St. John's Wort: Herbal Supplement for Depression

St. John's Wort is a herbal supplement commonly used to treat symptoms of mild to moderate depression. It is believed to work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that influence mood and emotions.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Available over-the-counter in health food stores and pharmacies
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

St. John's Wort FAQ


Image credit: gardeningknowhow.com

Why is it called St John's Wort?

The name St. John’s wort apparently refers to John the Baptist, as the plant blooms around the time of the feast of St. John the Baptist in late June. Historically, St. John’s wort has been used for a variety of conditions, including kidney and lung ailments, insomnia, and depression, and to aid wound healing.

What is St John's Wort used for?

St. John’s wort has a long history of use for various skin conditions, such as the following: The component hyperforin in the herb is believed to be responsible for St. John’s wort's antibacterial effects and wound care benefits. Clinical trials are rare, however. It has been researched in small human trials for the following:

Where can I get St John's Wort?

Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering shrub native to Europe. It gets its name from the fact that it often blooms on the birthday of the biblical John the Baptist.

Does St John's Wort cause side effects?

But more research is necessary and it may cause a range of side effects. Derived from a flowering plant known as Hypericum perforatum, St. John’s wort is a herb people commonly use as a part of alternative medicine to treat depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD).

What does St John's Wort look like?

St. John's wort is a shrubby plant with clusters of yellow flowers that have oval, elongated petals. Scientists believe it is native to Europe, parts of Asia and Africa, and the western United States. The plant gets its name because it is often in full bloom around June 24, the day traditionally celebrated as the birthday of John the Baptist.

St. John's Wort References

If you want to know more about St. John's Wort, consider exploring links below:

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