Organic St. Johns Wort Loose Leaf Tea

Organic St. Johns Wort Loose Leaf Tea is 100% certified organic St. John's Wort, the dried flowering tops and leaf of Hypericum perforatum, cut for loose-leaf brewing. The taste is light, earthy and grounding, with a naturally aromatic finish, and loose leaf lets you set the strength yourself. Offered in 4oz, 1LB and 10lb sizes.

At a glance

• 100% certified organic Hypericum perforatum flowering tops and leaf, cut loose leaf
• Carries hypericin and pseudohypericin, hyperforin, rutin and quercetin, tannins
• 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz, steeped 5 to 10 minutes, for a light, earthy, aromatic cup
• Interaction-prone; check with a professional if you take medication
• Offered in 4oz, 1LB and 10lb sizes

The herb. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial in the family Hypericaceae, native to Europe and naturalized across North America. Its yellow flowers open near midsummer, the feast of St. John, when the tops were gathered. The plant carries hypericin and pseudohypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin, and tannins. A cup carries the water-soluble flavonoids and tannins, a modest amount of hypericin and much less hyperforin, so the tea is gentle, earthy and slightly bitter.

How to use. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz of freshly boiled water and steep 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Start with the lower amount and a shorter steep, taste, and adjust; honey softens the bitterness. Discuss regular use with a healthcare professional first, since the plant interacts with many medications.

What to expect. An uncomplicated, grounding cup that suits a slow morning or an afternoon break, earthy and settling rather than sweet or fragrant. For a softer, lemony herb from the same European tradition, see our Lemon Balm Leaf.

Safety. The most widely documented side effect is photosensitivity: it can make fair skin more prone to sunburn, so limit strong sun. Some people notice mild digestive upset, dry mouth, restlessness or headache. It is one of the most interaction-prone herbs known, speeding up the liver enzymes that clear many drugs.

• Can lower the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, blood-thinning medications, heart medications, HIV and transplant medications and many other prescriptions
• Should not be combined with antidepressant medications, triptans or tramadol
• Not for use if pregnant or nursing
• Consult a healthcare professional before drinking it if you take any medication at all

Storage. 100% certified organic St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry cupboard.

Common questions

• How long should St. John's Wort tea steep? Five to ten minutes in freshly boiled water, or shorter for a lighter cup.
• Can I drink St. John's Wort tea if I take medication? Not without checking with a healthcare professional first, since this herb interferes with many prescription drugs.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. St. John's Wort is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.