Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St John's Wort, is a perennial flowering herb in the Hypericaceae family native to temperate Europe and Western Asia, particularly across the Mediterranean basin and surrounding grasslands. The flowering aerial parts have a mildly bitter, slightly astringent taste with a faint resinous aroma. St John’s wort is known for its antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, wound-healing properties. Its primary active constituents include hyperforin and hypericin, as well as flavonoids, contributing to its effects on both neurotransmitter balance as well as  inflammation. Clinically, it is most studied for mild to moderate depression. A large systematic review and meta-analysis found standardized St John’s wort extracts were as effective as conventional antidepressants for mild-to-moderate depression and were associated with fewer side effects leading to discontinuation PMID: 28064110. St John’s wort works on serotonin, dopamine, & norepinephrine, helping to balance mood, energy, and motivation. Unlike an SSRI that mainly targets serotonin, St John’s wort takes a broader approach, functioning
to modulate multiple neurotransmitters at once.