HerbSt. John's wort
St. John's wort shows moderate evidence for mild to moderate depression, with limited evidence for other conditions, but poses significant safety concerns due to drug interactions.
Benefits
- Supports mood balance
- may alleviate mild to moderate depression
- traditionally used for anxiety
- sleep
- and menopausal symptoms
- aids wound healing.
Key compounds
Hyperforinhypericinpseudohypericinflavonoids
May help with
- Historically used for depression
- stomach ulcers
- colds
- and wound healing
- also applied in traditional medicine for anxiety
- insomnia
- water retention
- and gastritis.
Best for these goals
Supports mood balancemay alleviate mild to moderate depressiontraditionally used for anxietysleepand menopausal symptomsaids wound healing.
How to use it
Teas, tinctures, oils, supplements (extracts, capsules)
Evidence level
Moderate
Cautions & interactions
May cause severe photosensitivity reactions; side effects include dizziness, diarrhea, restlessness, and skin tingling. Contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential birth defects and during breastfeeding due to infant drowsiness/colic. | Interactions: Interacts dangerously with numerous medications, including antidepressants, birth control, anticoagulants (warfarin), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine), HIV drugs, cancer drugs, and statins, potentially weakening their effects or causing serious serotonin-related side effects.
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