Lynn Smythe
St. John's wort
December 5th 2007 15:48
St. John's Wort in Bloom
This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb St. John’s wort—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. St. John’s wort is a plant with yellow flowers.
Common Names—St. John’s wort, hypericum, Klamath weed, goat weed
Latin name—Hypericum perforatum
What It Is Used For
• St. John’s wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and nerve pain.
• In ancient times, herbalists wrote about its use as a sedative and a treatment for malaria, as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites.
• Today, St. John’s wort is used by some for depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders.
How It Is Used
The flowering tops of St. John’s wort are used to prepare teas and tablets containing concentrated extracts.
What the Science Says
• There is some scientific evidence that St. John’s wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, two large studies, one sponsored by NCCAM, showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity.
• NCCAM is studying the use of St. John’s wort in a wider spectrum of mood disorders, including minor depression.
Side Effects and Cautions
• St. John’s wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.
• Research shows that St. John’s wort interacts with some drugs. The herb affects the way the body processes or breaks down many drugs; in some cases, it may speed or slow a drug’s breakdown. Drugs that can be affected include:
Indinavir and possibly other drugs used to control HIV infection
Irinotecan and possibly other drugs used to treat cancer
Cyclosporine, which prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs
Digoxin, which strengthens heart muscle contractions
Warfarin and related anticoagulants
Birth control pills
Antidepressants
• When combined with certain antidepressants, St. John’s wort may increase side effects such as nausea, anxiety, headache, and confusion.
• St. John’s wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is not adequately treated, it can become severe. Anyone who may have depression should see a health care provider. There are effective proven therapies available.
• It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including St. John’s wort. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
Sources
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St. John’s Wort and the Treatment of Depression. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at Really Long Link on June 30, 2005.
St. John’s Wort. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on June 30, 2005.
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on June 30, 2005.
St. John’s wort. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:359-366.
De Smet PA. Herbal remedies. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;347(25):2046-2056.
Hypericum Depression Trial Study Group. Effect of Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2002;287(14):1807-1814.
This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.
National Institutes of Health
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Comment by Lynn Smythe
The Pagan Path
I Love Herbs
I'm hoping our cooler fall weather will allow it to survive and set flower this time. The flowers are used to make a healing oil which can be used to create balms and salves. You fill a jar with the flowers and cover with olive or almond oil, shake the jar daily and your oil should be ready to use within 2 weeks.
I think the flowers, which are yellow, cause the oil to turn into a dark reddish color. St. John's Wort can cause photosensitivity in some people so you don't want to apply any salves/balms which contain SJW before going to the beach!