St John’s Wort (Supplement)🔊

What is St. John’s Wort for?

St. John’s Wort is a plant that grows in the wild. It is used as a treatment for depression especially in European countries. It might allow certain types of chemicals, namely serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, to stay longer in the brain in order to boost mood. However, there is limited scientific evidence to show that taking St. John’s Wort is effective in treating depression. Some studies suggest that St. John’s Wort may be effective in treating depressive symptoms in the short term. Ongoing studies are trying to understand if St. John’s Wort has anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. 

How to use it?

St. John’s Wort is taken by mouth in the form of tablets or capsules. The usual adult dose is 300-400 mg three times daily. For specific dosages, refer to the product label.

St. John’s Wort has several important drug interactions with medications such as Digoxin and Warfarin. Advise your doctor or pharmacist before taking any St. John’s Wort supplement.

What are the side effects of St. John’s Wort?

The side effects of taking St. John’s Wort are usually uncommon, but can include nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, tiredness, sensitivity to light, dry mouth, increased urination and swelling. Tremor, sweating, increased body temperature and fast heart beats might be caused when St. John’s Wort is taken with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Citalopram, Paroxetine and Sertraline. 

Where to buy St. John’s Wort in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, St. John’s Wort supplements can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.