St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
Key Facts
- Scientific Name
- Hypericum perforatum
- Plant Family
- Hypericaceae (St. John's Wort family)
- Origin
- Native to Europe and Western Asia
- Primary Use
- Emotional Support
Overview
St. John's Wort is a flowering plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine for mental health conditions.
Traditional Uses
Historically used for anxiety, depression, and wound healing since ancient Greek times.
Active Compounds
Hypericin and hyperforin are the primary active compounds responsible for its medicinal activity.
Potential Benefits — Unverified Summary
Extensively studied for mild-to-moderate depression; may also support menopausal symptoms and PMS.
Safety & Side Effects
High potential for drug interactions. Can reduce the effectiveness of birth control and blood thinners. Consult a doctor before use.
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, severe rash)
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Severe digestive issues (persistent vomiting, bloody stools)
- Severe headache or dizziness
- Any symptoms that worsen or do not improve
Always consult a healthcare professional before using herbal supplements if you:
- Are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant
- Are taking prescription medications
- Have a chronic health condition
- Are scheduled for surgery
- Are giving herbs to children
Frequently Asked Questions
What is St. John's Wort used for?
Extensively studied for mild-to-moderate depression; may also support menopausal symptoms and PMS.
Is St. John's Wort safe?
High potential for drug interactions. Can reduce the effectiveness of birth control and blood thinners. Consult a doctor before use.
What are the active compounds in St. John's Wort?
Hypericin and hyperforin are the primary active compounds responsible for its medicinal activity.
What is the scientific name of St. John's Wort?
The scientific name of St. John's Wort is Hypericum perforatum.
What are the traditional uses of St. John's Wort?
Historically used for anxiety, depression, and wound healing since ancient Greek times.
When should I see a doctor when using St. John's Wort?
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using St. John's Wort or any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, have a chronic health condition, or are scheduled for surgery. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe digestive issues, or any symptoms that worsen or do not improve. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Source Records — Verification Pending
These identifiers were recorded in the original dataset. They are not complete citations or evidence that the claims above have been checked.
- MayoClinic-2024
- NCCIH-St-Johns-Wort
- ClevelandClinic-9304