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| Healing Herb Saint John's Wort |
By:
Gene Gallant |
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Saint John's-Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
This common plant can be found growing in woods, thickets and hedge banks. It has bright yellow, flowers splashed with red. According to legend, the flower was christened with ttie blood of Saint John.
Its history as a healing agent is wellestablished. In the late 16th century, John Gerard wrote about its ability to heal 911 manner of deep wounds.
This wound-healing ability and the recently discovered ability to stimulate the
immune system are what make it so intriguing today. Recent studies at New York University indicate that it has 'dramatic' activity against many viruses, including the HIV virus known to cause AIDS.
Researchers have discovered that it contains a family of chemicals known as fIavonoids, which strengthen the immune system. Saint John's-wort's antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects have been documented. It contains a chemical called hypericin. This ingredient makes it very effective in clearing up infections and healing wounds. To treat wounds, apply the crushed leaves and flowers directly to the affected area.
To make tea, add one to two teaspoonsful of dried herb to a cup of boiling water and steep it for 10 to 15 minutes. Herbalists recommend that you drink three cups a day. It has been used as a remedy for throat and lung problems, urinary infections and as a cure for bed-wetting.
An ointment can be prepared from the herb to heal bruises and contusions. It is said to open obstructions, dissolve swellings and'close up the lips of wounds.
An easily made preparation is called Saint John's oil. Buy a handful or two of the herb and wash thoroughly. Cut the herb into one-inch-Iong pieces, place them in a jar and cover completely with olive oil.
Next, cover the jar and stand it in a saucepan of hot water. Leave for at least six hours, keeping the water in the saucepan very hot, and adding more as it boilS away. At the end of that time, remove the jar from the pan and let the oil become lukewarm. Do not strain. Pour the oil and the herb into a wide-neck bottle. Cork the bottle and store. It is an excellent all-purpose external remedy for strains, sprains, cuts and burns. |
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