Side Effects of St. Johns Wort

Side Effects of St. Johns Wort

Although St Johns Wort is a natural herb and has been prescribed by herbalists through the centuries it has side effects. A person may or may not experience some of these side-effects.

• Increase in sun sensitivity
• Dry mouth
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Fatigue
• Headache
• It can be a reason for causing anxiety.
• It has been implicated in causing sexual dysfunction.
• When taking the herb regularly it is a wise to be aware of the side-effects. If these side-effects cause any distress; it is best to stop taking the herb.

• If you wish to continue the herb despite the side effects you should decrease the frequency of intake or consult a naturopathy practitioner.
• As the drug causes photosensitivity it is generally advised that after taking the drug one should not be exposed to sunlight for sometime.

Saint Johns Wort - References

Research Articles

1. C.Randalov, J. Mehlsen, C.F. Thomsen, C. Hedman, H. von Fircks, and K. Winther. "The efficacy of St. John's Wort in patients with minor depressive symptoms or dysthymia � a double-blind placebo controlled study" Phytomedicine 2006 March; 13(4): PMID 16423519
2. Nahrstedt A, Butterweck V (1997). Biological active and other chemical constituents of the herb of Hypericum perforatum L. Pharmacopsychiatry 30 (Suppl 2) 129-134 Rossi S (Ed.) 2005 Australian Medicines Handbook 2005 Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook. ISBN 0-9578521-9-3.

Website References

1. Study Shows St. John's Wort Ineffective for Major Depression of Moderate Severity - (http://nccam.nih.gov/news/2002/stjohnswort/pressrelease.htm)
2. St John's wort: the herbal remedy and depression - (http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/special_reports/depression/stjwort.htm)
3. Hypericum perforatum - (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_John's_wort)

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