Natural Health Products and Medication
St. John’s Wort
Scientific name: Hypericum perforatum
Synonyms: amber, touch-and-heal, goat weed, hardhay
Part(s) used
Flower tops
Principal constituents
Hypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids and essential oil
Recognized therapeutic effects
- Treats reactional depression (light or moderate)
- Helps overcome insomnia
- Beneficial in cases of nervous disorders, seasonal affective disorders, fear and anxiety
- Helps treat viral infections
Traditional use
In external or internal use
- Treatment of pain and inflammation
In external use
- Healing wounds
In internal use
- Treatment of neurological disorders including anxiety, irritability, nervousness, agitation, disturbed sleep, migraine, fibrosis, pain and spasms caused by nerve injuries
- Treatment of rheumatism and gout
- Treatment of diarrhea
- As a diuretic
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Depression of endogenous origin (serious depression that can lead to suicide)
- Less than 5 days before a surgical operation
- Activities requiring alertness
Please note: During use, exposure to the sun should be avoided.
Drug interactions
- Increases the effect of various categories of antidepressants (Norpramin, Tofranil, Celexa, Prozac, Fluoxetine, Effexor and Effexor XR)
- Increases the sedative effect of benzodiazepines, antihistamines, pentobarbital and other medications likely to cause somnolence
- After repeated doses, decreases the absorption of Lanoxin (Digoxin)
- Alters quantity and duration of menstrual bleeding when taken with oral contraceptives
- Reduces the effect of anticoagulants such as Coumadin and Theodur (theophilline)
- Reduces the effect of Sandimmune and Neoral
- Increases the serotonergic effect of triptans (anti-migraine agents such as sumatripta, naratriptan and rizatriptan)
Content produced by Option Consommateurs
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