Pregnancy and St. John's wort

People have long noticed the medicinal properties of herbs and used them for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. And now people continue to trust alternative methods that have the least negative impact on the body, but only on condition of proper use.

Many women use such famous herb as St. John's wort, from many disorders in the body. However, not everyone knows whether it is possible to use St. John's wort during pregnancy.

The herb of St. John's wort is one of the most famous in alternative medicine, it is considered a cure for 99 diseases. In traditional medicine, St. John's wort has been used as an antidepressant, with minimal side effects. In St. John's Wort contains substances such as tannin, hyperforin, flavonoids, hypericin, etc. Now the effect of St. John's wort on pregnant women and their child is poorly understood, primarily because of the insecurity of such studies. But it is scientifically proven that the substances contained in the grass can cause increased uterine contraction, which can lead to abnormal development of the child or miscarriage. Substances that are contained in St. John's wort can have a negative impact on the central nervous system of the future baby, liver, brain. It is in connection with this that pregnancy and St. John's wort are incompatible. However, there are currently no reliable data on the safety of St. John's wort during pregnancy. Some laboratory studies have shown that a high content of St. John's wort in the mammals leads to significant genetic damage to the fetus. Other studies have shown a significant decrease in the activity of spermatozoa, they also become less able to penetrate into the egg, and at very high concentrations of St. John's wort, a violation of the structure of DNA.

The mice given to the St. John's wort brought the cubs, whose weight was much lower than normal, but there were no special deviations in development. In another study, female rats were given St. John's wort, as a result, they needed more time to pass the labyrinth, but these studies raise some doubts.

Also in the study involved two women who during pregnancy were St. John's wort, as a result, there were no serious abnormalities either in the mother or in the child. But nevertheless, scientists recommend not to use St. John's wort during pregnancy or take it with extreme caution, since its influence on the body during this period is poorly understood.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

St. John's wort during pregnancy

St. John's wort during pregnancy can be used in medicinal collection, observing a strict dosage and only for the purpose of the attending physician. The herb of St. John's wort is known for its abortive properties, therefore it must be treated with extreme caution. St. John's wort is a part of the medicinal collection of Brusniewer, which doctors often prescribe for cystitis in pregnant women. It is impossible to use various herbs for self-treatment, especially for a pregnant woman. She needs to take care, first of all, about her child, so before starting any medication, even alternative medicine, you need to consult a specialist about possible side effects. If the mother's benefit exceeds the risk of developing pathologies for the child, the doctor will recommend taking the drug.

External use of this herb practically has no contraindications and can be used during pregnancy.

St. John's Wort helps to cope with insect bites. Wasps, bees, flies, mosquitoes - no one is immune from their bites. Very good will help to cope with the itch and pain of the decoction of equal parts of St. John's wort, mint and oak bark (it is poured with boiling water and boiled for 5 minutes). The cooled broth is applied as a lotion to the bite site.

St. John's Wort helps with skin diseases (dermatitis, furuncles, purulent lesions, etc.), burns, cuts, rheumatism, gout, etc. St. John's wort helps to get rid of bad breath. In this case, rinse well from the broth of St. John's wort (1 tablespoon per cup of boiling water, insist 20 minutes). As you know, a pregnant woman often suffers from various changes in the body, as a result of which acne, fatiness of the skin may appear. In this case, also help the decoction of St. John's wort, which must be wiped face. Also, the broth of St. John's wort can caress hair - they will become stronger, healthy and shiny.

Is it possible to have St. John's wort during pregnancy?

The herb St. John's wort has many useful properties: astringents, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, tonic. But its use in pregnancy is not recommended, and in general all herbs should be taken very carefully. During pregnancy, the female organism changes greatly, the St. John's wort can have a negative effect against the background of these changes and cause many functional disorders. A woman in a position is better to stop taking St. John's wort, but if there is a need, it is better not to take it in combination with other medicines, as the St. John's wort is known for its properties to change their effect.

Grass of St. John's wort during pregnancy

Despite the fact that the influence of St. John's wort on the body during pregnancy is poorly understood, its use during this period is better minimized. The composition of St. John's wort includes many useful substances, due to which the plant acquires its therapeutic effect: rutin, quercetin, nicotinic and ascorbic acid, choline, cyrilic alcohol, phytoncides, tannic, bitter, resinous substances, essential oils. Such a rich composition makes it possible to use the plant for various diseases. St. John's wort has a choleretic, diuretic, antiseptic, astringent, wound healing, regenerating, analgesic, antiseptic and even antihelminthic. For a long time people used it for the treatment of heart diseases, colds, rheumatism, headaches, liver, stomach, bladder, enuresis, gynecological inflammations. More recently, scientists have discovered that St. John's wort has a positive effect on the nervous system and has good antidipressive properties. As an antidipressant, St. John's wort has no side effects and contraindications.

But, despite the usefulness of this plant, for a pregnant woman it can become fatal. Scientifically confirmed the fact of abortive properties of St. John's wort, as it provokes intensive reduction of the uterus, which threatens miscarriage. Also, scientists admit the possibility of various violations of the development of the baby, if the mother takes St. John's Wort. Despite the fact that all these assumptions have no scientific background, you should not risk your own health, but especially the health of your child.

Decoction of St. John's wort during pregnancy

The broth of St. John's wort is prepared as follows: 1 tablespoon of dry herbs pour a glass of boiling water, insist the mixture for 15-20 minutes, then drain. The received quantity should be taken orally in several receptions (3-4 times). If you independently make a decoction, strictly follow the dosage, since an overly strong broth can provoke a spasm of the intestine.

In pregnancy, the decoction of St. John's wort should be extremely cautious, even it is recommended to reduce the daily dose. St. John's wort is known for its soothing properties, especially it helps with insomnia, so if a pregnant woman suffers from insomnia, you can consult a doctor about taking St. John's wort. It is best to take the broth under the supervision of a doctor.

Without restrictions, you can use a decoction for outdoor use. It helps to heal wounds, abrasions, cuts, burns, etc. Also, St. John's wort is suitable as a mouth rinse with inflammations, a bad smell, problems with teeth, etc.

[6], [7], [8]

Tea with St. John's wort during pregnancy

Tea with St. John's wort tones well, in addition, it has a lot of advantages. It has no side effects, mainly its action is aimed at relaxing the nervous system. It is recommended to drink tea from St. John's wort during the cold, as it increases the defenses of the body.

For the prevention of avitaminosis and colds (which is especially important during pregnancy), you can prepare tea from St. John's wort and dog rose. Tea has a pleasant taste, especially useful for problems with the heart. St. John's wort gives a good relaxing effect, and the dog rose gives a taste to the drink. In addition, the dog rose contains vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. When preparing a drink, you need to use less herb St. John's wort, since it gives a bitter taste and during pregnancy it is important not to abuse this herb. Remember that tea is best to drink freshly. You can also make tea from St. John's wort with the addition of lime color, which is a good hypnotic. To improve the taste, you can add lemon or honey.

St. John's wort for abortion

St. John's wort is contraindicated in pregnancy precisely because of its abortive properties .. The herb contains substances that cause an increased contraction of the uterus, so that miscarriage can be triggered.

Interruption of pregnancy with the help of various herbs, in particular St. John's wort, is not as reliable as medicamentous. If an unsuccessful attempt to interrupt pregnancy with the help of alternative medicine, pathologies may develop in the development of the baby. To use abortive herbs is extremely dangerous, since they have varying degrees of toxicity. Sometimes when you try to kill a child, a woman causes significant harm to her own health. The herb of St. John's wort leads to a natural abortion, increasing the tone of the uterus, as a result, the fruit is ejected.

Pregnancy and St. John's wort should be combined very carefully. A future mother should be careful not only to her health, but also to her baby's health. That is why, do not abuse the reception, even such seemingly safe and useful herbs as St. John's wort, as in reality they can conceal a real threat to the health of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

Contraindications to the reception of St. John's wort during pregnancy

To take the herb of St. John's wort during pregnancy should be very carefully, only with the permission of the attending physician. In addition, it can not be taken during pregnancy planning, because the toxic properties of the herb can adversely affect the fetus. Some women believe that St. John's wort helps to get rid of puffiness, but this is misleading. St. John's wort not only does not relieve swelling, but contributes to increased swelling, so its use during pregnancy does not make any sense. Refers to the reception of such grass, as the St. John's wort needs extremely accurate. In its composition, it has many substances, which, despite its usefulness, when accumulated in the body in large quantities, can cause poisoning, allergies and other unpleasant side effects.

[9], [10]