Hop & St. John’s Wort

[jarka]

Hi,

I'm curious if anyone had tried hop (humulus lupulus)?



Hop (Humulus Lupulus)

Hops (humulus lupulus) belongs to a genus in the cannabinaceae family. It is a twining, hardy, herbaceous perennial, indigenous to Europe and best known as the main ingredient of beer and ale.

Contains lupuline: a resinous powder chemically related to THC.



Effects

Gives mild cannabis-like high with relaxing qualities.



Usage

Can be extracted into alcohol or made as tea.





Warning

According to one report, excessive use over a long period may cause dizziness, mental stupor and mild jaundice symptoms in some individuals.



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And I also want to gain some information about St. John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum). What is the best way of using it?



St. John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum)

St. John's wort (hypericum perforatum) is one of the oldest known herbal remedies. It has been used for over 2000 years to treat emotional and nervous complaints. It grows throughout Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. In Europe it is a common weed seen by roadsides, on heathland and in woods. The active substance of St. John's wort is hypericine.





Effects

St. John’s wort is used to improve and calm your state of mind. It also purifies the skin and has a positive influence on the stomach. The effects are slow, but durable, when using regularly.



Usage

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.



Warning

St. John’s wort can negatively influence the effect of certain medicines. St. John’s wort enhances the effect of the liver enzyme cytochrome P450. This causes some medicines to be broken down faster, making them less effective.



When combining a medicine with St. John’s wort you are advised to consult your physician or your thrombosis prevention unit for information whether the combination can lead to such an interaction. This is the case not only if you want to start combining St. John’s wort, but also when you want to stop combining St. John’s wort with one of the types of medicine listed below:



It has been observed that St. John’s wort can reduce the effect of the following medicines:



* immune system inhibitors, for instance against transplant rejections and auto-immune diseases: cyclosporine

* anticoagulants of the coumarine type, such as acenocoumarol (Sintrom etc.) and phenprocoumon (Marcumar etc.)

* Anticonvulsants: phenobarbital and phenytoine

* bronchodilators: theophylline

* cardiac glycosides for heart defects and heart rhythm disturbances: digoxin

* HIV-virus inhibitors: indinavir



St. John’s wort can also influence the effect of SSRI-type antidepressants. The combination is discouraged.



An incidental case of break through bleeding has been observed with the simultaneous use of St. John’s wort and certain types of the birth control pill (the combination of ethinyloestradiol and desogestrel, also known as sub-50). When a break through bleeding occurs, it may result in reduced protection against pregnancy.



Thanks in advance..