(Hypericum perforatum)
Description
St. John’s wort is a shrubby perennial plant characterized by its bright yellow flowers. The plant’s name is derived from the red spots that appear on its leaves, symbolizing the blood of St. John on the anniversary of his beheading.
Health Benefits
- Antidepressant: Numerous studies have shown St. John’s wort to be effective in treating mild-to-moderate depression.
- Menopausal symptoms: Also helpful in treating symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome.
Available Forms
St. John’s wort is available as dried flowers, tea bags, tincture, fluid extract, and standardized dry powdered flowers in capsules and tablets.
Dosage
The dosage for St. John’s wort extract standardized to 0.3% of hypericin and 3–5% of hyperforin is 900–1800 mg daily.