First things first, do not take St John’s Wort if you are taking oral contraceptives, heart medication, HIV drugs, cancer medication, anticoagulants or immunosuppressants, epilepsy drugs, cholesterol medication, lithium and antidepressants. However, St John’s Wort has been used in herbalism for centuries, from classical antiquity onwards, being positively written about in 30CE. Oil extracted from this Hypericum perforatum was used by The Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, the Knights Hospitaller. What it is now generally recognised for is its antidepressant properties. Many separate studies and research reviews have shown the efficacy of St John’s Wort as a treatment for depression. These studies have been blind tested against placebos for depression. It is as effective as standard antidepressant pharmaceuticals, whilst having fewer adverse effect. (source Wikipedia Hypericum perforatum 2008 Cochrane review of 29 clinical trials). Also, St John’s Wort tea can help with Skin Care, Respiratory Care, Aid to Sleep, PMS symptoms, Immune system, Stress and Anxiety, Hyperthyroidism, Anti-inflammatory, Mood Improver During Menopause. I would recommend limiting yourself to just one or two cups of tea per day.
It goes without saying that if you're pregnant (or are under the doc for anything) caution should be exercised with herbal decoctions.
