leuzea carthamoides

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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Europe is extremely rich in medicinal plants and herbs. The aroma of thyme, linden and chamomile evokes sweet memories of childhood in everyone whose grandmother once made herbal tea for breakfast.

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The herbs are deeply embedded in our traditions and are sometimes given a mystical and almost magical action. As science progresses, the secrets of their healing effects are revealed - encoded in a variety of active substances.

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In this article, we will look at 10 of the best medicinal herbs we can find in our nature or in the pharmacy.

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)-and-danewort-(Sambucus-ebulus)

1. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and danewort (Sambucus ebulus)

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)-and-danewort-(Sambucus-ebulus)_0_0

Elderberry is also called elder, black elder, European elder, European elderberry, and European black elderberry. It is a tree and should not be confused with danewort (Sambucus ebulus), which is a herbaceous plant. The fruits of the elderberry hang down, and the danewort is straightened upwards.

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)-and-danewort-(Sambucus-ebulus)_0_1

The other names of the danewort are dane weed, danesblood, dwarf elder or European dwarf elder, walewort, dwarf elderberry, elderwort and blood hilder. Both herbs are sometimes called elderberry. But enough about the names, let's find out what the properties of these plants are.

Elderberry-(tree)

Elderberry (tree)

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The fruit of <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259696401_An_Evidence-Based_Systematic_Review_of_Elderberry_and_Elderflower_Sambucus_nigra_by_the_Natural_Standard_Research_Collaboration" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> elderberry contains the protein agglutinin Ivf (SNAIVf), which is homologous to the RIP type 2 lectin, as well as quercetin. The elderberry has the following medicinal properties&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259696401_An_Evidence-Based_Systematic_Review_of_Elderberry_and_Elderflower_Sambucus_nigra_by_the_Natural_Standard_Research_Collaboration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]:

Elderberry-(tree)_0_2

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory effect,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Modulation of immune protection,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant effects thanks to the flavonoids,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antiviral effect - especially against influenza viruses type A and B, as well as against herpes simplex-1 virus,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers blood pressure,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Diuretic effect (elderberry flowers),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially stimulates glucose metabolism and increases insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers cholesterol (fruit syrup),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers the weight.</li>
</ul>

Elderberry-(tree)_0_3

Attention, attention! Poorly ripe fruits, bark, roots and leaves of S. nigra contain cyanogen glycoside sambungrin, which is toxic and its intake can lead to cyanide poisoning.

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Elderberry can adversely affect people with a variety of diseases and conditions, including: arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease, along with taking medications to lower blood pressure, diabetes, during <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/liechiebni_rastieniia_koito_obliekchavat_mchitielnitie_stranichni_iefiekti_ot_khimio_i_lchietierapiiata_0e97f0c5_6473_4c0a_bfd5_233383967f22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chemotherapy</a>, diseases of the central nervous system, in gastrointestinal disorders, <a href="/p/anorieksiia_bulimiia_prieiazhdanie_kdie_sie_korieniat_khranitielnitie_razstroistva_499c17d9_4b0f_4506_8deb_16089dec54bf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">eating disorders</a> and in particular anorexia, <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/6_bilki_koito_shchie_pomoghnat_na_stradashchitie_ot_mighriena_5f9f41dd_4a26_479a_b23f_06bf63bc6557" target="_blank" rel="noopener">migraines</a> and others.

Elderberry-(tree)_0_5

As it becomes clear, elderberry is a very potent herb, and it is good to use it after consulting a doctor, especially in the presence of accompanying diseases or specific conditions, including in pregnancy and lactation.

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)

Danewort (herbaceous elderberry)

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Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)_0_1

Unripe fruits of the danewort are also poisonous, and only ripe ones are used for medicinal purposes.

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)_0_2

Other effects are [<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2156587217701322" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 2</a>]:

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)_0_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antibacterial,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Analgesic,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antidepression,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">For faster wound healing,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anticancer effect - demonstrated only in cells in laboratory conditions.</li>
</ul>

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)_0_4

As a herb used since ancient times, danewort has a long history of food and medicinal applications and is still widely used. Its high potential for therapeutic applications, due to its many bioactive phytochemicals, heralds a bright future for&nbsp;danewort.

Where-to-look-for-elderberry

Where to look for elderberry

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Both types of elderberry are found&nbsp;free-growing by the roads, settlements, in shrubs and forests.

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It can also be purchased in the form of various preparations, dried fruit and syrups from pharmacies and drugstores.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb

2. Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - an ancient herb

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_0

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_1

The common yarrow is also called gordaldo, nosebleed plant, old man's pepper, devil's nettle, sanguinary, milfoil, soldier's woundwort, thousand-leaf, and thousand-seal. "Melifolium" means "thousands of leaves".

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_2

The herb has attracted people's attention since ancient times and has become part of a variety of myths and legends - including the one about Achilles, according to which he used yarrow to heal his wounds.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_3

Besides yarrow, several other species of this genus are used to treat wounds, hemorrhages, headaches, inflammations, pain, spasmodic diseases, flatulence and <a href="/p/losho_khranosmilanie_dispiepsiia_prichini_simptomi_i_liechieniie_295123d1_141a_4a34_b5b4_38236707b61c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">dyspepsia</a>. Phytochemical studies of species of the genus Achillea reveal that they contain many components that are highly bioactive.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_4

The different effects of these plants may be due to the presence of a wide range of secondary active metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, terpenoids (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, dieterpenes, triterpenes) and sterols, which are often reported to be found in Achillea species.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_5

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_6

Here are the effects of yarrow of medical importance [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/A_review_on_phytochemistry_and_medicinal_properties_of_the_genus_Achillea_22615655" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>]:

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_7

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Treatment of wounds - for faster healing, aqueous extract of the flowers.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant properties - tea from the herb.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Estrogenic activity - traditionally yarrow is used as a means of regulating the menstrual cycle, <a href="/p/maghdanozt_tsielinata_i_drughi_bilki_koito_pomaghat_v_borbata_s_raka_431f42b9_91a1_4cb7_b9d4_e633b827af78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> since it contains luteolin and <a href="../p/maghdanozt_tsielinata_i_drughi_bilki_koito_pomaghat_v_borbata_s_raka_431f42b9_91a1_4cb7_b9d4_e633b827af78" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apigenin</a> (luteolin and apigenin). Apigenin exhibits estrogenic activity, since it has the ability to bind to estrogen receptors.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antispermogenous effect - it has been found that in rats, alcoholic yarrow extract disrupts sperm formation processes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-ulcer <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/In_vitro_susceptibility_of_Helicobacter_pylori_to_botanical_extracts_used_traditionally_for_the_treatment_of_gastrointestinal_disorders_16317658" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>activity - the aqueous extract of the <a href="/p/kak_da_razpoznaiem_iazvata_na_stomakha_prichini_simptomi_i_liechieniie_aca42d14_75a4_49dc_900a_1ec74f04c479" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> herb protects the disturbed mucous membrane of the stomach and promotes its recovery.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Effects on the immune system - yarrow is rich in substances called sesquiterpenes, which have an immunosuppressive effect (suppress the activity of the immune system). This effect is manifested by the use of essential oil from the herb.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antibacterial effects - extract (hexane:ether:methanol = 1:1:1) of yarrow has shown [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/In_vitro_antimicrobial_activity_of_extracts_of_four_Achillea_species_the_composition_of_Achillea_clavennae_L_Asteraceae_extract_15978758" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 5</a>] broad antibacterial activity against 5 bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enteritidis) and 2 types of fungi (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antispasmodic effects - the use of yarrow infusion to relieve gastrointestinal problems, especially as an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent, is quite common in folk medicine. Antispasmodic effects of the herb are probably due to flavonoids in the plant. The substances galangin, quercetin and eupatilin, which are common in this genus, have been reported to cause a powerful sagging of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory properties - the action is probably due to sesquiterpenes and alkamides.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Undesirable effects - hypersensitivity may occur in some people and there is not enough data to determine whether the intake of the herb during pregnancy and lactation [<a href="https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-achillea-millefolium-l-herba_en.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>] is safe. However, consultation with a specialist is necessary if we intend to use the yarrow for longer periods of time.</li>
</ul>

Where-can-you-find-yarrow

Where can you find yarrow

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The yarrow is found at an altitude of up to 2000 m above sea level. It grows in grassy places, meadows, shrubs.

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In pharmacies it is available in a variety of forms - tincture, dried herb, essential oil, capsules, ointments, floral water.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)

3. Europeanmistletoe (Viscum album)

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European mistletoe, also called common mistletoe or simply mistletoe, is a semi-parasitic shrub that develops in the crowns of trees and gives specific white ball fruits.

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The plant is poisonous, its stalks and leaves also apply as a herb, but it should not be taken for a long time.

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Recently, white mistletoe has been more actively studied, as some of its potentially beneficial effects in the fight against cancer have been found.

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The plant contains phenols, terpenoids and lectins. Lectins may act as immune system modulators and anticancer agents.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_5

Various mistletoe extracts have anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant and proapoptotic effects (apoptosis is the programmed cell death or process in which the cell kills itself so as not to harm the body).

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In fact, both mistletoe extracts and purified mistletoe lectins have great potential as anticancer agents and have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumor cell lines such as B-cell hybridomas, P815, EL-4, Ke37, MOLT-4 and U937 in vitro. The mechanism by which they stop cell growth involves inducing apoptosis.

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It should be taken into account that the use of mistletoe alone is not the best therapy against cancer and the results are influenced by the use of other treatments. Given all this, the best way to evaluate the anti-cancer properties of mistletoe is to evaluate its use as an adjuvant drug rather than as an alternative to chemotherapy. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124078499000543" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 7</a>]

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_9

In folk medicine, mistletoe is used in the form of a decoction for:

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_10

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">decrease in high blood pressure,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">as a vasodilator agent with an effect on the lower extremities,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">as a hemostatic agent,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">in degenerative inflammation of the joints,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">asthma,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">vertigo,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">diarrhea,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">epilepsy,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">anxiety.</li>
</ul>

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_11

A curious fact is that the main toxic ingredients of the mistletoe are stomach-irritating alkaloids, heart toxins (viscotoxins) and lectins, as viscotoxins are physiologically similar to cobra snake poison. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124165953000050" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 8</a>]

Where-can-you-find-mistletoe

Where can you find mistletoe

Where-can-you-find-mistletoe_2_0

As we said at the beginning, mistletoe is a semi-parasite that grows on the branches of various tree species, up to 2000 meters above sea level. Dried herb is sold in drug stores and it's not expensive.

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - bees love it

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_0

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_1

It blooms at the end of summer and is a honey plant attracting bees - it is also named after them. It's leaves smell like lemon.

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_2

For healing purposes, the leaves of the lemon balm are used before flowering occurs.

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_3

Phytochemical studies reveal that the herb contains volatile compounds, triterpenoids, phenolic acids and flavonoids.

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_4

Raw extracts and pure compounds isolated from M. officinalis exhibit numerous pharmacological effects, of which only the following are shown in clinical trials:

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_5

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">anxiolytic (anti-anxiety),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">antivirus,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">antispasmodic activities of this plant, as well as its effects on mood, cognition and memory. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Melissa_officinalis_L_A_review_of_its_traditional_uses_phytochemistry_and_pharmacology_27167460" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 9</a>]</li>
</ul>

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_6

The herb has a potential positive effect in insomnia <a href="/p/kak_da_sie_spravim_s_biezsniieto_4a5e9367_3f8a_4aa7_bcf3_ecedac42f10c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a>as well as in the role of an&nbsp; antioxidant. [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871149/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 10</a>]

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_7

It is important to note that its intake with sedative and antipsychotic drugs is absolutely prohibited. Prolonged intake of lemon balm (30 days) can lead to a number of adverse effects.

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_8

Where-can-you-find-the-lemon-balm

Where can you find the lemon balm

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The lemon balm grows in shrubs and small forests, courtyards, in grassy and rocky&nbsp; places - up to 1200 m above sea level.

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure

5. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) - the hidden treasure

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_0

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_1

Stinging nettle is also called common nettle or stinger. Leaves and stalks are collected from June to September, and the roots - in the autumn, in which case it is necessary to act responsibly and not destroy the entire bed, in order to have nettle in this place and the following year.

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_2

The plant is well known by everyone because of the dermatitis it causes when touched, due to biochemical mediators such as histamine and acetylcholine. Nettle exhibits a number of strong biological activities such as: antirheumatic, anti-infectious, immunomodulatory, antihyperglycemic (lowers blood sugar) action, as well as for the relief of allergies.

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_3

For a long time&nbsp;Urtica dioica has been used as a diuretic agent and for the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism in folk medicine. Today nettle is recognized as an important medicinal herb, and is also consumed as food due to its content of minerals, amino acids, lecithin, carotenoids and vitamins.

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_4

А variety of valuable substances are found in nettle, such as flavonoids, tanins and sterols. Its roots contain other biologically active compounds such as scopoletin, fatty acids, polysaccharides and isolectins.

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_5

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_6

Pharmaceutical studies also found additional medicinal applications of nettle [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235672360_Phytochemistry_and_pharmacologic_properties_of_Urtica_dioica_L" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 11</a>]:

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_7

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Analgesic (in joint muscle pain),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Hepatoprotective effect (protection of the liver),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">For patients with&nbsp;<a href="/p/kakvi_sa_prichinitie_za_ugholiemiena_prostata_i_ima_li_liechieniie_s_bilki_e6649524_c6c7_443e_9780_c569c3224f15" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">enlarged prostate</a> and other problems with it,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-ulcer,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antiviral,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-cancer,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antibacterial,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antifungal,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-androgenic,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Insecticidal.</li>
</ul>

Where-can-you-find-nettle

Where can you find nettle

Where-can-you-find-nettle_4_0

Nettle is a widespread plant and it's found near settlements, roads, landfills, manures, along rivers - on nitrogen-rich soils. If we pick the nettle for food, collect the young tips with the help of a pinch or dense gloves. Besides the leaves, the roots are also used for herb.

Where-can-you-find-nettle_4_1

Nettle can be purchased at affordable prices - dried or fresh. It is also sold in the form of capsules.

Common-hedgenettle-(Betonica-officinalis)

6. Common hedgenettle (Betonica officinalis)

Common-hedgenettle-(Betonica-officinalis)_5_0

Common-hedgenettle-(Betonica-officinalis)_5_1

The herb is also known as betony, purple betony, wood betony, bishopwort, or bishop's wort.

Common-hedgenettle-(Betonica-officinalis)_5_2

The herb is used in [<a href="https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-587/betony" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 12</a>]:

Common-hedgenettle-(Betonica-officinalis)_5_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="/p/losho_khranosmilanie_dispiepsiia_prichini_simptomi_i_liechieniie_295123d1_141a_4a34_b5b4_38236707b61c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">digestive problems</a>, including heartburn, diarrhea and flatulence;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">for breathing problems, including bronchitis and asthma;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">for painful conditions, including gout, headache and facial pain;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">for urinary tract problems including bladder and kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) and pain and swelling of the bladder (inflammation),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">it is also used to treat stress and tension, nervousness and epilepsy,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">in combination with other herbs, betony is used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) and anxiety,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">potentially lowers blood pressure and therefore you should stop using it at least 2 weeks before surgery; not recommended for people with low blood pressure.</li>
</ul>

Where-can-you-find-betony

Where can you find betony

Where-can-you-find-betony_5_0

The herb grows in meadows, grassy places, in shrubs and small forests. It is allowed to be harvested only for personal needs, that is, up to 1 kg collected by one person per day.

Where-can-you-find-betony_5_1

Dried herb is available in pharmacies and drugstores.

Common-marigold-(Calendula-officinalis)

7. Common marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Common-marigold-(Calendula-officinalis)_6_0

Common-marigold-(Calendula-officinalis)_6_1

Common marigold (Calendula officinalis) is also called pot marigold, ruddles or Scotch marigold. Phytochemical studies show the presence of different classes of compounds, the main ones being: triterpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, quinones, volatile oils, carotenoids and amino acids.

Common-marigold-(Calendula-officinalis)_6_2

Studies have reported the following properties of marigold&nbsp;[<a href="http://www.rroij.com/open-access/phytochemistry-and-pleiotropic-pharmacological-properties-of-calendula-officinalis--a-review-.php?aid=34273" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 13</a>]:

Common-marigold-(Calendula-officinalis)_6_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory and against edema,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">For wound healing and for a variety of skin problems,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">In gingivitis (inflammation of the gums),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antitumor observed in vitro in cell cultures and in vivo in mice,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antigenotoxic (genotoxic substances are those that damage DNA),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Chemoprotective and hepatoprotective - found in cells and mice,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antiviral,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antibacterial and antifungal - inhibits the growth in particular of various representatives of the genus Candida and Rhodotorula, as well as the bacteria Porphyromonos gingivalis, Prevotella spp., Furobacterium nucleatum, Caphocytophaga gingivalis, Veilonella parvula, Eikenella corrodens, Peptostreptococcus micros and Actinomyces odontolyticus,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Cytotoxic,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antispasmodic and antispasmodic properties.</li>
</ul>

Where-can-you-find-marigold

Where can you find marigold

Where-can-you-find-marigold_6_0

It is most often grown in gardens, it loves the bright sun and moist soil and is easily grown from seeds.

Where-can-you-find-marigold_6_1

The herb is sold in the form of dried flowers, ointments, tincture, oil, capsules.

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)

8. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)_7_0

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)_7_1

St. John's wort is a widespread herb. In order not to be mistaken for other representatives of the genus, when picking the herb, you need to pay attention to whether the petals have multiple small holes when lifting them against the light. From this feature comes the name of the species - perforatum, since the leaves are perforated.

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The chemical composition of St. John's wort has been well studied. Antidepressants, antiviral and antibacterial (only in very high concentrations and in Gram(-) bacteria) effects of the herb are confirmed by research and explain some of the traditional uses of the herb [<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11370698/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 14</a>].

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It seems that many pharmacological actions are due to hypericin and flavonoids. It is believed that hypericin is also responsible for photosensitive reactions that occur when using St. John's wort and sun exposure - therefore, it is not recommended to take the herb in the summer.

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With regard to the antidepressant effects of St. John's wort, hyperforin, and not hypericin, as originally thought, has emerged as one of the most important components responsible for antidepressant activity.

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St. John's wort is not a harmless herb. Photosensitivity can lead to cataracts, a number of unpleasant side effects are observed, including influence on the emotional state, gastrointestinal disorders, numbness of the limbs. The herb is contraindicated in pregnant women due to negative (teratogenic) effects on the fetus!