The Healing Herb: St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

What Is St. John’s Wort?

St. John’s Wort is a flowering shrub native to Europe (and now found in many regions). Its yellow blooms have been used medicinally for centuries. The scientific name is Hypericum perforatum.

Herbs such as this have active ingredients — like hypericin and hyperforin — which are believed to influence mood, inflammation, and skin health.

Key Health Benefits

Here are some of the ways St. John’s Wort is used, and what the research suggests about its effects:

  1. Mood & Mental Health

    • Probably the best-known usage is for mild to moderate depression. Several studies suggest St. John’s Wort can be as effective as standard antidepressants for these levels of depression.

    • Some people also use it for anxiety or emotional symptoms during menopause.

  2. Support for Wounds & Skin

    • Traditionally, St. John’s Wort has been used in topical formulas to help heal wounds, bruises, and skin irritations. 

    • Its anti-inflammatory compounds may help soothe damaged skin or minor burns.

  3. Menopause & Physical Symptoms

    • Some evidence suggests it may reduce certain menopause-related symptoms (for example hot flashes) or help with somatic symptom distress.

  4. Other Potential Uses

    • Preliminary research shows St. John’s Wort might have antiviral activity, or help support general mood balance.

    • It’s sometimes used in formulations for seasonal mood changes (SAD), or for fatigue / low energy associated with mild mood imbalances.

Safety, Risks & Important Cautions

While St. John’s Wort has many traditional and scientific uses, it’s not without risks:

  • Medication Interactions
    One of the biggest concerns is that it interacts with many prescription drugs. For example:

    • Antidepressants (especially SSRIs) 

    • Birth control pills 

    • Some heart medications 

    • HIV medications and certain cancer drugs.
      Because St. John’s Wort speeds up some of the body’s drug-metabolism processes, it can reduce the effectiveness of these medicines.

  • Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
    It may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Talk to a healthcare provider before using it in those cases.

How People Use It

Here are a few common forms of St. John’s Wort and ways it’s used:

Final Thoughts

St. John’s Wort is one of the most well-known medicinal herbs — rooted in tradition and supported by modern research for specific uses like mild-to-moderate depression and some skin-healing applications.

But it’s not a cure-all. Because of its strong effects and potential interactions, it must be used wisely.

If you’re thinking of trying it (tea, tincture, or another form), talk to your healthcare provider first to make sure it’s safe for your situation — especially if you take other medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have existing health conditions.