St. Johns Wort Capsules

St. John’s wort is an herb. Its flowers and leaves are used to make medicine.

St. John’s wort is native to Europe but is commonly found in the US and Canada in the dry ground of roadsides, meadows, and woods. Although not native to Australia and long considered a weed, St. John’s wort is now grown there as a crop. Today, Australia produces 20 percent of the world’s supply.

The use of St. John’s wort dates back to the ancient Greeks. Hippocrates recorded the medical use of St. John’s wort flowers. St. John’s wort was given its name because it blooms about June 24th, the birthday of John the Baptist. “Wort” is an old English word for plant.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Research has shown that St. John’s wort interacts with many medications in ways that can interfere with their intended effects.
• Examples of medications that can be affected include:
  • Antidepressants & Birth control pills
  • Other medications. See your doctor for specifics before taking.
• St. John’s wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.
• Taking St. John’s wort with certain antidepressants may lead to increased serotonin-related side effects, which may be potentially serious.
• St. John’s wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is not adequately treated, it can become severe. Anyone who may have depression should see a health care provider. There are effective proven therapies available.
• Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.