St. John’s Wort has historically been used for a range of mental and physical health benefits. However, before even considering all the possible St. John's Wort benefits, it’s important to note that this flowering plant, also known as Hypericum perforatum, has been widely studied for its potential to interact with other supplements or medications.
“It has been clearly shown that St. John’s Wort can interact in dangerous, sometimes life-threatening ways with a variety of medicines,” writes the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Kenny Mittelstadt, DACM, a functional medicine practitioner, adds that St. John’s Wort can have unpredictable effects on various medications, either increasing or decreasing their effectiveness. He says the herb “can decrease the effectiveness of drugs like oral contraceptives, blood thinners, and certain heart medications."
"On the flip side, it can increase the effects of some antidepressants, alcohol, and pain medications, potentially heightening side effects,” he adds. "Patients taking multiple medications should work with their healthcare provider to monitor for interactions and adjust dosages as needed."
According to Mayo Clinic, other side effects can include photosensitivity or enhanced sensitivity to the sun, as well as increased blood pressure, dizziness, stomach upset, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, and insomnia. However, St. John’s Wort is typically considered safe when it is consumed in small doses and used for three months or fewer.
Wondering how it could help your health? These are the seven biggest St. John's Wort benefits you probably didn’t know about.
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1 | It may help alleviate mild to moderate depression.
ShutterstockWhen used as a targeted, therapeutic, and temporary solution, St. John’s Wort may help relieve symptoms of mild to moderate depression, according to research.
“St. John’s Wort has a strong evidence base for managing mild to moderate depression, with studies suggesting it can be as effective as certain antidepressants for some individuals,” says Mittelstadt.
He notes that St. John’s Wort often has fewer side effects related to digestion, nerves, and sexual health than some prescription antidepressants.
Of course, before beginning any regimen to treat depression, it's important to speak with a mental health professional.
2 | It may improve symptoms of OCD.
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St. John’s Wort is also believed to improve the symptoms of various other mental health conditions.
“That is likely because it impacts levels of serotonin in the brain. There has been some research that suggests that St. John’s Wort may help symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),” says Michael McGrath, MD, Psych, chief clinical officer at The Ohana Hawaii.
According to one small study involving 12 subjects, results were observed after just one week of treatment. However, the researchers note that this might suggest a placebo response and say that more research is needed to determine whether St. John’s Wort can, in fact, improve OCD symptoms.3 | It may reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress.
ShutterstockAnother possible mental health benefit of taking St. John’s Wort is that it could help reduce your symptoms of anxiety.
“While not as widely recognized as a treatment for anxiety, St. John’s Wort might also help reduce stress and anxious feelings for some individuals,” says Andrew Youssouf, MD, a dual board-certified physician and the medical director at Ikon Recovery. “Its mood-stabilizing effects are thought to come from its impact on neurotransmitters, promoting a sense of calm. However, more research is needed in this area to solidify its role in anxiety treatment.”
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4 | It may reduce symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
ShutterstockPerimenopause can come with a wide range of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disruptions, and more. According to Mittelstadt, studies suggest that St. John’s Wort may help to relieve these symptoms by supporting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
“This axis helps manage stress and hormonal responses, which can shift during menopause,” the doctor tells Best Life. “For women who are sensitive to hormone replacement therapy, St. John’s Wort offers a natural alternative that promotes emotional and physical well-being.""As with any supplement for hormone support, discussing it with a healthcare provider is essential, especially due to potential interactions with other medications,” he adds.
5 | It may reduce symptoms of PMS.
ShutterstockThere’s another way that St. John’s Wort may help you navigate hormonal changes related to your menstrual cycle.
“Research indicates that St. John’s Wort can help alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, including mood swings, irritability, and physical discomfort,” explains Mittelstadt. “It’s thought to work by balancing neurotransmitters—chemicals that regulate mood and behavior.""This natural approach is ideal for those who prefer not to rely on conventional medications for PMS relief. Combining St. John’s Wort with a balanced diet and regular exercise can further support a more comfortable monthly cycle,” he adds.
6 | It may help improve blood sugar in some cases.
ShutterstockResearch has turned up mixed results regarding the use of St. John’s Wort to manage blood sugar, with some studies concluding that long-term use of the herb can actually impair glucose tolerance.
However, preliminary studies on short-term use “suggest that St. John’s Wort may help regulate blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for managing conditions like insulin resistance,” says Mittelstadt.“This can complement other lifestyle changes for people at risk for Type 2 diabetes. However, those with diabetes or on blood sugar medications should consult a provider before use, as St. John’s Wort can interact with certain drugs processed by the liver, including blood-sugar-lowering medications,” he advises.
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7 | Its anti-inflammatory properties may enable wound-healing.
ShutterstockFinally, St. John’s Wort may also confer anti-inflammatory benefits.
“Traditionally, St. John’s Wort has been used topically to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation,” Youssouf tells Best Life. “It contains compounds that may help soothe skin irritation, minor burns, and cuts. Some people use it in a salve or oil form for conditions like eczema, though it is more of a complementary treatment rather than a primary one."
