St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
Sunshine-yellow flower with clinically proven antidepressant and nerve-pain effects
About St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is one of the most rigorously studied medicinal herbs in the world, with a substantial evidence base for mild-to-moderate depression. A Cochrane review of 29 trials found it comparable to standard SSRIs with fewer side effects. Its active compounds hypericin and hyperforin modulate serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline reuptake. Topically, a red oil infusion has been used for centuries to heal nerve pain, burns, and wounds.
Key benefits
- Clinically proven to ease mild-to-moderate depression
- May reduce seasonal affective symptoms and premenstrual mood changes
- Topical infused oil relieves nerve pain, sciatica, and minor burns
- Contains antiviral compounds traditionally used for shingles and cold sores
How to use
For internal use, take 300 mg standardized extract (0.3% hypericin) 3 times daily. Or steep 1-2 tsp dried flowering tops in hot water for 10 minutes. For topical use, infuse flowers in olive oil for 4-6 weeks in sunlight — the oil will turn deep red and can be applied to nerve pain or burns.
Did you know?
St. John's Wort earned its name because it traditionally blooms around June 24th — the feast day of St. John the Baptist. Medieval herbalists believed the red pigment that stains your fingers when you crush the flowers was 'St. John's blood', and the plant was hung over doorways to ward off evil.