St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
One of the best-studied herbs for mild-to-moderate depression — and the single most dangerous for drug interactions.
Traditional use (european-folk): One of the best-studied herbs for mild-to-moderate depression — and the single most dangerous for drug interactions.
One of the best-studied herbs for mild-to-moderate depression — and the single most dangerous for drug interactions.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- One of the best-studied herbs for mild-to-moderate depression — and the single most dangerous for drug interactions.
Evidence strength: stronger human.
- See the evidence level above
- Interacts with a HUGE range of drugs (antidepressants, birth control, blood thinners, HIV/transplant/cancer meds) and causes photosensitivity.
- Anyone on prescription medication without medical guidance
- Pregnancy
Interacts with a HUGE range of drugs (antidepressants, birth control, blood thinners, HIV/transplant/cancer meds) and causes photosensitivity.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.
Genuinely effective for mild depression, but its interactions are serious enough to demand a doctor's involvement.