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Herbs & Supplements
St. Johns Wort
Scientific Name: St. John's Wort
Other Names: Amber Touch-and-Heal, Hardhay, Hypericum, Hypericum perforatum, Klamath Weed, Millepertuis, Rosin Rose, SJW, Tipton Weed
What side effects should I watch for?
Major Side Effects
Rare cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous oversupply of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the body, have been attributed to taking St. John's wort. Neurotransmitters are natural body chemicals that carry messages from nerve cells to other cells. Uncontrolled serotonin syndrome may result in coma, seizures, and death. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
- Confusion
- Euphoria
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Inability to coordinate muscles
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Vomiting
One case has been documented of intense nose bleeds in an individual who had inserted St. John's wort into the nose. Surgery was needed to stop the bleeding. How often the individual used St. John's wort nasally and how long it was left in the nose are unclear.
Less Severe Side Effects
Both oral and topical forms of St. John's wort may make unprotected skin more sensitive to sunlight or artificial light in sun tanning parlors. Some evidence from case reports also seems to associate a higher risk of cataracts with possible eye sensitization to light when St. John's wort is taken. Laboratory studies have shown that St. John's wort may also contribute to retinal damage caused by light. Individuals who use St. John's wort should be sure to use sunscreen and eye protection when exposed to sunlight or artificial light used for sun tanning.
Other side effects reported from taking St. John's wort by mouth include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Irritability
- Upset stomach
Topically, St. John's wort may cause a rash.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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What side effects should I watch for? 
