• individual intolerance to plant drugs.

The main danger of exposure to St. John's wort when consumed in large doses or concentrations is that the blood pressure increases abruptly

Traditional recipes for high blood pressure

St. John's wort can be used for hypertension if you follow the recipe rules:

• Water infusion - eliminates headaches, dyspeptic disorders, normalizes sleep and blood pressure. Pour 1 tablespoon of dried St. John's wort into a glass of boiling water. Heat in a water bath for 15 minutes or 3 minutes over low heat. Set aside for at least half an hour. Take 70 ml three times a day before meals.
• St. John's wort tea relieves muscle and vascular spasms, lowers blood pressure, and improves mental and emotional state. Pour 3 tablespoons of dried herbs into 0.5 liters of boiling water in a regular kettle. You can add 1 tablespoon of mint, lemon balm or oregano. Keep for 10 minutes. Drink no more than 1 glass sweetened with honey after meals.
• Alcohol tincture - eliminates nervous tension, sudden surges in blood pressure, and eliminates insomnia. For 0.5 liters of vodka, take 100 grams of dry material. Leave for 21 days. Take starting with 10 drops, the dose gradually increases to 30 drops 3 times a day.
• St. John's wort oil - relieves inflammation, vasospasm, helps with severe headaches, nausea, and loss of strength. Effective for stomach and duodenal ulcers. Pour 20 g of fresh herbs or 2 tablespoons of dried herbs into 200 ml of vegetable oil. Set aside for 40 days, shaking occasionally. The finished oil has a reddish tint. Apply 1 tablespoon three times a day, 3-4 hours after meals.

Foot baths with the addition of dziuriura improve the condition after an overpressure crisis, they relieve weakness, dizziness and loss of strength. 100g dried herbs pour 5 liters of boiling water. When the water cools to 50-60 0 C, pour it into the bath, immerse your feet and hold for 10-15 minutes. This procedure does not replace taking antihypertensive medications! Baths last from 5 to 7 days.

The course of treatment with a water period is 1 month. Alcohol tincture takes 2 weeks, then take a break for 15-20 days. Repeat the procedure if necessary.

There is probably no such disease that they would not try to treat with St. John's wort. People say: “Just as you can’t bake bread without flour, you can’t cure a person without St. John’s wort.” This plant has many names - St. John's wort, St. John's wort, St. John's wort, St. John's wort, St. John's wort, St. John's wort, St. John's wort, St. John's wort, field pharmacy.

The generic name “Nurericum” is derived from two Greek words: “huro” - under and “ereike” - heather; it turns out “growing under heather”, or “resembling heather”. The name “perforatum” - perforated or perforated - the plant received because of the small transparent containers scattered throughout the leaf blade.

The most famous name of the herb “St. John’s wort” comes, according to some assumptions, from the Kazakh “dzherabai”, meaning “healer of wounds”, according to others - due to the ability of St. John’s wort to cause disease in sheep. Moreover, not all animals fed with St. John's wort get sick, but only white or variegated ones, and only on a bright sunny day. Swellings form on the head of such animals, growing into ulcers, and severe itching appears. But, as soon as a sick sheep moves into the shade, after a while all painful phenomena disappear. It turns out that St. John's wort contains substances (hypericin and other condensed anthracene-derivative glycosides) that increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet rays.

In the old days, St. John's wort was considered a magical plant. In rural areas, when stuffing children's mattresses, they always added St. John's wort to the straw so that the smell of this plant would protect the child from fright in his sleep. St. John's wort was a favorite remedy of Paracelsus, used against spirits hostile to man. He wrote: “The veins on its leaves are signatures. If they are pierced, this means that the plant drives away all the ghosts around the person. ... Nurericum (St. John's wort) is an almost universal medicine.” There is also a mention of St. John's wort in Ayurveda: “Its nature is hot and dry in the second degree. St. John's wort has a cleansing, drying and resolving effect.” St. John's wort was considered a medicinal plant in both Ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder wrote about him. Avicenna recommended “drinking it for forty days in a row to cure inflammation of the sciatic nerve; and take the seed internally to stop the fever.” In Kievan Rus, St. John's wort was considered a herb for 99 diseases. By order of Tsar Michael, St. John's wort was collected in Siberia, dried, ground into flour and sent to Moscow “by the pound for every year.”

St. John's wort is a perennial herbaceous plant of the St. John's wort family, 30–100 cm high. The stems are smooth, round, with two lateral ribs, branched at the top. The rhizome of St. John's wort is thin, highly branched. Leaves with numerous translucent light and black glands. On examination they appear to be punctured. St. John's wort blooms from June to August. The flowers are collected in an inflorescence. The petals are bright yellow. The fruit of St. John's wort is a three-lobed capsule. The seeds are small, oblong, brown. St. John's wort is distributed throughout almost the entire European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Western and Eastern Siberia, as well as in the mountains of Central Asia. It grows in dry meadows, hills, clearings and forest edges, in sparse forests and among bushes. It is found as a weed near roads and along the edges of fields.

The name “St. John's wort” is explained by the small black dots that cover the flowers and leaves. We are not talking about holes, but about small glands filled with a red dye - hypericin. When collected independently, this is a sure sign of identification of St. John's wort: if you rub a flower or bud between your thumb and forefinger, they will turn dark red. Hypericin is especially necessary for the treatment of depression, stress, and nervous breakdowns; it does not have any side effects on the central nervous system.

St. John's wort herb is harvested in the flowering phase of the plant (before the appearance of unripe fruits), cutting off the leafy tops without the rough bases of the stems.

The main active ingredients of the herb St. John's wort are condensed anthracene derivatives - hypericin and pseudohypericin. Their number is about 0.5%. Hypericin and pseudohypericin are accompanied by resinous substances, the content of which reaches up to 17%. St. John's wort herb contains flavonoid glycosides of the flavonol group: rutin, quercitrin, hyperoside, myricetin, leukoanthocyanidins and anthocyanins (5–6%). The hyperoside content in the grass reaches 1.0–1.2%. Along with anthracene and flavonol derivatives, St. John's wort contains tannins (up to 10%), essential oil (0.2–0.3%), saponins, ascorbic acid, carotene (up to 55 mg/100 g).

St. John's wort preparations have astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and tissue regeneration stimulating properties. Medicinal preparations from St. John's wort have a beneficial effect on the functional state of the central and autonomic nervous system. Bioflavonoids contained in St. John's wort bind to benzodiazepine receptors and have a sedative effect. The drugs improve mood, increase mental and physical performance, and normalize sleep. The antidepressant effect is due to the ability to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine; St. John's wort preparations do not have contraindications and side effects, which become constant companions of chemical antidepressants.

Infusions, tinctures and extracts are obtained from the herb St. John's wort. The drugs Novoimanin, Negrustin, St. John's wort, Gelarium Hypericum, Deprim, Deprim forte are registered on the market. St. John's wort herb is included in the herbal mixtures “Brusniver” and “Brusniver-T”, “Arfazetin”, “Mirfazetin”, etc.

St. John's wort infusion (10 g per 200 ml) is used as an astringent, disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent orally for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, acute and chronic colitis of non-bacterial origin. Take 100 ml orally 3 times a day before meals for 1–2 months.

St. John's wort tincture and the drug Novoimanin have an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. Inhibits the growth of predominantly gram-positive microorganisms, such as Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus agalactiae, penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Indicated for abscesses, phlegmon, infected wounds, burns (I–III degree), trophic ulcers, pyoderma, mastitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis.

St. John's wort tincture in 40% alcohol (1:5) is used as an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent in dentistry (40–50 drops 3–4 times a day) and for rinsing (30–40 drops in half a glass of water).

Novoimanin is used externally, in the form of a solution for wet dressings, rinsing cavities, electrophoresis, inhalations and drops (external auditory and nasal canal); Before use, the alcohol solution is diluted 1: 5–10–25–100 with sterile distilled water, a sterile 10% dextrose solution or a 0.25% procaine solution. Solutions obtained by diluting a 1% alcohol solution are suitable for use during the day. During the treatment period, care must be taken when driving vehicles and engaging in potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.

Medicines based on St. John's wort concentrate are indicated for the treatment of mild and moderate depression. They have antidepressant, anxiolytic and sedative effects. Negrustin is taken 1 capsule 1-2 times a day or 1 ml of oral solution 3 times a day (undiluted or with a small amount of water with meals) for 6-8 weeks. St. John's wort is prescribed 1-2 tablets 3 times a day for at least 3 weeks, it is possible to increase the duration of treatment to 3 months (no more). Gelarium Hypericum is used 1 tablet 3 times a day for at least 4 weeks, Deprim - 1 tablet 3 times a day for 4-6 weeks, Deprim Forte - 1 capsule 1-2 times a day for 4-6 weeks

For all its popularity, St. John's wort is far from harmless. It should not be used for a long time in case of arterial hypertension and severe depression. It is contraindicated in childhood (under 12 years), during pregnancy and lactation. Even in healthy people, drinking large amounts of strongly brewed St. John's wort tea can cause symptoms of acute gastritis (nausea, pain in the epigastric region, dry oral mucosa, diarrhea or constipation), and in those suffering from hyperacid gastritis or gastric ulcer, severe overdose may occur. spasms and pain in the intestines. Amino acids, trictophan and tyrosine, amphetamines, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, antidepressants should not be used simultaneously with St. John's wort (the interval between doses should be at least 14 days). When used together with fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine or citalopram, St. John's wort aggravates hemolytic reactions and the course of “serotonin syndrome” (increased sweating, tremor, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, epigastric pain, restlessness, anxiety, state of confusion, confusion , anxiety and irritability).

On the part of the hematopoietic organs, an overdose can cause iron deficiency anemia. St. John's wort increases the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, so after drinking tea or herbal infusion, you must refrain from sunbathing and avoid being in the sun. If this rule is violated, St. John's wort can cause sunburn of the skin, eczema, skin pigmentation and even severe dermatitis. They are especially difficult for blondes and people with delicate skin that does not take well to tanning. In case of chronic intoxication, UV radiation should be avoided for 1–2 weeks.

St. John's wort preparations can enhance the photosensitizing effect of other drugs: tetracyclines, sulfonamides, thiazide diuretics, quinolones, piroxicam, etc. They prolong sleep caused by drugs for general anesthesia and narcotic analgesics, but shorten sleep caused by barbiturates. St. John's wort reduces the hypotensive effect of reserpine and reduces the concentration of cyclosporine in the blood. St. John's wort reduces the concentration of indinavir in the blood, increases the rate of metabolism of theophylline, reducing the concentration of digoxin in the blood, and reduces its effectiveness. When used simultaneously with ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel, the risk of breakthrough bleeding increases.

During treatment with St. John's wort, it is necessary to refrain from drinking ethanol-containing drinks and avoid UV radiation (including solarium, UV lamps, prolonged exposure to sunlight) for 1–2 weeks.

Beer, coffee, wine, chocolate, smoked or pickled foods, and yoghurt do not go well with St. John's wort.

St. John's wort is widely used in homeopathy. The whole flowering plant is used to prepare the homeopathic remedy Hypericum. It is given to alleviate the condition after a concussion, depression of various natures and nerve pain after injuries.

In folk medicine, as in official medicine, St. John's wort is used primarily for the treatment of wounds and pain, in the treatment of diseases of the lungs, stomach, intestines and gall bladder, for diarrhea and nervous disorders. They use tea, oil, and alcohol extract (tincture) in equal measure, which is used to disinfect wounds.

The popular name “Ivan's grass” is associated with the fact that St. John's wort begins to bloom on Midsummer's Day, and the name “Ivan's Blood” is associated with the legend of the death of John the Baptist. When Herod killed John the Baptist, several drops of blood fell to the ground and grass grew in that place, absorbing John’s blood. This herb is St. John's wort. The leaves and petals of St. John's wort actually contain a bright red pigment that looks like blood.

Information about the authors: Samylina Irina Aleksandrovna – Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Director of the Research Institute of Pharmacy; Head of the Department of Pharmacognosy, First Moscow State Medical University named after. THEM. Sechenov. Tel.; Sorokina Alla Anatolyevna – Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Pharmacognosy of the First Moscow State Medical University named after. THEM. Sechenov. Tel.; Pyatigorskaya Natalya Valerievna – Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Associate Professor, Deputy Director of the Research Institute of Pharmacy for Scientific Work of the First Moscow State Medical University named after. THEM. Sechenov. Tel.

Herbal remedies for hypertension

Does Dziurawiec have an increase in blood pressure when taken together with other medicinal plants? Its effect on blood pressure does not change. Prolonged use of assemblies or overdosing will also result in higher values.

Phytosborah with Dziurarcem is used in combination with diseases:

• Collection No. 1 - improves metabolism, liver function, nervous system, stabilizes blood pressure. 40 g Dziegarca, immortor, 20 g Rdest, Kruszyny bark, chamomile. Pour 20 g of the mixture into 0.5 liters of boiling water. Leave overnight. Drink a glass after meals, no more than 3 times a day.
• Collection number 2 - used for atherosclerosis, chest throttle, after a stroke, heart attack. One hundred grams of poker, birch donuts, immortelor, chamomile. Everything is crushed and mixed. 30 g of the mixture, soaked in water, boiling water. Half should be given in the evening with 1 tablespoon of honey, the second part in the morning, half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is for 3-4 weeks. Spent time / 3 years.
• Collection No. 3 - cleanses the blood, restores its properties, slows down the development of atherosclerosis, lowers blood pressure through a diuretic effect. Dziolawiec, horsetail, bean pods (without seeds), rdest, cornflower, Rdestor bark. Pour 2 tablespoons of 500 ml of boiling water and leave overnight. In the morning, cook for 10 minutes. Drink half a glass 5 times a day: the first time - in the morning on an empty stomach, the remaining 4 - every time, an hour after meals.

The general course of treatment from the Hypericum collection for high blood pressure should not exceed 2 weeks. If discomfort or side effects occur, use of the drug should be discontinued.

How to properly use medicine with St. John's wort for hypotension?

Headaches, dizziness, nausea, and spots flashing before the eyes can be signs of hypotension. But don’t rush to self-medicate. It is necessary to consult a doctor and undergo examinations, because taking folk remedies from St. John's wort has a number of contraindications: allergic reactions to the plant, hypertension, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), impaired potency, constipation, loss of appetite. You should also not take these drugs during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The doctor will clarify the need to take folk remedies, the dose and duration.

Directions for use and doses

The dose of the drug depends on the method of preparation. Drink half a glass of St. John's wort decoction 3 times a day. Hypotensive patients should take the tincture 40-50 drops 3 times a day. If it turns out to be concentrated, the dose must be reduced by 2 times. When for some reason taking alcohol-based medications is contraindicated, they can be replaced with infusions: 50 ml 3 times a day. It is important to monitor your blood pressure levels daily.

An excellent option for using St. John's wort is to take the oil from this plant. It should be drunk 1 teaspoon 2 times a day an hour before meals or 2 hours after. The product can also be added to salads or cereals.

You can take several cups of tea a day, the main rule is to brew it fresh each time. If you add a couple of sprigs of mint or lemon balm to the teapot, it will be useful to drink the drink in the evening to improve sleep.

Course duration and frequency of administration

St. John's wort does not act instantly against low blood pressure, but has a cumulative effect. The duration of the course depends on the severity of hypotension and lasts from 2 weeks to a month. If the indicator has returned to normal, you can take a break or switch to preventative tea intake several times a week.

During treatment, it is important to monitor your well-being. If side effects occur (allergic reactions, headaches, digestive disorders, decreased potency), you should stop taking it immediately.

Contraindications

Dziurawiec has many healing properties, but there are also contraindications:

• Allergies to biologically active substances of plants;
• Severe forms of hypertension;
• Pregnancy, lactation period;
• Severe hepatic functional disorders;
• Erectile disorders;
• Simultaneous use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) enhances the effect of drugs that can provoke the development of excessive breakthrough pressure.

Dziurawiec is toxic, it is not dangerous when used occasionally or once. But long-term use and excessive doses lead to poisoning of the body. Typical symptoms are: bitterness in the mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, liver pain.

Undesirable effects may include: a feeling of fullness in the stomach, heaviness, constipation. There is evidence that due to the photouly action of hypericine, the sensitivity of plants to sunlight and ultraviolet rays increases.

There are no drugs or folk remedies that guarantee complete and rapid healing from excess blood pressure. Due to the properties of Dzierculer, it should be used with great care. This plant is only suitable as an addition to the main treatment. Treatment should begin after consultation with a doctor.