Herbal Spotlight: St John's Wort

Jun 17, 2025

As we approach the Summer Solstice, we also approach the season of St John's Wort, a flowering plant that is often compared to sunshine. St. John’s Wort blooms right around the Summer Solstice, and its bright yellow flowers are believed to hold a bit of the sun’s energy within them. In fact, this solar association has been recognized for centuries.

The medicinal use of St. John’s Wort dates back to Ancient Greece, where it was prescribed to support emotional imbalances like anxiety and melancholy. St John's Wort is believed to bring to bring a sense of light and brightness to dark times and is beloved in herbal medicine for its ability to support mild to moderate depression.

Today, St. John’s Wort remains one of the most commonly used herbal remedies for depression across Europe, and its popularity continues to grow in holistic and integrative health spaces worldwide. Although it is most commonly known for its ability to support depression, the benefits of St John's Wort extend well beyond.

How St. John’s Wort Supports Mood

St. John’s Wort has become a go-to for many seeking natural support for depression, anxiety, and emotional imbalance.

This herb works by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain—specifically serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and norepinephrine. These are the chemical messengers responsible for regulating mood, motivation, energy, and sleep.

Rather than directly supplying these neurotransmitters (as pharmaceutical antidepressants might), St. John’s Wort is understood to inhibit their reuptake. In simple terms, it helps your brain hold onto these feel-good chemicals longer, creating a more stable mood over time.

This gentle action makes it a popular herbal option for:

Mild to moderate depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Low energy or motivation
Emotional imbalances during PMS or menopause

More Than a Mood Booster: Nerve and Muscle Support

St. John’s Wort's power doesn’t stop at emotional well-being. It also has profound effects on the nervous system and physical body, especially when it comes to pain and inflammation.

Internal Benefits:

Supports nerve-related pain and trauma, particularly in the head, spine, and areas with dense nerve endings.
Acts as an antispasmodic, relaxing muscle tension and cramping.
Believed to support the solar plexus region, including the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and digestive tract.

External Use:

St. John’s Wort can be infused in oil and used topically to:

Soothe nerve pain
Ease sore muscles
Speed wound healing
Reduce inflammation from burns, bug bites, and bruises

It’s a staple in many herbalists’ first aid kits for its versatility and gentle effectiveness.

Women’s Wellness and Hormonal Balance

St. John’s Wort is also a helpful ally for women, particularly during times of hormonal fluctuation. Many herbalists recommend it for menopausal mood swings, irritability, and anxiety, as well as for emotional symptoms related to the menstrual cycle.

Its uplifting nature and calming nervous system support can help ease the emotional load that often accompanies hormonal shifts.

How to Take St. John’s Wort

Tinctures: Potent and fast-absorbing, great for daily mood support
Capsules: Convenient for those who prefer a measured dose
Tea: Mild and soothing, best when used consistently
Infused Oil: For topical application to support pain, inflammation, or nerve damage

Using St John's Wort Mindfully

While St. John’s Wort is a powerful plant, it’s important to use it mindfully and to consult a herbalist or certified holistic practitioner prior to use. This herb can interact with a wide range of medications, including:

Antidepressants (especially SSRIs and MAOIs)
Birth control pills
Blood thinners
Antiviral and anti-seizure medications

Because it influences the liver’s detox pathways (via the cytochrome P450 enzyme system), it may alter how medications are processed.

Always consult with a trained herbalist or integrative practitioner before beginning internal use—especially if you’re currently taking any prescription medications.

In Summary

St. John’s Wort is a bright, bold, and deeply nourishing plant that offers a wide spectrum of support—from uplifting mood and calming anxiety to easing nerve pain and supporting the body through transitions.

Whether you're looking for a natural remedy for depression, a way to soothe the nervous system, or a versatile topical oil for first aid, this herb has much to offer—just be sure to approach it with care and respect.