Is St. John's Wort Bad For You?
Also Known As: Hypericum perforatum, perforate St John's-wort
Short answer
Extensive research shows St. John's Wort to be safe and effective as an herbal remedy. However, many medications can negatively interact with the herb, and pose serious health risks. It is important to speak with your doctor before starting St. John's Wort.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
St. John’s Wort, or hypericum perforatum, is a plant that has long been used as an herbal remedy. It is considered to be an invasive weed that is native to Europe and Asia. A flowering plant, St. John’s Wort is now found in temperate regions of India, China, U.S. and Africa and there are over 370 species in this genus. It can be used as a topical tincture to wounds and skin irritations, ingested in a tea made from the flowers, or taken in capsule form.
The herb is useful both topically and orally. It has applications for the relief of pain, to speed the healing of wounds including, cold sores, Herpes, Shingles, and Eczema. St. John’s Wort is also recommended for colic, insomnia, stomach ache, and uterine cramps associated with menstrual problems.
St. John’s Wort is effective in treating mild depressive mood disorders in place of prescription synthetic antidepressants. Unlike synthetic drugs, St. john’s Wort has little, if any, side effects
There are possible side effects and drug interactions associated with St. John’s Wort. St. John’s Wort works as a MAO inhibitor and should not be taken in conjunction with other anti-depressant medications. Doing so could cause a dangerous overdose of serotonin into the system. This could result in coma and even death. You should always consult your doctor before starting St. John’s Wort. Many doctors recommend that people who take contraceptive pills and antiepileptic medications avoid St. John’s Wort. There may be additional medications that you take that have the potential to give an adverse reaction when mixed with St. John’s Wort. Certain foods containing tyramine, such as cheese, red wine, preserved meats and yeast extracts should also be avoided, when possible. The topical applications of St. John’s Wort can make some skin more sensitive to sunlight.
St. John’s Wort should never be taken by a person undergoing chemotherapy. The drugs will be rendered less effective as St. John’s Wort affects the metabolic breakdown of chemotherapy drugs in the liver. St John’s Wart can be an effective natural treatment for depression, particularly short-term ‘situational depression’. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor prior to taking any over-the-counter medication or herb that can have significant effects on major organs or the Neurological system, to ensure that the medication/herb is a good fit for you.
Possible short-term side effects
- dizziness
-
drowsiness
-
headache
-
upset stomach
Possible long-term side effects
- overuse could result in oversupply of serotonin in the body causing confusion, coma, seizures and death
-
contraindication with other medications could result in serious injury or death
Benefits
- antidepressant effects
-
strengthens immune system
-
antiviral
-
promotes healthy menstruation
-
pain relief
Healthier alternatives
Please turn your Ad Blocker off to see this content. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 04-24-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 04-24-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Approved by 
