Natural Products

St. John’s Wort

St. John's wort, hypericum, Klamath weed, goatweed

General Information

St. John’s wort is a plant with yellow flowers. Its medicinal uses were first recorded in ancient Greece. The name St. John’s wort apparently refers to John the Baptist, as the plant blooms around the time of the feast of St. John the Baptist in late June.

Common Name(s)

St. John’s wort, hypericum, Klamath weed, goatweed

Scientific Name(s)

Hypericum perforatum

What is this product used for?

St. John’s wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and nerve pain.

St. John’s wort has also been used as a sedative and a treatment for malaria, as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites.

Today, St. John’s wort is used by some for depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders caused by mood disorders.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

There is some evidence to suggest that St. John’s wort may be effective in treating mild or moderate depression. There is not enough evidence to support its use in treating other conditions.

St. John’s wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight and skin rash. Other side effects can include anxiety, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, dry mouth, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, or headache. In rare situations, it may lead changes in appetite, joint or muscle stiffness, muscle spasms or pain, sexual dysfunction, tremors, developing suicidal thoughts, or abnormal mood changes.

Research shows that St. John’s wort interacts with many medications in ways that interfere with their intended effects. Examples of medications that can be affected include:

antidepressants, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines
antihistamines
birth control pills
blood thinners
bronchodilators, such as those used to treat asthma or COPD
cancer medications
certain diabetes medications (e.g., gliclazide)
heart medications (e.g., digoxin, procainamide)
HIV medications
medications that suppress the immune system (e.g., transplant medications)
muscle relaxants
opioid medications
seizure medications

St. John’s wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is not adequately treated, it can become severe. Anyone who may have depression should see a health care provider. There are effective proven therapies available.

Let your health care provider know before taking St. John’s wort if you:

are pregnant or breast-feeding
have a psychological disorder (e.g., Alzheimer disease, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia)

Due to St. John’s wort effects on serotonin levels, it may interfere with surgical procedures. Stop taking St. John’s wort at least 2 weeks before any surgical procedures.

While you’re taking St. John’s wort, avoid prolonged exposure to UV light, such as through sunlight or UV light therapy.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.