For Which Conditions Are St. John's Wort Tea and Oil Tried?

Other Names for St. John's Wort

• Kılıç otu
• Mayasıl otu
• Cadı otu
• Saint John's wort
• Hypericum perforatum (scientific name)

What Is St. John's Wort?

St. John's wort is thought native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa but now widespread worldwide. Among the most medically studied plants, its flowering tops have known medicinal properties and centuries of use for headaches, kidney problems and neurological disease. Traditional medicine uses its tea and oil. Native Americans also used it for wound healing, snakebite, lice and diarrhea. Today, especially in Europe, it is used as an antidepressant, for anxiety relief, sleep and seasonal affective disorder.

What Are Its Main Medical Properties?

St. John's wort may relieve depression, but can reduce the effectiveness of many medicines, including chemotherapy! Human and animal studies show it is a significantly effective, well-tolerated herbal antidepressant. It may also relieve premenstrual pain and abdominal complaints.

Its effects have been associated with compounds called hypericum, hypericin and hyperforin in the plant. Animal studies found neuroprotective effects, but further research is needed.

For Which Diseases Is St. John's Wort Tried?

Depression treatment

Many human studies support this use. Like SSRI antidepressants, it acts by increasing brain serotonin.

Anxiety treatment

Although many studies find benefit for depression, no notable study supports anxiety treatment.

Chronic fatigue treatment

Some research supports this use, but more studies are needed.

Insomnia treatment

No evidence supports this use.

Reducing Menstrual Complaints (Premenstrual Syndrome)

Clinical studies show reduced premenstrual symptoms. Some studies also indicate reduced menopausal hot flashes.

Seasonal affective disorder treatment

The few studies so far indicate it is ineffective for this.

Topical Cream for Wound Healing

Laboratory studies show antibiotic and antiviral activity, but clinical trials provide no evidence that it helps wounds heal.

HIV Infection / AIDS

Only a small number of studies have examined this use; they showed no benefit despite high toxicity, meaning substantial adverse effects.

Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder

Limited research found St. John's wort ineffective for this condition.

Warnings for Those Considering St. John's Wort

• It may make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• It may reduce chemotherapy efficacy and increase radiotherapy's skin side effects.
• Patients should not use it before surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
• Combining it with prescription antidepressants may cause dangerous excess serotonin accumulation.
• Contact your doctor immediately if unusual symptoms develop, including pain, tingling, nonhealing wounds or yellowing skin and eyes.

Do Not Use in the Following Situations

• If pregnant or breastfeeding
• If taking birth control pills: St. John's wort may increase pregnancy risk.
• If receiving radiotherapy: it may reduce treatment effectiveness.
• If receiving chemotherapy: it may reduce chemotherapy effectiveness.
• If taking methotrexate: it may increase toxic effects.
• If having surgery: stop beforehand.
• If taking blood thinners or other anticoagulants: it may increase or decrease their effects.
• If taking medicines for heart failure or rhythm problems: it may reduce their effects.
• If taking medicines for depression and/or anxiety: it may have additive effects and cause side effects from serotonin accumulation.
• If you have bipolar disorder: it worsened symptoms in several patients with this condition.
• If taking migraine or cluster-headache medicines: it may have varying effects and increase pain.
• If taking hypertension medicines: it may reduce or increase their effects.
• If taking diabetes medicines: it may reduce their effectiveness.
• If receiving immunosuppressive therapy or AIDS treatment: it may reduce these medicines' effects.
• If taking cholesterol-lowering medicines: it may reduce their effects.
• If taking cough suppressants or allergy medicines: it may reduce their effects.

In Conclusion St. John's wort may help mild depression and premenstrual symptoms, but interacts with many medicines. Always consult your doctor and pharmacist, specifying all treatments and medicines you use.