What it does: The main compounds, hypericin and hyperforin, are thought to help regulate neurotransmitter activity such as serotonin, which is linked to mood and emotional health.
How it is used: It is often used in supplement routines for mood support, particularly for individuals seeking to maintain emotional balance or cope with mild stress or occasional low mood.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Sourced directly from the Hypericum perforatum plant, St John’s Wort is typically found in supplements as a dried herb, powdered extract, or standardized extract form, available as capsules, tablets, and liquid tinctures.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Brands use St John’s Wort in mood and stress support blends because of its studied effects on neurotransmitter systems and its history in supporting emotional resilience.
What to know before use: St John’s Wort can interact with several medications, including antidepressants and birth control, so it is important to seek guidance from a healthcare provider before use if you are on medication or have health concerns.
Interesting Fact
Yellow Flowers With a Storied Past
St John's Wort comes from the bright yellow flowers of Hypericum perforatum, a wild plant native to Europe. It gets its name from blooming around St. John’s Day (June 24). Traditionally, people noticed tiny translucent dots on its leaves, which are actually special oil glands unique to this plant. These natural oils are why St John's Wort remains popular in supplement blends today.
