Is St John’s Wort Plant Poisonous To Humans?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Side effects. St John's

wort may cause allergic reactions

and can interact in dangerous, sometimes life-threatening ways with a variety of prescribed medicines.

Where is St Johns Wort found?

One of the most well-known species is the common, or perforated, Saint-John's-wort (H. perforatum), which is native to

Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia

. The plant is used in herbal medicine as a treatment for depression, and there is some limited clinical evidence of its efficacy.

What plant does St John's wort come from?

St. John's wort (

Hypericum perforatum

) is a flowering shrub native to Europe. It gets its name from the fact that it often blooms on the birthday of the biblical John the Baptist.

What herb is St John's wort?

St. John's wort (

Hypericum perforatum

) is a flowering plant. The flowers are used to make liquid extracts, pills, and teas. The popular herbal therapy is often used to ease symptoms of depression.

Can I grow my own St John's wort?

While you can start growing St. John's wort

from seeds indoors

, they require nearly three months to germinate. These won't grow very quickly over the first year, but seeds may continue to sprout indefinitely. Grow the plant outdoors in an herb garden or in a container.

What is the best brand of St John's wort?

  • NusaPure St. John's Wort Capsules. …
  • Healths Harmony St. John's Wort Capsules. …
  • Nature's Way St. John's Wort Capsules. …
  • Solaray St. John's Wort Tablets. …
  • VitaStrength St. John's Wort Capsules. …
  • NOW Supplements St. John's Wort Capsules. …
  • Sundown Naturals St. John's Wort Capsules.

How long does it take for St John's Wort to start working?

It may take

3 to 6 weeks

to feel any effects from St. John's wort. DO NOT stop taking St. John's wort all at once because that may cause unpleasant side effects.

Do birds eat St John's wort berries?

In particular they attract

orioles

, tanagers, bluebirds and towhees. Shrubby St. Johns Wort produces seeds that persist all winter. A favorite of finches and sparrows.

What part of St John's wort is poisonous?

Poisoning from St. John’s wort is due to the hypericin the plant contains. While hypericin can be found throughout the plant, it is most potent in the

areas that have black dots

, like the flower petals.

Is St John's wort poisonous to children?

St. John's wort

should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old

. St. John's wort is thought to be possibly safe for children ages 6 to 17 years old when taken for up to 8 weeks.

What can you not take with St John's wort?

  • warfarin.
  • digoxin.
  • theophylline.
  • other HIV protease inhibitors (saquinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir)
  • HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (efavirenz, nevirapine, delavirdine)

What supplements should not be taken with St John's wort?

John's wort can also interact with other herbs and supplements. You should avoid taking any nutritional supplement or remedy that can raise serotonin, such as

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

, L-tryptophan, or SAMe if you are taking St. John's wort.

When should I take St John's wort morning or night?

It can cause some side effects such as trouble sleeping, vivid dreams, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, stomach upset, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, skin rash, diarrhea, and tingling. Take St. John's wort

in the morning or lower the dose

if it seems to be causing sleep problems. St.

Is St John's wort hard to grow?

The St. John's wort plant (Hypericum perforatum) is a vigorous, low-maintenance perennial that

grows well in most conditions except wet soil

.

Is St John's wort invasive?

St. John's Wort weed (Hypericum perforatum), also called goatweed or Klamath weed, like many

invasive plants

of today was introduced as an ornamental in centuries past. It escaped cultivation in the United States and is now listed as a noxious weed in several states.

How far apart do you plant St John's wort?

They grow only 1 to 3 feet (30-91 cm.) tall with a spread of 1.5 to 2 feet (46-61 cm.), so space them

24 to 36 inches (61-91 cm.) apart

. Water slowly and deeply after planting and keep the soil moist until the transplants are well-established.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.