St. John's wort risks: What you need to know before taking it
When people look for natural ways to feel better, St. John's wort, a herbal supplement often used for mild depression and mood support. Also known as Hypericum perforatum, it’s sold widely as a capsule, tea, or tincture. But what seems like a gentle fix can quietly interfere with medications you’re already taking — sometimes with life-threatening results.
The biggest danger isn’t just side effects — it’s drug interactions, how St. John’s wort changes how your body processes other medicines. It speeds up liver enzymes that break down drugs, making them less effective. That means birth control pills might fail, antidepressants stop working, or blood thinners lose their punch. People on HIV meds, transplant drugs, or even heart medications have ended up in the hospital because they didn’t know St. John’s wort was messing with their treatment. And if you’re taking any SSRI or SNRI antidepressant — like sertraline or venlafaxine — mixing them with St. John’s wort can trigger serotonin syndrome, a dangerous spike in serotonin that causes confusion, rapid heartbeat, high fever, and seizures. It’s rare, but it kills.
There’s also no standardization. One bottle might have 0.3% hypericin, another 1.5%. You can’t tell what you’re getting just by the label. And because it’s sold as a supplement, not a drug, manufacturers don’t have to prove it’s safe or effective before selling it. The FDA doesn’t approve it. No one is checking for contamination or incorrect dosing. People think "natural" means safe, but that’s a myth. Willow bark isn’t safe if you’re allergic to aspirin. And St. John’s wort? It’s not harmless just because it grows in the wild.
If you’re thinking about trying it, talk to your doctor first — especially if you’re on any prescription meds. Don’t assume your pharmacist knows everything. Many don’t track herbal supplements unless you tell them. And if you’re already taking something for anxiety, depression, or chronic illness, the risks far outweigh the possible benefits. There are safer, proven ways to manage mood. St. John’s wort isn’t the quiet hero it’s made out to be — it’s a hidden risk with real consequences.
Below, you’ll find real-world stories and science-backed warnings about what happens when herbal supplements collide with modern medicine — and how to protect yourself before it’s too late.
