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St. John's wort
Also called: Hypericum perforatum
A flowering herb studied for mild to moderate low mood. It interacts with many prescription medicines, including birth control, so it should only be used with a practitioner's guidance.
Commonly used for
- Mild to moderate low mood
- Mood changes around menopause or PMS (some studies)
Found naturally in
- St. John's wort flowers and leaves, traditionally used as a tea or oil
Label red flags
- No standardization listed
- Mood or 'stress' blends that include it without a clear warning
Check with a provider
- Taking hormonal birth control (pill, patch, ring, implant). It can make it fail.
- Taking antidepressants, migraine triptans, or other medicines that raise serotonin. Risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Taking blood thinners, or any other prescription medicine. It speeds up how the body clears many drugs, including heart, seizure, HIV, transplant, and cancer medicines.
- Sun sensitivity. It can make skin and eyes more sensitive to light.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding, bipolar disorder, or planned surgery
Supplements that contain it
Brand nameProduct nameMood formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameMenopause formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameMood formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameMenopause formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameMood formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameMenopause formulasComing soon
Parts of the body it affects
Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.
Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0
Wondering if your symptoms fit a pattern?
Dr. Lesher is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in women's autoimmune and chronic conditions. Since 2020, she has helped more than 900 patients overcome and heal from their conditions.