{"product_id":"st-john-s-wort","title":"St. John's Wort","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cem\u003eHypericum perforatum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSt. John's Wort — The Sunshine Herb for Lifting the Weight of a Heavy Mind\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBotanical Identification\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e St. John's Wort, Klamath Weed, Goatweed, Tipton's Weed, Chase-Devil, Perforate St. John's Wort\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hypericaceae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHypericum perforatum\u003c\/em\u003e L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParts Used:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowering tops (buds, open flowers, and uppermost leaves), harvested at peak bloom around the summer solstice\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa; now naturalized across temperate regions worldwide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdentification Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e The species name \u003cem\u003eperforatum\u003c\/em\u003e refers to the tiny translucent oil glands visible when a leaf is held up to light, giving a \"perforated\" appearance. Crushing the yellow flower buds between the fingers releases a deep red-purple pigment — this is hypericin, one of its signature compounds, and a reliable way to confirm correct identification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCultural and Historical Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt. John's Wort is named for its traditional harvest around the Feast of St. John the Baptist (June 24), when the plant is at the height of its bloom. In medieval Europe it was hung over doorways and windows on Midsummer's Eve to ward off evil spirits, earning names like \"Chase-Devil\" and \"Fuga Daemonum.\" Greek physicians including Hippocrates and Dioscorides documented its use for wound healing and nervous complaints. Paracelsus recognized it as a remedy for melancholy in the 16th century. In traditional European folk medicine, the red oil macerated from fresh flowers — known as \"Red Oil\" or \"Oleum Hyperici\" — was a household staple for burns, bruises, and nerve pain. Modern clinical research beginning in Germany in the 1980s and 1990s brought St. John's Wort into mainstream use as a first-line botanical treatment for mild-to-moderate depression, and it remains one of the most prescribed herbal medicines in Europe today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Bioactive Compounds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"6\" cellspacing=\"0\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003cth\u003eCompound\u003c\/th\u003e\n    \u003cth\u003eClass\u003c\/th\u003e\n    \u003cth\u003ePrimary Action\u003c\/th\u003e\n  \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eHypericin\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eNaphthodianthrone\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eAntidepressant activity; antiviral; photosensitizing agent\u003c\/td\u003e\n  \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eHyperforin\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003ePhloroglucinol derivative\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003ePrimary antidepressant compound; inhibits reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, and glutamate\u003c\/td\u003e\n  \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eFlavonoids (rutin, quercetin, hyperoside)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eFlavonol glycosides\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eAnti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic\u003c\/td\u003e\n  \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eProcyanidins\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eTannins\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eWound healing, astringent, vascular support\u003c\/td\u003e\n  \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eEssential oil (2-methyloctane, limonene)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eVolatile terpenes\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eMild sedative, antimicrobial\u003c\/td\u003e\n  \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003ePseudohypericin\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eNaphthodianthrone\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eAntiviral; contributes to mood support alongside hypericin\u003c\/td\u003e\n  \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow It Works in the Body\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt. John's Wort operates through a remarkably broad mechanism that distinguishes it from synthetic antidepressants. Hyperforin is now recognized as the principal antidepressant agent. It acts by activating TRPC6 ion channels in neuronal membranes, which indirectly inhibits the reuptake of multiple neurotransmitters — serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, GABA, and glutamate — simultaneously. This multi-target reuptake inhibition profile is unique among both botanical and pharmaceutical antidepressants. Hypericin and pseudohypericin contribute additional modulation of neurotransmitter signaling and show affinity for sigma receptors, which are implicated in mood regulation. The flavonoid fraction provides anxiolytic effects comparable to mild benzodiazepine activity without the sedation or dependence risk. Collectively, these compounds downregulate cortisol production via the HPA axis over time and upregulate the density of serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex. Clinical onset typically requires 2 to 4 weeks of consistent daily use, mirroring the timeline of conventional SSRI therapy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDose Guidelines\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"6\" cellspacing=\"0\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003cth\u003eForm\u003c\/th\u003e\n    \u003cth\u003eAmount\u003c\/th\u003e\n    \u003cth\u003eFrequency\u003c\/th\u003e\n    \u003cth\u003eNotes\u003c\/th\u003e\n  \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eDried herb tea\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003e1 to 2 teaspoons (2-4 g)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003e2-3 cups daily\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eSteep 10-15 minutes, covered; best as a daily regimen rather than occasional use\u003c\/td\u003e\n  \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eStandardized extract (capsule\/tablet)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003e300 mg (standardized to 0.3% hypericin)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003e3 times daily\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eThe most clinically studied dosage form; 900 mg\/day total\u003c\/td\u003e\n  \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eTincture (1:5, 45% ethanol)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003e2-4 mL\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003e3 times daily\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eUse fresh-plant tincture when possible for full hyperforin content\u003c\/td\u003e\n  \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eTopical oil (infused)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eApply liberally\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003e2-3 times daily\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003ctd\u003eFor nerve pain, minor burns, bruises; do not apply before sun exposure\u003c\/td\u003e\n  \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAllow 4 to 6 weeks of consistent daily use before evaluating effectiveness for mood support. Do not abruptly discontinue after prolonged use — taper gradually over 1 to 2 weeks.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePreparation and Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHot infusion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pour 8 oz boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons dried flowering tops. Cover and steep 10-15 minutes. Strain. The tea has a mildly bitter, slightly resinous flavor. May be blended with lemon balm, passionflower, or holy basil for synergy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSt. John's Wort Oil (Oleum Hyperici):\u003c\/strong\u003e Pack fresh flower buds into a jar, cover with olive oil, and set in a sunny window for 4-6 weeks. The oil turns a deep ruby red as hypericin and hyperforin infuse. Strain and store in dark glass. Excellent for topical nerve pain, sciatica, bruises, and minor burns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTincture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Macerate fresh flowering tops in 45-60% ethanol for 4-6 weeks. The resulting tincture should be a rich red-purple color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEncapsulation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dried herb can be powdered and filled into capsules for those who prefer not to taste the tea.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOptimal Context for Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMild to moderate depression, particularly seasonal affective disorder (SAD)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAnxiety and nervous restlessness when co-occurring with depressive symptoms\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMenopausal mood disturbances and related sleep disruption\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNerve pain (neuralgia), including sciatica and shingles-related pain (topical oil)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMinor burns, bruises, and wound care (topical oil)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEmotional exhaustion, burnout, and grief recovery when used as part of a holistic approach\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSustainability and Ethical Harvesting\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHypericum perforatum\u003c\/em\u003e is abundant to the point of being considered an invasive weed in parts of North America, Australia, and South America. Wild harvesting is ecologically sustainable in most regions and actually benefits rangeland management where the plant displaces native species. When wildcrafting, harvest only the top one-third of the plant during peak bloom, leaving enough standing to reseed. The plant reproduces vigorously by both seed and rhizome, ensuring rapid regrowth. Cultivated sources are widely available and provide consistency in active compound concentrations. There are no significant conservation concerns for this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSafety and Cautions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSt. John's Wort has more clinically significant drug interactions than almost any other herbal medicine. READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrug Interactions — CRITICAL:\u003c\/strong\u003e St. John's Wort is a potent inducer of the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4 and the drug transporter P-glycoprotein. This means it \u003cstrong\u003eaccelerates the breakdown and elimination\u003c\/strong\u003e of a wide range of medications, potentially reducing them to ineffective or even dangerous levels. The following is a non-exhaustive list of major interactions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAntidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics):\u003c\/strong\u003e Combining St. John's Wort with serotonergic drugs creates serious risk of \u003cstrong\u003eserotonin syndrome\u003c\/strong\u003e — a potentially life-threatening condition with symptoms including agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, muscle rigidity, and hyperthermia. NEVER combine with prescription antidepressants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOral contraceptives:\u003c\/strong\u003e Significantly reduces effectiveness. Breakthrough bleeding and unintended pregnancies have been documented.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWarfarin and anticoagulants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reduces blood levels of warfarin, increasing risk of clotting events including stroke.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHIV antiretrovirals (indinavir, nevirapine, etc.):\u003c\/strong\u003e Can reduce drug levels by 50% or more, risking treatment failure and viral resistance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImmunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus):\u003c\/strong\u003e Reduces blood levels critically. Organ transplant rejection has been directly attributed to St. John's Wort use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChemotherapy agents (irinotecan, imatinib, etc.):\u003c\/strong\u003e Reduces efficacy of cancer treatment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeart medications (digoxin, calcium channel blockers, statins):\u003c\/strong\u003e Lowers drug concentrations to sub-therapeutic levels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBenzodiazepines and sedatives (alprazolam, midazolam):\u003c\/strong\u003e Accelerates metabolism, reducing effectiveness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnti-seizure medications:\u003c\/strong\u003e May reduce effectiveness and increase seizure risk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOpioid pain medications (methadone, fentanyl, oxycodone):\u003c\/strong\u003e Reduces analgesic effect.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTriptans (sumatriptan, etc.):\u003c\/strong\u003e Serotonin syndrome risk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you take ANY prescription medication, consult your physician or pharmacist before using St. John's Wort.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhotosensitivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hypericin causes increased sensitivity to UV light, particularly at higher doses. Fair-skinned individuals and those taking other photosensitizing drugs should exercise caution with sun exposure. Sunburn, rash, and blistering have been reported in sensitive individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePregnancy and Nursing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Insufficient safety data. Generally advised to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiscontinuation:\u003c\/strong\u003e After prolonged use (more than a few weeks), taper the dose gradually rather than stopping abruptly to avoid rebound mood disturbance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot for severe depression or bipolar disorder:\u003c\/strong\u003e St. John's Wort has triggered manic episodes in individuals with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. It is not a substitute for professional psychiatric care in cases of severe, treatment-resistant, or psychotic depression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eReferences\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLinde, K., Berner, M. M., \u0026amp; Kriston, L. (2008). St John's wort for major depression. \u003cem\u003eCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews\u003c\/em\u003e, (4), CD000448.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHypericum Depression Trial Study Group (2002). Effect of Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort) in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. \u003cem\u003eJAMA\u003c\/em\u003e, 287(14), 1807-1814.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMuller, W. E. (2003). Current St. John's wort research from mode of action to clinical efficacy. \u003cem\u003ePharmacological Research\u003c\/em\u003e, 47(2), 101-109.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHenderson, L., et al. (2002). St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum): drug interactions and clinical outcomes. \u003cem\u003eBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology\u003c\/em\u003e, 54(4), 349-356.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRusso, E., et al. (2014). Hypericum perforatum: pharmacokinetic, mechanism of action, tolerability and clinical drug-drug interactions. \u003cem\u003ePhytomedicine\u003c\/em\u003e, 21(11), 1611-1621.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBlumenthal, M. (Ed.) (2000). \u003cem\u003eHerbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs\u003c\/em\u003e. American Botanical Council.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEuropean Medicines Agency (2021). \u003cem\u003eAssessment report on Hypericum perforatum L., herba\u003c\/em\u003e. EMA\/HMPC.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFinal Note\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt. John's Wort is one of the most thoroughly researched medicinal plants in the world, with a body of clinical evidence that rivals many pharmaceutical antidepressants for mild-to-moderate depression. Its extraordinary potency, however, comes with extraordinary responsibility — no other herb interacts with as many prescription drugs as significantly as this one does. Used wisely and with full awareness of its pharmacological power, it remains one of the most important plants in the herbal medicine chest. This product is sold as a raw botanical for personal formulation and education. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sugar Creek Trading Company","offers":[{"title":"powder \/ 25g","offer_id":50934973989162,"sku":null,"price":2.36,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 25g","offer_id":50934974021930,"sku":null,"price":2.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"powder \/ 50g","offer_id":50934974054698,"sku":null,"price":4.01,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 50g","offer_id":50934974087466,"sku":null,"price":4.17,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"powder \/ 100g","offer_id":50934974120234,"sku":null,"price":7.54,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 100g","offer_id":50934974153002,"sku":null,"price":7.84,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"powder \/ 250g","offer_id":50934974185770,"sku":null,"price":16.03,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 250g","offer_id":50934974218538,"sku":null,"price":16.66,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"powder \/ 500g","offer_id":50934974251306,"sku":null,"price":29.81,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 500g","offer_id":50934974284074,"sku":null,"price":30.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 1kg","offer_id":50934974316842,"sku":null,"price":56.04,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 1kg","offer_id":50934974349610,"sku":null,"price":58.24,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 2kg","offer_id":50934974382378,"sku":null,"price":106.48,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 2kg","offer_id":50934974415146,"sku":null,"price":110.66,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 5kg","offer_id":50934974447914,"sku":null,"price":252.88,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 5kg","offer_id":50934974480682,"sku":null,"price":262.82,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 10kg","offer_id":50934974513450,"sku":null,"price":499.36,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 10kg","offer_id":50934974546218,"sku":null,"price":480.48,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 25kg","offer_id":50934974578986,"sku":null,"price":1185.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 25kg","offer_id":50934974611754,"sku":null,"price":1141.14,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 50kg","offer_id":50934974644522,"sku":null,"price":2253.35,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 50kg","offer_id":50934974677290,"sku":null,"price":2168.16,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 100kg","offer_id":50934974710058,"sku":null,"price":4281.36,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 100kg","offer_id":50934974742826,"sku":null,"price":4119.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/3547\/6010\/files\/st-johns-wort_e5331f42-4d78-4b2b-82b9-dff0fa44aa7a.png?v=1772272218","url":"https:\/\/sugarcreektradingcompany.com\/it\/products\/st-john-s-wort","provider":"Sugar Creek Trading Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}