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In combination with certain foods and drugs, MAO inhibitors may cause dangerously increased blood pressure (hypertensive crisis). Symptoms include headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and clammy skin. In recommended amounts, St.John’s-wort is not as powerful as pharmaceutical MAO-inhibitors. Nonetheless, those using the herb should follow certain precautions. While using St.John’s-wort. do not take amphetamines, narcotics, the amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine, diet pills, asthma inhalants, nasal decongestants, or cold or hay fever medications. In addition, don’t drink beer. wine, or coffee, or eat salami, yogurt, chocolate, fava beans, or smoked or pickled items.
Shun the Sun
In livestock fed St.John’s-wort. the hypericin concentrates near the skin and causes blistering sunburn.
Laboratory animals injected with large doses of hypericin have died after exposure to sunlight.
The scientific consensus is that in recommended doses, whole St-John’s-wort causes little if any photosensitization except in fair-skinned people, who are generally more sensitive to sunlight. Those taking St-John’s-wort (like those taking the antibiotic tetracycline, another photosensitizing drug) should make an effort to stay out of the sun.
AIDS patients report the herb is relatively nontoxic, but some have reported drowsiness, sun sensitivity, nausea, and diarrhea.
Other Cautions
The FDA can’t make up its mind about St.-John’s-wort. After declaring it unsafe in 1977, the agency partially reversed its ruling and now allows the herb in vermouths.
For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults who do not have hypertension and are not taking MAO inhibitors or any medications that interact adversely with them, St.Johns-wort is considered safe in amounts typically recommended. It should only be used, however, with the consent and supervision of a physician.
St.-John’s-wort should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If St.-John’s-wort causes headache, stiff neck, or nausea, use less or stop using it. If symptoms persist, consult your physician promptly.
Flowers That “Bleed”
St-John’s-wort is a woody, invasively spreading perennial that reaches 2 feet and has an aroma reminiscent of turpentine. Its leaves are dotted with glands that produce a red oil. Its striking star-shaped flowers bloom bright yellow in summer. They also contain the leaf oil, and when pinched, turn red. ‘
St.Johns-wort is best propagated from root divisions in spring or fall, It grows in almost any well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade. Contain the herb to control its spread. Although it is a perennial, St-John’s-wort is not particularly long lived. Replant it every few years.
Harvest the leaves and flower tops as the plants bloom.
Dry them and store in airtight containers.