St. John's wort

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant species of the genus Hypericum and a member of the family Hypericaceae. It is also known as Tipton's Weed, Chase-devil, or Klamath weed.

Description[edit | edit source]

St. John's wort is a perennial plant with extensive, creeping rhizomes. Its reddish stems are erect and branched in the upper section, and can grow up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) high.

Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]

St. John's wort is native to parts of Europe and Asia but has spread to temperate regions worldwide as a cosmopolitan invasive weed.

Uses[edit | edit source]

St. John's wort is widely known as an herbal medicine for treating mild forms of depression. However, the effectiveness of St. John's wort in treating more severe forms of depression is unclear.

Side effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects include dizziness, confusion, sedation, and agitation. It can also interact with many prescription medications, which can lead to serious side effects.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

St. John's wort Resources
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Contributors: Bonnu, Prab R. Tumpati, MD