St. John’s Wort: The Natural Remedy For Mood Support

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Along with providing information on whether St. John’s Wort supplements might be right for you, this article also links to Fullscript where you can buy St. John’s Wort online through Fullscript’s secure healthcare formulary and get free shipping and 20% off the retail price of professional-grade supplements.

St. John’s Wort has long been a subject of interest for its mood-supporting qualities. Originating from a flowering plant native to Europe, this herbal supplement has been studied for its impact on emotional well-being. This article delves into the science behind St. John’s Wort and how it has been used to alleviate mood imbalances, without making claims of it being a cure-all solution.

What is St. John’s Wort?

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant commonly used in herbal medicine. Native to Europe but now found worldwide, this yellow-flowered herb has a long history of medicinal use. It’s best known for its mood-boosting properties and is often used as a natural remedy for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. The active components, like hypericin and hyperforin, are thought to contribute to its therapeutic effects. In supplement form, you’ll usually find it in capsules, tinctures, or as a dried herb for tea. Although many people claim significant improvements in mood when using St. John’s Wort, should be noted that it can interact with various medications and other supplements. Always make informed decisions when considering it as part of your wellness routine.

What Are the Benefits of St. John’s Wort?

  • Mood Enhancement: Often used for mild to moderate depression, it may improve mood and emotional well-being. [PMC5010734] “SJW has shown to be comparable, if not more efficacious, than most standard treatment options for depression.” [PMC9587902]
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Preliminary research suggests it may have anti-inflammatory effects. [PMID: 12954801]

Is St. John’s Wort Safe?

St. John’s Wort is generally considered safe for short-term use, with side effects typically being mild and including stomach upset, dry mouth, or dizziness. Many people use it as an over-the-counter remedy for conditions like mild depression and anxiety. It’s widely available and has a long history of traditional use. However, like any supplement, it’s important to use it responsibly to maintain its safety profile.

Medication Interactions with St. John’s Wort

  • Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs): May cause serotonin syndrome.
  • Birth Control Pills: May reduce the effectiveness.
  • Warfarin: Can lower warfarin levels, reducing its effectiveness.
  • Antiviral Drugs: Such as those for HIV, may have reduced efficacy.
  • Blood Pressure Medication: Like losartan or furosemide, can affect blood pressure control.
  • Cyclosporine: May decrease its levels in the blood, affecting transplant outcomes.
  • Digoxin: Could decrease the levels of digoxin in the body.
  • Imatinib: May decrease the effectiveness of this cancer medication.
  • Opioid Pain Relievers: Such as oxycodone, may reduce their effectiveness.
  • Statins: May decrease levels of statins like simvastatin, affecting cholesterol control.

Supplement Interactions with St. John’s Wort

  • 5-HTP: Highest risk of causing serotonin syndrome when combined with St. John’s Wort.
  • SAM-e (S-Adenosylmethionine): Also poses a risk for serotonin syndrome, though generally considered less severe than 5-HTP.
  • Yohimbe: Could have additive effects on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of side effects like high blood pressure.
  • Kava Kava: Increased risk of liver damage if you have a pre-existing liver condition.
  • Valerian: Increases drowsiness and enhances the sedative effects of other medications, posing a moderate risk.
  • Melatonin: Moderate interaction; could alter sleep effects and patterns.
  • Ginkgo Biloba: Lower severity; may interfere with the metabolism of drugs and other supplements but typically without acute risks.

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Why Professionals Choose the Fullscript Formulary

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St. John’s Wort 0.3% Standardized Extract by Vital Nutrients

  • Promotes emotional wellness*
  • Maintains normal mood*

Hypericum Extract 0.3% is extracted from the popular herb commonly known as St. Johns Wort.* Hypericum has a long history of use, dating back to ancient Greece, and has been extensively studied in Europe and more recently been researched over the short-term in the United States.* Hypericum is used to promote emotional health and maintain normal mood.* Hypericum may support a healthy outlook with seasonal changes.*

Suggested Use: Take 2 capsules, 1 to 2 times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Amount Per 2 Capsule Serving
St. John’s Wort Extract … 600mg
(Hypericum perforatum (aerial) standerdized to 0.3% Hypercin)


Food First!

Although this article discusses supplements in detail, don’t forget that we are absolutely committed to the “Food First” approach to nutrition. When it comes to your health, the totality of your eating habits far surpasses the impact of individual nutrients or any single supplement you consume. Even though this article doesn’t delve into the broader picture of your overall diet, it’s crucial to keep this element at the forefront of our minds. Your food needs to provide all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals to nourish your body systems down to the cellular level.

Food choices, rather than supplements, are the most critical factors for a healthy gut microbiome. These trillions of tiny inhabitants in your gut affect your brain waves; they orchestrate your immune system. They possess the power to create molecules that can switch genes on or off and are even capable of synthesizing neurotransmitters. Opting for organic foods and steering clear of plastic packaging (including those labeled BPA-free) is a smart move to limit toxin exposure. The sum of all these parts leads to a powerful conclusion: the ultimate key to your health lies in the quality and balance of the food you consume. Supplements are secondary.

To Sum It Up

St. John’s Wort offers several health benefits, from boosting mood and easing symptoms of depression to relieving anxiety and skin conditions. However, be aware of potential interactions with medications and other supplements. While this herb has a lot to offer, always make an informed decision before adding it to your routine.


This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Supplement Sciences website seeks to provide comprehensive access to the most relevant supplement information along with convenient online ordering. We do not provide medical advice and cannot guarantee that every product suggested is completely without risk. Since each person is unique in their health history and medication use, it is important to discuss supplements with your personal physician. Specifically, pregnant women and individuals being treated for cancer or liver or kidney problems must consult their physician about every nutritional supplement they plan to take. People taking medications for the treatment of HIV or with a history of organ transplant must not take supplements without consulting with their physician.


About the Author

Stephanie Figon, MS, RDN, LD

Founder of NutriScape.NET. As a dietitian since 1992, Steph Figon has had experiences in consulting, 15 years in clinical, and has operated a private practice nutrition counseling office for since 2011. Connect on Linkedin

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