What is St. John's Wort used for?+
St. John's Wort is best known for mood and emotional support. Take daily for 4–6 weeks — herbal mood support works gradually.
What's the best way to prepare St. John's Wort?+
St. John's Wort can be prepared as infusion, tincture, capsule, and infused oil. For leaves and flowers, an infusion (steep in just-boiled water, covered) is best. For roots, barks, and seeds, a decoction (simmer for 20–30 minutes) is needed to extract the actives. Tinctures and capsules are convenient when you don't want to brew.
How much St. John's Wort should I take?+
Capsule (standardized 0.3% hypericin): 300mg 3x daily for 4-6 weeks; Tincture: 30-60 drops, 3x daily
What forms does St. John's Wort come in?+
St. John's Wort is sold as dried flowering tops, tincture, capsule, and infused oil. Whole dried herb is the most economical and lets you brew tea; tincture is convenient for daily use and travel; capsules are easiest if you don't like the taste.
How should I store St. John's Wort?+
Airtight glass, cool dark (light-sensitive); dried 1 yr
Is St. John's Wort safe during pregnancy?+
St. John's Wort has pregnancy cautions. MAJOR: interacts with many medications (antidepressants, birth control, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, anti-HIV). Photosensitive. Avoid in pregnancy If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your midwife, doctor, or a certified herbalist before using.
Is St. John's Wort safe if I have an autoimmune condition?+
St. John's Wort has autoimmune cautions. MAJOR: interacts with many medications (antidepressants, birth control, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, anti-HIV). Photosensitive. Avoid in pregnancy Talk to your doctor or a certified herbalist before adding it to your routine.
Does St. John's Wort interact with blood thinners?+
Yes — St. John's Wort can affect blood clotting. MAJOR: interacts with many medications (antidepressants, birth control, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, anti-HIV). Photosensitive. Avoid in pregnancy If you take blood thinners or have surgery coming up, talk to your doctor before using.
Does St. John's Wort interact with any medications?+
St. John's Wort can interact with some medications. MAJOR: interacts with many medications (antidepressants, birth control, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, anti-HIV). Photosensitive. Avoid in pregnancy Always check with a pharmacist before combining herbs with prescriptions.
Is St. John's Wort safe for pets?+
St. John's Wort can be used around pets with caution. Interacts with veterinary medications — consult vet
Where does St. John's Wort come from?+
Flowering tops; Europe, USA
What are the energetics of St. John's Wort?+
In traditional herbal systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, St. John's Wort is considered warm and dry. Energetics describe how an herb feels in the body — cooling or warming, drying or moistening. They help match the herb to the person and the season.
