What Is Hypericum Perforatum?

Identification

• St. John's Wort is a perennial herb that grows in pastures and along roadsides. Mature herbs are approximately 4 feet tall. They have multiple long stems and small oval-shaped leaves, and they produce bright yellow five-petal flowers between June and September. The flowers usually have black spots along the edges of the petals.

Benefits

• According to the Mayo Clinic, St. John's Wort is just as useful as tricyclic antidepressants for treating mild to moderate depression. It might also be useful for treating anxiety disorders, although more evidence is needed to validate that theory.

Considerations

• St. John's Wort occasionally causes skin rashes and itching, as well as tiredness, stomach upset, sensitivity to light, headache and dizziness. It decreases the effectiveness of birth control pills, according to Medicine Net, and increases the risk of bleeding if taken with aspirin. Consult a doctor before using St. John's Wort in combination with any prescription or over-the-counter medications.