St. John's Wort, Hypericum perforatum, is a widely recognized herb used for treating depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Its active ingredients, hypericin and hyperforin, appear to impact mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, offering natural antidepressant effects.
Notably used for mild to moderate depression, it's reputed for being as effective as standard antidepressants with potentially fewer side effects for some.
However, its tendency to interact with numerous medications, including reducing their efficacy and increasing sunlight sensitivity, necessitates careful consideration and healthcare consultation before use. Despite these concerns, its long-standing medicinal history continues to make it a popular alternative remedy.