St. John's Wort

What is St. John's Wort?

St. John's Wort is a traditional European herb of the plant Hypericum perforatum, recognisable by the yellow flowers. The blossom and the above-ground herb have traditionally been used. You come across St. John's Wort as tea, in capsules and as drops.

Although it is a traditional herb, St. John's Wort takes a special place: it is mainly known because of the possible interaction with medicines. Therefore it is not a herb that you simply add to your routine yourself.

St. John's Wort is not a medicine and not a substitute for medical care. Use it only after consulting a doctor or pharmacist, especially when you use medicines.

Traditional use

St. John's Wort has a long history within the European herbal tradition and is traditionally discussed in relation to general balance. These uses are traditional in nature and say nothing about any medicinal effect.

More important than the traditional use is, with this specific herb, the caution. Precisely because St. John's Wort can affect the action of medicines, consultation with a healthcare provider is not a formality here but a condition.

What people look to this herb for

• I am looking for general information about a traditional herb
• I want to know whether St. John's Wort goes together with my medicines

These are reasons people search, not promises or diagnoses. The most important answer with this herb is: always discuss use with a doctor or pharmacist first, especially with medication use.

When to be careful

St. John's Wort can affect the action of many medicines. This is the most important reason to be careful and to use it only after consulting a doctor or pharmacist.

• Contraception (the pill): St. John's Wort can affect its reliability.
• Antidepressants: do not combine without explicit medical advice.
• Blood thinners: St. John's Wort is an emphatic point of attention here.
• Other medicines: including certain medicines for immunity, the heart and more. Always consult first.
• Sensitivity to sunlight: the skin can become more sensitive to sunlight.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: do not use without consulting a doctor.

Do you use medicines, are you pregnant or breastfeeding? Then do not start with St. John's Wort yourself, but consult a doctor or pharmacist first. Stop if complaints occur and seek medical help. A herb is not a substitute for medical advice.

How is St. John's Wort used?

St. John's Wort occurs as tea, capsules and drops. Because of the possible interaction with medicines, however, a more important principle applies here than the form: use it only after consulting a doctor or pharmacist.

Always follow the usage advice on the label and do not combine St. John's Wort with medicines on your own initiative. We deliberately do not mention dosages. Do not use it over a long period without expert advice.

Why lifestyle remains important

A herb is never a substitute for a healthy foundation. A balanced lifestyle with a varied diet, enough water, sleep, exercise and attention to stress balance remains the foundation.

A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied diet, a healthy lifestyle or medical advice. With a herb like St. John's Wort, with clear points of attention, that applies all the more.

What St. John's Wort does not do

It is important to keep realistic expectations. St. John's Wort is not a medicine, not a miracle cure and not a substitute for medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases.

The body has its own natural processes via the liver, kidneys and intestines; a herb does not take these over. Seek medical advice with complaints and do not start with St. John's Wort yourself when you use medicines.