PROPER NAME:	St. John’s Wort, Hypericum perforatum
COMMON NAMES:	Klamath Weed, Qian Ceng Lou
PARTS USED:	The flowering tops are the best sources, but the entire above ground portion can be used
FORMS:	Tablet or capsule, tincture (100 proof vodka with the flowering top soaked in it for two weeks)
CLAIMS:	St. John’s Wort has several uses. In Europe, the most common external use is for wound healing and bruising. In Europe and America, the most common use for it internally is as an antidepressant and sedative.
DOSAGE:	300 mg per day of standardized herbal extract (0.3% hypericin) three times per day for 4-6 weeks is the normal dosage. Can also be used in tea form with 2-4 grams of tea in 1-2 cups of water every day for 4-6 weeks.
SIDE EFFECTS:	Persons with severe depression or Manic Depression should not use St. John’s Wort. St. John’s Wort is also contraindicated in persons taking the following drugs: MAO inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate, etc.), warfarin, cyclosporin (immune suppressor used in heart transplants), indinavir (HIV-1 protease inhibitor), digoxin and seratonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Effexor, etc. Adverse events are uncommon but may include constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, gastrointestinal distress, restlessness, sleep disturbances, and phototoxicity. Avoid use in pregnant and lactating women, and in children.

ST. JOHN’S WORT REFERENCES

St. John’s Wort (on-line).Available Internet: www.faseb.org/aspet/H&MIG5.htm, 2/26/00.

St. John’s Wort (on-line). Available Internet: www.kcweb.com/herb/stjohn_side.htm, 2/26/00.

St. John’s Wort (on-line). Available Internet: www.mothernature.com/ency/Herb/St_Johns_Wort.asp, 2/26/00.

St. John’s Wort (on-line). Available Internet: www.physiciansdierct.com/precaution.cfm, 2/26/00.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended to provide basic information only. It is not a recommendation for use or endorsement of any product listed, by the Southeastern Michigan Dietetic Association. Please consult your physician or a health professional before taking any medications or supplements.

Looking for previously posted Complementary Nutrition topics or our Cultural Food Pyramids and Recipes? Visit our archives in the General Nutrition Information Section.