St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is a flowering plant in the family Hypericaceae. The flowers are used to make herbal preparations. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various health issues.
Quick Facts
- Best for
- Mild depression, Mood swings, Anxiety
- Common form
- Tea, tincture, capsule, food, or topical preparation depending on the remedy.
- Caution level
- High - many medication interactions
- Related searches
- Mild depression, Mood swings, Anxiety, Seasonal affective disorder, Nervous tension
How this remedy page was created
Created from Eden's remedy database, traditional-use context, and public health references. Educational only; not a diagnosis or treatment plan.
Image disclosure: remedy images are AI-assisted only when marked reviewed for botanical accuracy.
Benefits
May help with mild to moderate depression
Can improve mood and reduce anxiety
Has anti-inflammatory properties
Traditionally used for wound healing
May help with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
The Science & Wisdom Behind St. John's Wort
Scientific Evidence
St. John's wort contains hypericin and hyperforin, which may increase the levels of chemical messengers in the brain like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, similar to how some prescription antidepressants work.
Traditional Use
The plant was named after St. John the Baptist, as it traditionally blooms around his feast day. In medieval times, it was believed to have magical properties that could ward off evil spirits.
Anecdotal Reports
Many people who experience mild depression report improved mood, better sleep, and reduced anxiety when taking St. John's wort regularly, though it may take 4-6 weeks to see full effects.
How to Use St. John's Wort
General Usage
St. John's wort is typically taken as a standardized extract in capsule or tablet form, though it can also be consumed as tea or tincture.
Common Uses For:
Recipe
St. John's Wort Tea: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried St. John's wort (flowers and leaves) in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups daily.
Safety & Cautions
Natural does not always mean risk-free. Use this section to decide when a remedy deserves extra care or a clinician conversation.
Key cautions
- ! St. John's Wort has many clinically important medication interactions.
Avoid or get medical guidance first
- ! Avoid with antidepressants, birth control pills, transplant medicines, HIV medicines, blood thinners, and many other prescriptions unless clinician-approved.
Shop St. John's Wort Products
Find high-quality St. John's Wort products from trusted sellers on Amazon.
We recommend carefully reviewing product details and customer reviews before purchasing any herbal or natural remedy.
Shop on AmazonExplore More Remedies
Kava
Pacific root used for relaxation and social calm, but one that deserves strong liver-safety awareness.
Valerian
Powerful herbal remedy used primarily to improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
Passionflower
Chamomile
Gentle herb known for its calming and sleep-promoting effects.
Green Tea
Antioxidant-rich tea that supports alertness, metabolism, and cardiovascular wellness.
Lion's Mane
Distinctive mushroom renowned for supporting brain health, cognitive function, and nerve regeneration.
Get Eden Weekly Remedy Notes
A gentle weekly email with practical comfort remedies, safety cautions, and seasonal condition guides. Includes the starter guide: 10 gentle home comfort remedies with cautions.
Sources
- Herbs at a Glance - NCCIH
- Herbs and Supplements - MedlinePlus
- How Medications and Supplements Can Interact - NCCIH