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womens health

St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum

圣约翰草

Pinyin: Shèng Yuē Hàn Cǎo

🌿

Plant Family

Hypericaceae

Part Used

Flowering tops (flowers, leaves, stems)

Origin

Europe, Asia, North Africa; naturalized in North America

Safety Level

Caution

Overview

St. John's wort is a perennial herb with bright yellow flowers that bloom around St. John's Day (June 24), hence the name. The leaves have tiny transparent dots (oil glands) that look like holes when held up to light - hence "perforatum." It is one of the most widely studied and best-selling herbal supplements, primarily used for mild to moderate depression. Its effectiveness is well-supported by research.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties

Nature (四气)

cool

Flavors (五味)

bitter, sweet

Meridians (归经)

heart, liver, nervous system

Health Benefits

✓ Effective for mild to moderate depression (comparable to some SSRIs)
✓ Anti-inflammatory and analgesic (topical - for wounds, burns, muscle pain)
✓ Antiviral (hypericin - studied for HIV and herpes)
✓ Antibacterial
✓ May reduce symptoms of PMS
✓ May reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
✓ May help with neuropathic pain
✓ Wound healing and skin regeneration (topical)

Traditional Uses

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Nerve pain and neuralgia
  • Wound healing and burns (topical)
  • Inflammation of the skin (topical)
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • Menopausal mood symptoms
  • Insomnia and fatigue

Active Constituents

The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:

Naphthodianthrones: hypericin, pseudohypericinPhloroglucinols: hyperforin, adhyperforinHypericin and hyperforin - two primary active compoundsFlavonoids: rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetinEssential oilsTanninsXanthonesPhenolic acidsVitamin CNote: Hyperforin is primarily responsible for antidepressant effect and drug interactions

Usage & Dosage

How to Use

Used as tea, tincture, capsules, tablets, standardized extracts, and topical oil/cream. Standardized extracts are the most studied and effective form for depression. Red oil (made by steeping flowers in oil in the sun) is used topically.

Suggested Dosage

Standardized extract: 300mg 3 times daily (0.3% hypericin, 3-5% hyperforin) - total 900mg/day. Tincture: 2-5ml 3 times daily. Tea: 1-2 tsp dried herb steeped 10-15 min, 2-3 times daily. Topical: apply oil or cream to affected area 2-4 times daily.

Quality & Storage

Harvest Season

Summer, at the beginning of flowering (June-July). Flowering tops are picked on dry, sunny days and dried at low temperature in shade.

Quality Indicators

Yellow flowers with buds, green leaves, herbaceous scent. Standardized extracts should contain 0.3% hypericin and 3-5% hyperforin. German products are generally well-standardized (e.g., Kira, Remotiv). Whole herb products vary widely in potency.

Storage

Dried herb: airtight container, cool dark place, 1-2 years. Extracts: follow manufacturer directions. Protect from light - hypericin is light-sensitive.

Safety Information

Contraindications

Severe depression (prescription medication may be more appropriate)Bipolar disorder (may trigger mania/hypomania) - VERY IMPORTANTSchizophrenia or other psychotic disordersChildren under 12Pregnancy and breastfeedingSurgery (discontinue 2 weeks before)HIV/AIDS (interacts with antiretrovirals)Organ transplant recipients (interacts with immunosuppressants)Photosensitivity (may cause sun sensitivity - avoid tanning beds, use sunscreen)

Possible Side Effects

  • Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses
  • Photosensitivity (increased sunburn risk - especially fair skin)
  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea)
  • Headache, dizziness
  • Restlessness, anxiety, insomnia
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Sexual dysfunction (similar to SSRIs but milder)
  • Weight gain (in some people)
  • Allergic reaction (rash, itching) - rare

Drug Interactions

  • MANY drug interactions - hyperforin induces CYP450 enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19)
  • Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs) - serotonin syndrome risk
  • Birth control pills (may reduce effectiveness - use backup method!)
  • Blood thinners (warfarin - may reduce effectiveness, need to monitor INR)
  • HIV medications (protease inhibitors, NNRTIs - may reduce effectiveness)
  • Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus - may reduce effectiveness)
  • Chemotherapy drugs
  • Cholesterol medications (statins)
  • Heart medications (digoxin, calcium channel blockers)
  • Seizure medications
  • Many others - ALWAYS check with pharmacist or doctor!
  • IMPORTANT: St. John's Wort has MAJOR drug interactions. Do not combine with any prescription medication without medical supervision.

Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.

References & Research

Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.

ℹ️ Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.

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