Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is widely used as an herbal remedy for mood-related conditions, primarily mild to moderate depression. Its use for “stress” is somewhat more ambiguous, as stress is a less defined clinical condition compared to depression or anxiety. Nevertheless, the rationale for using St. John’s Wort to support or treat stress is largely extrapolated from its antidepressant effects. Several high-quality clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that St. John’s Wort is more effective than placebo and as effective as standard antidepressant medications for mild to moderate depression, likely due to its effects on neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Although there is less direct research on St. John’s Wort for stress per se, the overlap between symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress means that some individuals may experience reduced stress as a secondary benefit of its mood-elevating properties. Some smaller studies and traditional use suggest possible anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, but these are less robust than the evidence for depression. The herb has a long history of use in European folk medicine for “nervousness” and “low spirits,” which may include what is now called stress.

In summary, St. John’s Wort is scientifically validated for mild to moderate depression, and there is reasonable, though indirect, scientific support for its potential to help with stress, especially if stress is related to mood disturbances. However, evidence specifically targeting stress is moderate at best.

More about St. John's Wort
More about Stress

Other ingredients used for Stress

Other health conditions supported by St. John's Wort

Products containing St. John's Wort

Nature's Sunshine St. John's Wort (Concentrated)
Nature's Sunshine St. John's Wort (Concentrated Time Release)