St. John’s Wort Benefits: Natural Support for Mental Wellness

With one out of every 10 American adults actively taking an antidepressant, the need to promote mental health through natural means has never been greater.^[1] A healthy, organic diet and regular exercise are critical for laying the foundation of healthy living. Herbs like St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) are a source of antioxidants and other specialized nutrients that encourage physical and mental wellness. In fact, for centuries, people have turned to St. John’s wort as a natural remedy for an array of health concerns. Let’s take a closer look at its history and benefits.

History of St. John’s Wort

Because of St. John’s wort’s ability to encourage a pleasant mood, much of its history includes superstition and spirits. The traditional Greek use was to hang the plant over religious paintings and statues to ward off “evil spirits.” Greek herbalists saw other uses for the plant and created tinctures to help with cuts, burns, harmful organisms, and even snakebites.^[2]

The name we use today—St. John’s wort—is a carry-over from early Christian beliefs and practices. Traditionally, the yellow flowers of the plant bloomed on June 24, which was a time of year filled with midsummer Christian holidays, including the birthday celebration of John the Baptist, also known as St. John. Wort is the Old English word for herb or plant; put it all together and you have St. John’s wort.

The mysticism surrounding St. John’s wort carried over to early American settlements where the plant was often sewn into door wreaths to drive away unfriendly spirits. Settlers also believed that the herb would induce a confession if placed in the mouth of a suspected witch.^[3] Today, most of the superstition that surrounded the plant is long forgotten and it’s understood that the plant’s ability to influence mood and temperament is owed to its nutritional components.

St. John’s Wort and Depression

St. John’s wort has shown promise in relieving symptoms of depression. Depression can present itself in many different ways and is often described as a persistent feeling of extreme unhappiness. Left unchecked, it can affect sleep, appetite, energy, cognitive function, and even the immune system. Persistent or major depression is typically due to a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They work by targeting serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that affects mood. SSRIs increase serotonin levels by blocking serotonin absorption in the brain. In theory, this can increase the amount of available serotonin and strengthen the part of the nervous system that regulates mood. Unlike a SSRI, St. John’s wort is not selective in the neurotransmitters that it blocks. Instead, it inhibits the reuptake, or absorption, of all neurotransmitters including monoamines, dopamine, and noradrenaline, and the amino-acid neurotransmitters GABA and glutamate.^[4]

Many studies have evaluated the effectiveness of St. John’s wort. Nearly 30 international studies show that it worked better than placebo for those experiencing mild to moderate depression. However, other studies found it less effective at addressing more severe kinds of depression. More studies and research may bring clarity. In the meantime, many doctors in Germany continue to recommend St. John’s wort to patients who experience mild to moderate depression.^[5]

St. John’s Wort and PMS

Over 80% of women in the United States have experienced premenstrual syndrome (PMS).^[6] Common symptoms of PMS include headaches, bloating, and fatigue. Women who suffer from more severe symptoms may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Symptoms of PMDD include depression, mood swings, and anxiety. One double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that St. John’s wort was effective at positively influencing physical and behavioral symptoms associated with PMS. More severe symptoms such as anxiety, depression, aggression, and impulsivity remained unchanged following St. John’s wort supplementation. More research is needed to determine if long-term supplementation is useful for PMS or PMDD symptoms.^[7]

St. John’s Wort and Menopause

Menopause is associated with a natural decrease in reproductive hormones in women around ages 48 to 55. The symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, sleep disruption, moodiness, and a reduced sex drive. St. John’s wort could help address several of these symptoms. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 100 women reported a decrease in the severity, frequency, and duration of hot flashes after taking St. John’s wort extract daily for eight weeks.^[8] Another study involving 111 women ages 43 to 65 reported improvements in sexual well-being after taking St. John’s wort extract.^[9]

Other Benefits of St. John’s Wort

Anxiety, stress, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have each has been studied to see if St. John’s wort is a practical alternative to traditional medications. Early results show promise, but more research is necessary to verify effectiveness. However, at least one study noted that the antioxidant properties alone in St. John’s wort could make it an effective neuroprotective agent.^[10]

Analysis of the herb’s other ancient applications, including remedying skin infections, burns, and cuts, is under way. In one study, over the course of a month, St. John’s wort seemed to help heal wounds of ICU patients.^[11] The plant’s soothing action and resistance to harmful organisms^[12] is a possible explanation for its ability to encourage healthy skin.

St. John’s Wort Supplements and Tea

You can find St. John’s wort in a variety of forms, including pills, powders, and liquids. While carefully measured extracts assure potency, you can also make tea with the fresh flowers from the plant. St. John’s wort tea is easy to make; simply steep a handful of flowers in hot water for four minutes and strain.

St. John’s Wort Side Effects and Precautions

One reason for the slow acceptance of St. John’s wort in the medical community is how it interacts with other drugs. It can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, heart medication, and even some HIV and cancer drugs.^[5] Establishing a standard potency and dosage is also a concern when using St. John’s wort. Side effects are rare but do occur. These include dry mouth, upset stomach, increased sensitivity to light, and increased feelings of anxiety. Like any supplement, use by pregnant or nursing women and children is not recommended without clear instruction from your personal, trusted health care advisor.

Alternative Approaches to Mental Health

There are many natural alternatives to support mental wellness. Nutritional approaches to mental health can have a huge impact on how you look and feel. Consuming the right food that is whole, organic, and nutritious supports a positive mental state. Daily exercise, like yoga or walking, is extremely effective at encouraging physical and mental health.^[13] No matter your physical shape, adequate sleep and daily meditation can work wonders for relieving feelings of anxiety, boosting mood, and clearing the mind.^[14]

What do you do to support mental wellness? Have you tried St. John’s wort? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.