St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Synopsis of St. John's Wort
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering perennial herb native to Europe, now naturalized across North America, Australia, and parts of Asia. Its name comes from its tendency to bloom around St. John’s Day (June 24th). The plant is known for its bright yellow flowers, which release a red pigment when crushed. Medicinally, the aerial parts (flowering tops and leaves) are used to produce extracts rich in hypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids, and xanthones, which contribute to its mood-modulating, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and wound-healing effects.
St. John’s Wort is best known for its use in treating mild to moderate depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), anxiety, and nervous exhaustion. Its primary active compounds—hypericin and hyperforin—influence neurotransmitter activity, particularly serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, contributing to a stabilizing effect on mood. It is often used as a natural alternative to SSRIs for individuals with mild depressive symptoms, though it may take several weeks to show effects.
Beyond mood support, St. John’s Wort has demonstrated topical benefits for nerve pain, minor burns, wounds, bruises, and inflammation. Infused oils are used externally to relieve neuralgia, sciatica, and shingles. Internally, it also has antiviral activity, particularly against enveloped viruses like herpes simplex.
St. John’s Wort is generally well-tolerated, but it interacts with many medications (via induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes), including oral contraceptives, antidepressants, blood thinners, and transplant drugs—so caution and professional guidance are essential when using it concurrently with pharmaceuticals.
Historical Use:
St. John’s Wort has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. Ancient Greek physicians such as Hippocrates and Galen used it to treat melancholy, wounds, and nervous conditions. In medieval Europe, it was considered a sacred herb thought to ward off evil spirits, nightmares, and demonic possession. Hanging the plant in homes or over doorways during midsummer was part of ritualistic protection.
Its Latin name, Hypericum perforatum, refers to the tiny oil glands that appear as perforations when the leaf is held to the light, and were once believed to be portals of light or divine energy. The herb was closely associated with healing both spiritual afflictions and physical injuries, and was a staple in monastic gardens and folk medicine.
In the 19th century, Eclectic physicians in the U.S. used St. John’s Wort for nerve pain, spinal irritation, depression, and trauma recovery. It remained a popular nerve tonic and was also used in poultices and salves for bruises, sprains, and wounds.
St. John's Wort is used for these health conditions
Addictions (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Anxiety (Traditional)
Anxiety Disorders (Scientific)
Carbuncles (Traditional)
Depression (Scientific)
Emotional Sensitivity (Scientific)
Fear (excessive) (Traditional)
Grief and Sadness (Scientific)
Hot Flashes (Traditional)
Hysteria (Traditional)
Irritability (Scientific)
Mood Swings (Scientific)
PMS Type D (Scientific)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Scientific)
Stress (Scientific)
St. John's Wort is used to support these body systems
Brain (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Serotonin (Scientific)
Specific Neurotransmitters (Scientific)
Products containing St. John's Wort
Nature's Sunshine St. John's Wort (Concentrated)
Nature's Sunshine St. John's Wort (Concentrated Time Release)
