Western HerbalismHigh GBS Score (88)

St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum

Tradition of Use: Western, European

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine reuptake; modulates GABA and glutamate receptors

Key Conditions & Uses

Mild to moderate depression

anxiety

seasonal affective disorder

nerve pain

Preparation

Tea, tincture, capsule

Dosage

300mg 3x daily (0.3% hypericin standardized)

Active Compounds

Hypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids

Interactions

Strong CYP450 inducer - reduces efficacy of many drugs including birth control, warfarin, SSRIs

Contraindications

Pregnancy; concurrent antidepressants; bipolar disorder; photosensitivity

Evidence Level & Clinical Notes

Evidence Level:

Strong - comparable to SSRIs for mild-moderate depression

Clinical Notes:

Major drug interactions; causes photosensitivity; takes 4-6 weeks for effect

Conditions This Helps

Anxiety & Depression

Used In These Protocols

Depression Recovery Protocol (Non-SSRI)

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Quick Overview

TraditionWestern Herbalism

GBS Score88/100

Key Uses4

Key Points

Evidence-based information

Traditional wisdom

Safety information

Clinical applications

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