THE BEECHMONT CREST GUIDE TO MEDICINAL HERBS AND NUTRACEUTICALS
ST. JOHN’S WORT
St. John's wort is also known as hypericum, Klamath weed, goat weed. The flowers of St. John’s wort have been used for centuries to treat pain and mental disorders.
The active ingredient in St. John’s wort is hypericin.
Benefits
Some small-scale clinical studies have suggested that St. John’s wort can relieve mild to moderate depression. But larger studies have found St. John’s wort to be ineffective as an antidepressant.
Side Effects
St. John’s wort may cause sensitivity to sunlight, sexual dysfunction, headache, and fatigue.
St. John's wort affects the way the body processes a number of drugs. As a result, it may interfere with the effectiveness of indinavir (a protease inhibitor used in the treatment of HIV), oral contraceptives, and antidepressants, among others.