St John's Wort

St John's Wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is a herb used to relieve mild depression characterized by:

• low mood
• feelings of sadness
• loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities
• irritability and fatigue

St John's Wort supplements are thought to help weight loss due to it's antidepressant actions that may reduce depression eating. A rare side effect of St John's Wort is loss of appetite, which may lead to weight loss.

Warnings About St John's Wort

Sides effects to St John's Wort are rare, but can include skin rashes caused by sunlight (photosensitivity), mild gastrointestinal symptoms, tiredness or restlessness and rarely, weight loss due to loss of appetite.

St John's Wort can interact with medications prescribed by your doctor. Some of these medications include:

• prescription antidepressants
• digoxin
• oral contraceptives
• warfarin
• amitriptyline
• simvastatin

Always consult your physician before you start taking any new medications, prescribed, herbal or natural.


The information provided has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is intended solely for general information and is NOT to replace advice from your physician or other medical professionals and should NOT be relied upon for any diagnosis, treatment or care. Always check with your doctor before starting any new drug or alternative/natural/herbal treatments and supplements.