St. John's wort is well-known as an herbal treatment for depression, and research has proven that it can be an effective treatment for the mental illness. Some studies have even shown the herb can be as effective as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors commonly prescribed to treat depression, according to the National Institutes of Health. Other uses for the herb include treating anxiety, somatoform disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and dermatitis, although no research to date has proven it an effective treatment. St. John's wort is generally considered safe when taken as directed for periods of about one to three months, however users should be aware of some potential side effects.
Mental Disturbances
Severe psychiatric symptoms such as homicidal thoughts and suicidal thoughts and tendencies have been reported in some people taking St. John's wort to treat depression, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Light Sensitivty
Use of St. John's wort can cause some users to become more sensitive to sunlight, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Stomach Upset
Stomach upset and nausea have been reported by some people taking St. John's wort supplements. These effects may be increased when the herb is taken along with prescription antidepressants, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Anxiety
St. John's wort users may notice an increase in anxiety and restlessness. Some people also experience mental confusion while taking the herb. These effects can be exacerbated when it is taken with prescription antidepressants, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Fatigue
Unexplained fatigue or the feeling of being sedated can also occur in people taking St. John's wort, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Sexual Dysfunction
Some men taking St. John's wort have experienced sexual dysfunction such as impotence as a side effect of the supplement. In addition, delayed ejaculation has been reported in animal studies of the herb, but has not been demonstrated as a side effect in humans, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Headaches
More frequent headaches have been reported by some people taking St. John's wort. Others have reported dizziness as a side effect of the supplement.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to St. John's wort are possible, but they are rare, according to the Mayo Clinic. In most cases, an allergic reaction will result in a rash or itchy skin.
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