What does St. John’s Wort help:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• PMS Relief
• Ear Infections
• Cold Sores
• Ulcerative colitis
• Vitilgio
• Wound Healing

Mood imbalances, even in the most modest sense, can keep us from functioning at our best. St. John’s Wort, a perennial extract that blooms from June to September has been shown to help balance mood, encourage feelings of calmness, and even support healthy sleeping patterns. Hypercin, one of the active pigments in St. John’s Wort has the ability to naturally support our brain’s serotonin production. As a result, it may be beneficial in providing the balance needed to maintain a positive mood naturally without side effects.*

Parts used and where grown: St. John’s Wort is found in Europe and the United States; it is especially abundant in northern California and southern Oregon. The above-ground (aerial) parts of the plant are gathered during the flowering season. Similar species are found around the world.

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies): In ancient Greece, the herb was used to treat many ailments, including sciatica and poisonous reptile bites. In Europe, St. John’s wort was, and continues to be, very popular for the topical treatment of wounds and burns. It is also a folk remedy for kidney and lung ailments as well as depression.

Active constituents: St. John’s wort has a complex diverse chemical makeup that includes hypericin and other dianthrones, flavonoids, xanthones, and hyperforin.1 While it was previously thought that the antidepressant actions of St. John’s wort were due to hypercin and inhibition of the enzyme monoamine oxidase,2 current research has challenged this belief. Recent studies have focused on other constituents, such as hyperforin, xanthones, and flavonoids.3 4

New research suggests that St. John’s wort extracts exert their antidepressant actions by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.5 This action is possibly due to the constituent hyperforin.6 By making more of these neurotransmitters available to the brain, St. John’s wort is able to act as an antidepressant.

How much is usually taken?

The standard recommendation for mild to moderate depression is 300 mg of St. John’s wort extract two to three times daily.7 Higher intakes may be used, under the supervision of a healthcare professional, for more severe depression. Results can be noted as early as two weeks, and length of use should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Although research has used only standardized extracts, the German Commission E monograph suggests a daily amount of 2–4 grams of the whole herb.8

Are there any side effects or interactions?

St. John’s wort could, theoretically, make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, but this is rare when used at recommended levels. However, fair-skinned individuals should be alert for any rashes or burns following exposure to the sun. Preliminary evidence suggests there may be a risk of St. John’s wort interacting with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs, such as Prozac®, and causing side effects known collectively as serotonin syndrome. For those taking an SSRI who wish to start St. John’s wort, see a doctor first. While some research suggests St. John’s wort is safe during pregnancy and lactation,10 safety studies are lacking.