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St. John's wort
Hypericum perforatum
A listing is not a recommendation.
Origin: Europe (sold worldwide as a supplement) · Tradition: European herbal practice · Food & herbs
What it is
A herb with research in mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Interactions are very numerous, and use on one’s own judgement can be dangerous. It is not a first choice for self-care.
A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)
- Do not start it on your own judgement. Always check with a physician or pharmacist.
- It interacts with many medicines, including contraceptives, anticoagulants, antidepressants, transplant medicines, and anti-HIV medicines.
- Depressive symptoms first need a medical assessment.
Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice
- Stress or unease
Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)
B: Randomised trials or systematic reviews exist, but reports are modest, the group studied is limited, or study quality is limited
There is research showing an effect in mild depression, while there are also major drug interactions. NCCIH and others warn about this repeatedly. In the catalogue the main purpose is a caution.
Sources
Safety notes
Major interactions, including serotonin syndrome, contraceptive failure, and transplant rejection. Photosensitivity.
If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.
Situations in which this is better avoided
- Starting it on one’s own judgement
- Use together with many prescription medicines (always with a professional)
- When bipolar disorder is possible