A bright yellow flowered roadside herb named for its bloom around St. John's Day in late June. Used in European medicine since at least the time of Hippocrates, and one of the few herbs with consistently strong clinical evidence — for mild to moderate depression specifically. But St. John's wort interacts with more medications than almost any other herb, by speeding up the body's drug-clearing systems. The interaction list, not the depression evidence, is what most readers need to weigh.

Eases mild to moderate depression — comparable to common prescription antidepressants in many studies, with fewer side effects
Approved by Germany's Commission E for depression and anxiety
Topical use eases minor wounds, burns, and nerve pain
Long traditional European use as a wound and nerve herb
Works through multiple mechanisms, including effects on serotonin and other mood-related neurotransmitters
Effects build over 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use — not a quick fix

Active in Hypericin, Hyperforin, Flavonoids, Tannins.

Interacts with more medications than almost any other herb — this is the most important fact about St. John's wort

Speeds up the liver's clearance of many drugs, reducing their effectiveness — including birth control pills, blood thinners, transplant immunosuppressants, certain HIV medications, and some chemotherapy drugs

Combined with antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs), can cause serotonin syndrome — a serious medical emergency

Reduces effectiveness of oral contraceptives — unintended pregnancies have been documented

Reduces effectiveness of blood thinners like warfarin

Causes photosensitivity — increased sunburn risk, especially in fair-skinned people

Skip with bipolar disorder — can trigger mania

Skip during pregnancy and nursing

Stop two weeks before any surgery — affects anesthesia metabolism

Always tell every healthcare provider you take St. John's wort, including dentists and pharmacists

Depression severe enough to consider suicide is not appropriate to self-treat — provider involvement matters

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