What is St. John's Wort and who should not take it?

Do you feel stressed, tired, have trouble sleeping, and don’t know what else to try? Good news, you don’t need to try anything else. You may have already heard of St. John’s Wort, also popularly known as the herb hypericum perforatum. What exactly is St. John’s Wort, how does it work, and who should avoid using it?

What is St. John's Wort?

St. John’s Wort is a perennial plant with bright yellow flowers that naturally grows in Europe, Asia, and North America. The name “St. John’s Wort” comes from the fact that it is traditionally harvested around St. John’s Day, i.e., June 24th.

In folk medicine, St. John’s Wort is used for:

• Supporting mental health, calming, and relaxation.
• Treating mild depression and anxiety.
• Supporting sleep and reducing nervous tension.

The main active compounds in the plant include hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids, which affect levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain – neurotransmitters that regulate mood and mental support.

Effects of St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is best known for its antidepressant effects, especially for mild to moderate depression. The main benefits include:

1. Improved mood and reduced anxiety – naturally supports mental well-being.
2. Sleep support – helps people with mild sleep difficulties caused by stress or anxiety.
3. Antioxidants – the plant contains flavonoids that protect cells from oxidative stress.
4. Natural alternative – for those seeking herbal support instead of synthetic antidepressants.

Research shows that regular use of St. John’s Wort can be as effective as some synthetic medications for mild depression, but with a lower risk of serious side effects.

Other Interesting Effects of St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort affects not only mental health but is also traditionally used for:

• Healing wounds and burns (in the form of oil or ointment),
• Digestion and liver support (may enhance their function),
• and as a natural antioxidant that helps the body manage stress.

Who Should Not Use St. John’s Wort?

Although St. John’s Wort is considered a safe herb, there are groups of people for whom its use may be inappropriate or risky. These include:

• People taking other medications – St. John’s Wort affects the metabolism of many drugs in the liver (e.g., contraceptives, heart rhythm medications, epilepsy medications, or antidepressants). This could reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women – effects on the fetus or newborn are not sufficiently studied.

• People with severe depression – for more serious depression or suicidal thoughts, St. John’s Wort should only be used under medical supervision.

• People with photosensitivity – St. John’s Wort may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.

• Children and adolescents – it is not recommended for persons under 18 without consulting a doctor.

Forms of St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is available in various forms, which differ in the concentration of active ingredients:

• Dried herb – suitable for tea or bath.
• Tincture or extract – concentrated form for easy dosing and faster effect.
• Capsules and tablets – standardized doses for regular use.

It is always recommended to follow the dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer and be mindful of possible interactions with other medications. The first effects are usually felt after 1–2 weeks of regular use, as the body simply needs time to adjust to the herb.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How to recognize St. John’s Wort?

It can be easily recognized by its elongated leaves with small dots, through which you can see tiny red to dark spots when held against the light. If you rub an unripe fruit or pre-bloom flower between your fingers, a red juice appears, which is a typical sign for reliably identifying the plant.

2. What is St. John’s Wort used for?

It supports mood, calmness, sleep, and mental balance.

3. Does it help with stress and anxiety?

Yes, it mildly reduces psychological tension and helps with relaxation.

4. Can it help with sleep?

Yes, it supports natural relaxation before falling asleep.

5. Is it safe for everyone?

Not always – caution is advised when taking other medications, for pregnant women, or for children.

Conclusion

St. John’s Wort is a powerful and traditionally used herb that can support mood, calmness, and mental recovery. Its effects are supported by scientific studies, especially for mild depression and anxiety.

However, it is not suitable for everyone. People taking other medications, pregnant women, children, or individuals with severe depression should consult a doctor before use. It is also advisable to be careful with prolonged sun exposure, as the herb may increase skin sensitivity.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a treatment guide. St. John’s Wort is not approved as a food or dietary supplement.