St. John’s Wort is commonly described as a weed. It is native to Europe but has naturalized around the world. It came to North America with European colonists in the 1700’s. The dried herb consists mainly of the flowering tops including the leaves, unopened buds and flowers. Since the time of Hippocrates, St. John’s Wort has been used as a treatment for neuralgic conditions such as sciatica and hip pain, for wound healing and as a balm for burns, ulcers and bites. Current research clearly indicates the effectiveness of St. John’s wort in the treatment of mild and moderate depression. A recent study conducted by German doctors (reported Feb 2005 in the British Medical Journal) reports that an extract of St. John’s Wort is at least as effective in treating depression as the commonly-prescribed drug Paxil, and has fewer side effects. St. John’s wort contains numerous botanical compounds with documented biological activity. It is considered excellent for repairing nerve damage and reducing pain, as a sedative and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Current research indicates that it’s effects are due to a variety of constituents, not any single component. It’s safety, when consumed within normal therapeutic dosages, has been well established.

Cautions/Contraindications:
• Consult a health care provider if you experience sleep disturbances
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet light, or UV therapy
• Consult a health care provider if you are taking contraceptive medications, HIV-1 protease inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, immunosuppresants, anti-coagulants, digoxin, theophylline, serotonergenics, antidpressants, migraine therapies, SSRI’s and/or anti-epilepsy medications
• Do not use if you are pregnant or breast feeding

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Monograph – St. John’s Wort. Natural Health Products Directorate, Ottawa ON 2004

Research Reviews. Efficacy of St. John’s wort Extract Standardized to Hyperforin. In HerbalGram #46 1999;19

American Herbal Pharmacopoeia & Therapeutic Compendium. St. John’s Wort
(Hypericum perforatum): Quality, Control, Analytical & Therapeutic Monograph. July 1997 in HerbalGram#40: 1-32

Brown DJ. St. John’s wort Extract Effectively Treats Mild to Moderate Depression in Large French Trial. Clinical Update in HerbalGram #57. 2003;26-28
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Herbal Remedies & Homeopathy. Geddes & Grosset, David Dale House, New Lanark, Scotland. 2002