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 high quality supplements. Order online through Fullscript’s secure healthcare formulary to get the best prices and free shipping on 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 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 like sertraline or fluoxetine): St. John’s Wort may increase serotonin levels too much leading to serotonin syndrome a possibly dangerous condition.
  • Birth control pills: St. John’s Wort can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives leading to an increased risk of unintended pregnancy.
  • Warfarin (a blood thinner): St. John’s Wort can decrease warfarin’s effectiveness increasing the risk of blood clots.
  • Cyclosporine (used in organ transplant patients): St. John’s Wort may decrease blood levels cyclosporine could lead to organ rejection.
  • Antiretrovirals (used for HIV treatment): St. John’s Wort can lower the effectiveness of these drugs and might lead to a failure in managing HIV.
  • Anticonvulsants (like phenobarbital and phenytoin): St. John’s Wort can reduce the effectiveness of these medications and could increase the frequency of seizures.
  • Digoxin (used for heart conditions): St. John’s Wort can decrease the blood levels and effectiveness of digoxin which might worsen heart conditions.
  • Statins (like simvastatin): St. John’s Wort can decrease the effectiveness of statins can lead to higher cholesterol levels.

Supplement Interactions with St. John’s Wort

  • 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan): Increases the risk of serotonin syndrome due to additive serotonin effects.
  • SAMe (S-Adenosyl methionine): This may enhance the risk of serotonin syndrome when used with St. John’s Wort due to increased serotonin production.
  • Kava: Enhances the sedative effects of St. John’s Wort potentially leading to increased drowsiness and sedation.
  • Valerian Root: Similar to Kava valerian may increase the sedative effect of St. John’s Wort which can result in excessive drowsiness.
  • Ginkgo Biloba: Can potentially increase the risk of bleeding when taken with St. John’s Wort especially if the person is also taking other blood thinners.
  • Ginseng: May alter the effects of St. John’s Wort on mood and may also increase the risk of insomnia and nervousness.

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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. Food is one of the “Pillars of Health”. 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

Creator of Supplement Sciences and NutriScape.NET. As a dietitian since 1992, Steph has had experiences in consulting, 15 years in clinical, and has operated a private practice nutrition counseling office for since 2011. Log in to comment and save this article on your board or send your comments to reviews@supplement-sciences.com

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