Overview

St. John's wort, also called Hypericum perforatum, is a flowering shrub native to Europe. St. John's wort gets its name because it often blooms on the birthday of the biblical John the Baptist.

The flowers and leaves of St. John's wort have active ingredients such as hyperforin. St. John's wort can be found as a supplement in teas, tablets, liquids, and preparations that are put on the skin.

People use St. John's wort to treat depression and symptoms of menopause.