Organic St. Johns Wort Loose Leaf Tea

Organic St. Johns Wort Loose Leaf Tea: This 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. Loose leaf lets you set the strength yourself, from soft and subtle to rich and full. 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 the feast of St. John at midsummer, when the tops were traditionally gathered. The plant carries hypericin and pseudohypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin, and tannins.

What's in it: A cup of the tea carries a water-soluble share of the flavonoids and tannins, a modest amount of hypericin and much less hyperforin, which does not move well into hot water. So the tea reads as a gentle herbal cup, earthy, slightly bitter and hay-like.

Dosage, first time: 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.

Regular use: Because the plant is well known for interacting with medications, discuss regular use with a healthcare professional before it becomes a habit, and keep the amount at normal tea strength.

What to expect: Expect an uncomplicated, grounding cup that suits a slow morning or an afternoon break. Users describe it as earthy and settling. It is not a sweet or fragrant tea like chamomile. For a softer, lemony herb from the same European tradition, see our Lemon Balm Leaf.

Side effects: The most widely documented side effect of St. John's Wort is photosensitivity: it can make fair skin more prone to sunburn, so limit strong sun while using it. Some people notice mild digestive upset, dry mouth, restlessness or headache. Reduce the strength or stop if these appear.

Interactions and cautions: St. John's Wort is one of the most interaction-prone herbs known, because it speeds up the liver enzymes that clear many drugs. It can lower the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, blood-thinning medications, heart medications, HIV and transplant medications and many other prescriptions, and it 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.

Ingredients and 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. What does St. John's Wort tea taste like? Light, earthy and slightly bitter, with an aromatic, hay-like finish.

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.