St. John's wort from coughing with bronchitis

This plant is quite common in the fields of Ukraine. Another thing is that not everyone knows how it looks and what useful properties it has.

Expressed expectorant properties of  St. John's wort are  not characteristic, but it has good antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, and also strengthens the immune system and improves the condition of the mucosa of the respiratory tract. All this contributes to the reduction of irritation of the internal surface of the bronchi and reduces the severity of cough.

[1], [2]

Dosing and administration

Most often in the treatment of bronchitis apply infusion of dry or freshly cut grass along with inflorescences. For 1 liter of boiling water take only 2 tablespoons. Crushed vegetable raw materials. Insist "medicine" for 30 minutes in the heat (it is better to use a thermos bottle).

Take infusion should be 100 g 3 or 4 times a day in a warm form. It can be sweetened with honey or sugar, add to other teas and drinks.

To treat wet cough, St. John's Wort infusion should be used in combination with expectorants, for example, with plantain syrup.

[14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20]

Contraindications

The properties of St. John's wort can be harmful to patients with allergic reactions to the plant, severe mental illnesses, stably high blood pressure. In pediatrics funds based on St. John's Wort are allowed from 12 years. Do not use such drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as before and after transplantation.

[3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

Side effects St. John's Wort

Alternative and pharmacy products based on St. John's wort can:

• increase the sensitivity of the body to sunlight and allergens in the form of dust and wool of pets,
• cause headaches and anxiety, reduce stamina,
• cause pain in the abdomen and liver, upset of the stool and a decrease in appetite, the appearance of dryness or bitter taste in the mouth,
• To provoke the development of iron deficiency anemia,
• with prolonged use reduce the potency of the stronger sex.

[10], [11], [12], [13]

Interactions with other drugs

Internal intake of St. John's wort can not be combined with the use of oral contraceptives, some antibiotics (for example, cyclosporine), digoxin, the antiviral "Indinavir", theophylline (speeds up their elimination from the body, reducing the specific effect), anesthetics (shortens the action time), anticoagulants, antiulcer drugs and antacids.

In combination with antidepressants, St. John's wort intensifies their side effects, such as dizziness, headache, twilight consciousness. The most serious symptoms are noted in people of advanced age.

Caution should be observed by combining the reception of St. John's wort with therapy with drugs that are capable of causing photosensitivity.

The herb of St. John's wort is not well combined with medicines used to treat hay fever, drops in the nose, and narcotic substances. An unpredictable result can be observed in the treatment of St. John's Wort, if at this time be carried away coffee, alcohol (wine, beer), cocoa and chocolate, smoked products, marinades and pickled products, yoghurts.

[21], [22], [23], [24], [25]

Storage conditions

Harvesting St. John's wort is engaged in the time of flowering plants, tearing flowers with tender upper parts of shoots. Collect flowers is recommended 5 days after they are blossomed all day long. The main thing is that the flowers are dry, otherwise they can just rot away when drying.

It is best to dry St. John's wort in natural conditions with good ventilation and protection from the sun. It is necessary to watch that in the morning hours the flowers do not show dew, therefore it is better to bring them into the room at night. If you dry the raw materials in the dryer, then the temperature should be set less than 50 degrees.

To wound dry raw materials it is possible in cardboard or wooden capsules, tissue bags in a dry premise not more than 2 years.

[26], [27], [28], [29], [30], [31]