How safe is St. Wort?

General Safety

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is generally safe to use, although it can cause mild side effects in some people.

Common Side Effects

1. Mild digestive problems, such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea

2. Tiredness or fatigue

3. Dry mouth

4. Headaches

5. Skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) – a rash or sunburn if exposed to bright light

6. Dizziness

7. Confusion

Less Common Side Effects

1. Anxiety or restlessness

2. Sleep problems (insomnia)

3. Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

4. Changes in menstrual cycle

5. Mania (in people with bipolar disorder)

Drug Interactions

St. John’s wort can interact with many medications because it can alter how the liver processes drugs.

Some medications that may interact with St. John’s wort include:

1. Blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and acenocoumarol (Sintrom)

2. Antidepressants, including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro)

3. Birth control pills

4. Antihistamines

5. Digoxin (Lanoxin)

6. HIV medications

7. Anti-cancer medications

Allergic Reactions

Some people may experience an allergic reaction to St. John’s wort. Symptoms may include:

1. Skin rash

2. Swelling of the face, lips, or throat

3. Difficulty breathing

4. Hives

If you experience any allergic reactions to St. John’s wort, stop taking it and see a doctor immediately.

Children and Pregnancy

St. John’s wort is not recommended for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

It is best to talk to your doctor before taking St. John’s wort or any herbal supplement. This is especially important if you are taking other medications, have any medical conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor can advise you on the potential benefits and risks of taking St. John’s wort and help you make an informed decision about whether it is right for you.