Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 22, 2024.

What are other common names?

• Hypericum perforatum
• Hypericum
• Amber
• Amber Touch-and-Heal
• Barbe de Saint-Jean
• Chase-Devil
• Chasse-diable
• Demon Chaser
• Esbericum
• Fuga Daemonum
• Goatweed
• Hardhay
• Herbe Aux Fées
• Herbe Aux Mille Vertus
• Herbe Aux Piqûres
• Herbe de la Saint-Jean
• Herbe de Saint Éloi
• Herbe du Charpentier
• Herbe Percée
• Herbe à la Brûlure
• Herbe à Mille Trous
• Hierba de San Juan
• Hypereikon
• Hyperforat
• Hyperici Herba
• Hyperiforce
• John's Wort
• Kira
• Klamath Weed
• LI 160
• Millepertuis
• Neuroplant
• Psychotonin
• Rosin Rose
• Saynt Johannes Wort
• Sedariston
• SJW
• St John Wort
• St John's Wort
• St. John Wort
• STEI 300
• Tipton Weed
• Tipton's Weed
• WS 5573
• Ze 117

What is this product used for?

St. John's wort may help with low mood. It may also help with some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause. It may help treat certain virus infections and help to heal wounds.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.

• This product interferes with MANY drugs. It reduces the effectiveness of many drugs. It increases side effects of some drugs. Talk with your doctor before you start using this product.

• Do not use this product if you are taking other products that increase serotonin in your body, such as some cough medicines, SSRIs, or MAO inhibitors. These are products like dextromethorphan, fluoxetine, citalopram, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

• Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

• You may get sunburned more easily while using this product. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.

• Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

• Do not breastfeed while taking this product.

• Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) while taking this product.

• Take extra care if you are at a high risk for infection. This includes people who have had a transplant, are on chemo, or have an autoimmune disease.

• This product may cause you to be sleepy. Take extra care driving and doing tasks that you need to be alert for.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Heart problems

  • Liver problems

  • Cancer

  • HIV

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  • Mental issues, like Alzheimer disease, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia

  • Low mood

What should I watch for?

• Stomach pain or cramps

• Hard stools

• Dry mouth

• Feeling dizzy

• Feeling tired

• Sensitivity to sunlight

• Rash

Related/similar drugs

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Symptoms of too much serotonin in your body. These include irritability, restlessness, confusion, fast heartbeat, twitching, very bad sweating, very high fever, seizures, or uneven heartbeat.

• Signs of nerve problems. These include unusual sensitivity or pain when the skin is touched; stinging pain when exposed to sunlight.

• Very bad throwing up

• Very bad loose stools

• Very bad headache

• Problems with sperm movement; difficulty having children

• Unusually high energy, anxiety, talking a lot, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, or irritability lasting for long periods of time

• Not able to think clearly or change in thinking

Last Reviewed Date

2022-04-13

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms

Copyright

Copyright © 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Frequently asked questions

• Does St. John's Wort interact with any drugs?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer