© Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Hypericum perforatum
CautionEchtes Johanniskraut · (Hypericum perforatum)
St John's wort family (Hypericaceae)
Description
Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's wort, is a flowering plant in the family Hypericaceae. It is a hairless, perennial herb with woody roots, yellow flowers marked by black glands, and leaves that appear perforated due to translucent glands, producing thousands of seeds per plant.
CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy
Per EMA not recommended — animal studies showed signs of reproductive toxicity.
CONTRAINDICATED during breastfeeding
Per EMA not recommended — safety during breastfeeding not established.
CONTRAINDICATED for children
Per EMA, not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years (internal) or under 12 years (external).
Critical drug interactions with:
Hormonelle Kontrazeptiva (Pille, Vaginalring, Pflaster) · Cumarin-Antikoagulanzien (Warfarin, Phenprocoumon) · Immunsuppressiva (Cyclosporin, Tacrolimus, Sirolimus, Everolimus) · HIV-Protease-Inhibitoren und Reverse-Transkriptase-Hemmer · Antidepressiva (SSRI, SNRI, MAO-Hemmer, Buspiron)
- TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use
Traditional use for temporary mental exhaustion — gentle infusion with low hyperforin content and accordingly lower interaction profile than extracts.
Preparation & dosage
INFUSION: Pour 150 ml boiling water over 1.5–2 g comminuted dried St John's wort, cover, steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink a freshly prepared cup 2–3 times daily, total daily amount 3–6 g. For temporary mental exhaustion. Note: tea contains only very small amounts of hyperforin (< 1 mg/day) — much lower interaction risk than alcoholic extracts. Effect may only set in after several days.
- Dry amount
- 1.5–2 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Per EMA, only for adults — insufficient data on safe use in children and adolescents under 18 years.
- TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use
Traditional use as a supportive treatment for nervous restlessness and associated difficulties in falling asleep.
Preparation & dosage
INFUSION for nervous restlessness and difficulty falling asleep: Pour 150 ml boiling water over 2–3 g comminuted St John's wort, cover, steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink twice daily — one cup during the day, one cup about an hour before bedtime.
- Dry amount
- 2–3 g
- Doses per day
- 2×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Per EMA, only for adults.
- TinctureAerial partsInternalEMA well-established
Clinically supported use (EMA well-established use) for mild-to-moderate depressive episodes or short-term treatment of mild depressive symptoms. IMPORTANT: Due to the hyperforin content, pronounced interactions with many medications — always check with a doctor or pharmacist before use.
Preparation & dosage
Standardised dry extract — typical daily dose 600–1800 mg, split into 1–3 single doses. Only use as a finished medicinal product with declared hypericin and hyperforin content. Effect only sets in after about 4 weeks. Continuous treatment is possible for mild-to-moderate depressive episodes; for symptomatic treatment of mild depressive disorders maximum 6 weeks.
- Dry amount
- 0.3–1.8 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 6 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Per EMA, only for adults.
- SalveFlowerExternalTraditional use
Traditional external use as red oil for minor skin inflammations (sunburn) and minor wounds.
Preparation & dosage
ST JOHN'S WORT OIL (red oil): Apply a ready-made oil macerate thinly to the affected skin area, several times daily. For symptomatic treatment of minor skin inflammations and as a supportive aid in healing minor wounds. DIY: Macerate fully opened flowers in cold-pressed olive oil for 4–6 weeks in a warm, sunny spot — the oil turns deep red. IMPORTANT: Do not expose treated skin areas to direct sunlight or UV radiation during and after use.
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per EMA, only from 12 years onwards for cutaneous use.