TOP 7 BENEFITS OF ST. JOHN’S WORT

St. John’s Wort (commonly known as hypericum, Klamath weed, or goatweed) is one of the most popular and widely used herbal supplements in the world, and the research into its active compounds continues to grow. From mood regulation to immune system support, it has a wide range of benefits that often surprise newcomers to this well-known herb – here we take a look at 7 of those key advantages!

1. Helps Improve Symptoms of Depression 

Depression is a difficult condition to treat, whether with conventional drugs or alternative medicine. Compared to a placebo, St. John’s wort has been shown to reduce symptoms in cases of mild to moderate depression [1]. In fact, four different studies have found St. John’s wort works as effectively as antidepressant medications to alleviate symptoms [2]. Notably, however, St. John’s wort has fewer side effects.

The antidepressant action in St. John’s wort has been attributed to its effect on the uptake of certain neurotransmitters that play a role in mood, such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA [3]. By regulating these neurotransmitters in the brain, St. John’s wort could potentially help people with depression when taken over time.

2. May Counter ADHD Symptoms

3. Reduces Stress Levels

Even in healthy people undiagnosed with depression, goatweed has been found to enhance mood and uplift emotions [5]. It can soothe your nerves and calm your mood in the face of everyday stress and occasional anxiety. One study found that this amazing herb protects the brain’s working memory in the face of stress. It works by boosting synaptic plasticity, the ability of brain cell connections to strengthen in response to increased activity [6].

4. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 

While larger studies are needed, one study on 12 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder found that St. John’s wort improved symptoms within a 12-week timeframe [7]. Considering St. John’s wort can help with stress and anxiety, it’s possible it could have helpful actions against OCD and social phobias.

5. Improves Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a condition that affects many people every fall and winter season, especially in places with cold weather. One study found that daily supplementation with 900 mg of Klamath weed combined with 2 hours of light therapy improved symptoms of depression in cases of SAD [8].

6. PMS

Hypericum perforatum has been shown in multiple studies to help improve symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) [9]. In one 2-year study, 36 women with mild PMS had improved pain and mood-related symptoms with St. John’s wort compared to a placebo [10]. Considering St. John’s wort can rebalance neurotransmitter levels in the brain, this same balancing mechanism could be responsible for improving menstrual cycle symptoms caused by hormone fluctuations.

7. Menopausal Hot Flashes

Beyond menstruating women, this amazing herb can also benefit perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. In menopausal women around age 50, eight weeks of supplementing with St. John’s wort was found to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes [11].

Dosage, Side Effects, and Risks

St John’s Wort is known to cause photosensitivity or increased sensitivity to sunlight. As a result, it is important to take precautions when using it and spending time in the sun. It is recommended that people taking St John’s Wort limit their exposure to direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds altogether. Additionally, it is important to wear sunscreen when outdoors and cover up exposed skin with clothing. In addition to these protective measures, you should also consult your healthcare provider for further advice about how to safely enjoy outdoor activities. You may also need to adjust the timing of doses or stop taking the herb altogether during periods of increased sun exposure.

A good daily dose is 300 mg taken 3 times daily [12]. However, you should always read the recommended dosage on the supplement label and stick to it. Going above the daily recommended dosage could lead to adverse effects. Side effects are rare with St. John’s wort but can include dizziness, confusion, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress [13].

According to experts, St. John’s wort can take up to six weeks to produce its full effects [14]. The herb interacts with several medications, including SSRIs and many others. Be sure to check with your prescriber before trying St. John’s wort if you’re on any medication.

Can You Benefit from St. John’s Wort? 

St. John’s wort is a dried herb used as medicine in ancient times and is still available as a supplement today. While the FDA hasn’t approved St. John’s wort for any medical condition, it may help with psychological well-being and with women’s health. Whether you’re trying to cope with everyday stress, manage PMS or alleviate occasional or moderate depression, St. John’s wort might be worth a try.

References:

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10647752/

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10190758/

3. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4128486/

 4. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20140799/

5. journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269881118812101

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21336544/

7. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10982200/

8. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7857504/

9. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24410911/

10. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20155996/

11. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20216274/

12. medicalnewstoday.com/articles/174928#dosage

13. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9860144

14. mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/st-johns-wort

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