6 Incredible Benefits of St John’s Wort Tea

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

St. John’s Wort tea is a popular use of this legendary herb, one that is not only delicious but also excellent for many aspects of your health.

What is St. John’s Wort Tea?

St. John’s Wort tea is an herbal concoction made by steeping the St. John’s Wort herb in hot water, along with a few other ingredients and spices for flavor and taste. St. John’s Wort is often consumed in supplement or capsule form, but the fresh herb is also available and can be used for various medicinal applications. For thousands of years, this herb has been made into tinctures, teas, and herbal remedies, and its effects remain highly sought after. Aside from its cultural, religious, and medicinal benefits, it also provides a strong and unique flavor that many people enjoy. [1]

St. John’s Wort Tea Benefits

St. John’s Wort tea has many amazing and powerful benefits, some of which include the following:

  • Skin care
  • Soothing respiratory ailments
  • Treating insomnia
  • Stress & anxiety
  • Relieving side effects of menstruation

Let us discuss them in detail below.

A cup of St John's wort tea kept next to a bowl of St. John's wort herb

An easy way to utilize the benefits of St John’s wort is through a cup of tea. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Skin Care

Many studies have shown that St. John’s Wort tea can have an anti-inflammatory and invigorating effect on the skin, returning color and tone, and for soothing topical skin conditions when applied in a compress. [2]

Respiratory Health

The sedative and anti-inflammatory properties of this tea make it ideal for people looking to soothe or eliminate respiratory conditions. Drinking this tea once a day can clear up sore throats and drain congestion while helping to neutralize the underlying infection. [3]

Sleep Aid

This herbal tea is perhaps best known for its sedative effects, so for those who suffer from insomnia or who rarely get a good night of undisturbed sleep, this tea can make a major difference in your quality of life. [4]

PMS Symptoms

Women have been using St. John’s Wort in various forms for thousands of years to treat certain side effects of menstruation. From cramps and mood swings to fatigue and hunger pangs, this herb can ease that difficult time each month. [5]

Immune System

Regular use of this tea will stimulate the immune system and protect you against a wide range of infections.

Stress & Anxiety

Drinking St. John’s Wort tea also helps in relieving symptoms of stress and anxiety.

How to Make St. John’s Wort Tea?

Making St. John’s Wort tea at home is simple, provided you have access to the dried or fresh herb. Take a look at the recipe below.

A cup of St John's wort tea kept next to a bowl of St. John's wort herb

St John's Wort Tea Recipe

Improve your mood and enhance cheer by sipping a warm cup of St. John's Wart tea. 
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Course: Beverage
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: St John's Wart tea
Appliance: Stove
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Author: Ishani Bose

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of filtered water
  • 3 tsp of fresh St John's Wart flowers (small yellow buds)
  • 1 tsp of honey

Instructions

  • To make St. John's Wart tea, bring 2 cups of water to boil in a saucepan.
  • Add 3 teaspoons of fresh flowers (small yellow buds) to the water.
  • Allow the mixture to steep for 4 minutes.
  • Strain out the flowers and serve hot.
  • Add honey for flavor, if desired.
    Dried yellow St. John’s wort flowers and St. John’s wort tea in a white teacup

St. John’s Wort Tea Side Effects

Despite the benefits, some of the potential side effects of this herbal tea include photosensitivity, complications with surgery, and issues for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

  • Photosensitivity: Some people have reported increased photosensitivity when consuming this tea; if you feel like your eyes are extra sensitive to sunlight, stop drinking this tea. [6]
  • Pregnancy: The powerful effects of this herb are not fully understood in the context of pregnancy or breastfeeding, and should be avoided.
  • Surgery: The sedative effects of this herb can complicate the use of anesthesia, so it is best to stop using the herbal tea two weeks before any operation.
  • Drug Interactions: If you are taking any medications, particularly those for nervous disorders or psychiatric problems, speak with your doctor before adding this tea to your health regimen.
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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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