← The Herb LibraryWinter’s living materia medica

St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum

St. John's Wort
Wikimedia Commons · Didier Descouens · Image source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

The most studied herbal antidepressant. Effective for mild-to-moderate depression with strong evidence base. The infused oil in golden olive oil is extraordinary for nerve pain topically.

Actions

Antidepressant · Nervine · Analgesic · Antiviral

Affinities

Nervous system · Mood · Topical pain

Cautions & contraindications

Major herb-drug interactions via CYP3A4 — contraindicated with SSRIs, oral contraceptives, HIV meds, warfarin. Do not self-prescribe with pharmaceutical medications.