St. John's Wort for Winter Wellbeing- Yellow Flowers of Sunshine, a Reminder That Summer Will Return

The start of a new year can be emotionally challenging for many people. The post-festive period, combined with social pressure to become a “new you” and the ongoing darkness of winter, can significantly intensify feelings of low mood. Although the winter solstice has passed and daylight hours are slowly increasing, there are still a few weeks to go between snow-covered mornings and the return of warm, restorative sunlight.

As a medical herbalist, I frequently observe an increase in patients reporting low mood, fatigue, reduced motivation, and emotional vulnerability during winter. Many women attending my clinic also notice a worsening of premenstrual or menopausal symptoms at this time of year. While festive overindulgence can play a role, it is easy to underestimate the profound impact reduced sunlight has on both emotional and physical wellbeing (Barron, 2008).

St. John’s Wort and Seasonal Low Mood

During the winter months, I often incorporate St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) into my own herbal practice and even into my daily herbal brew. A wonderful plant that has been used for centuries and is renowned for its uplifting action. This well-known medicinal plant has been used for centuries in traditional European herbal medicine to support the nervous system and emotional balance. Its bright yellow flowers have earned it the nickname “herbal sunshine,” reflecting both its appearance and its traditional use for lifting low mood (British Herbal Medicine Society, n.d.). I often think of it as a herb that helps bring a little light into darker months.

From a medical herbal perspective, St. John’s wort is particularly relevant for mild to moderate low mood, especially when symptoms are linked to seasonal changes, emotional sensitivity, or nervous system depletion (Bone and Mills, 2013; Ng et al., 2017).

Evidence and Traditional Use

Modern research has supported many of the traditional uses of St. John’s wort, demonstrating that standardised extracts can influence neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. This overlap between traditional knowledge and contemporary research has made Hypericum perforatum one of the most widely studied herbal medicines for mood support (Merk et al., 2025).

Beyond its effects on emotional wellbeing, St. John’s wort has broader clinical applications. It has traditionally been used as:

• A nervine to support nervous system disorders

• An antiviral herb in specific clinical contexts

• A supportive herb in certain cases of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal symptoms

• A topical remedy for wound healing, nerve pain, and inflammatory skin conditions

(Bone and Mills, 2013)

Safety and Professional Guidance

St. John’s wort can interact with many prescription medications, including antidepressants, the oral contraceptive pill, and certain heart and immune drugs. For this reason, I never recommend self-prescribing it without professional guidance. A qualified herbalist or healthcare practitioner can help determine whether it’s appropriate and safe for you.

A Holistic Approach to Winter Wellbeing

In clinical practice, herbs are always part of a wider therapeutic picture. During winter, I encourage patients to prioritise regular daylight exposure, gentle movement, nourishing seasonal foods, and supportive daily routines. These lifestyle factors significantly enhance the effectiveness of herbal medicine and support long-term emotional wellbeing.

When used correctly and under professional guidance, St. John’s wort can be a valuable ally during the darker months, offering steady, physiological support for mood and emotional resilience when it is needed most.

Disclaimer

The information provided through this blog, website, and associated social media platforms is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.

Content relating to herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle, or wellbeing is provided in a general context and may not be suitable for all individuals. The information presented is not intended to replace advice from a General Practitioner, pharmacist, or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional registered in the United Kingdom.

Readers should not disregard, delay, or avoid seeking medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional because of information obtained from these platforms. Always consult a suitably qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, symptoms, prescribed medications, or treatment options, including before initiating or discontinuing any herbal, nutritional, or complementary therapies.

No practitioner–patient relationship is established through the use of this content. While reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, no representations or warranties are made regarding its completeness, accuracy, or applicability to individual circumstances.

References:

Bone, K. and Mills, S. (2013) Principles and practice of phytotherapy modern herbal medicine. 2nd edition. Edinburgh London New York Oxford Philadelphia St Louis Sydney Toronto: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.

British Herbal Medicine Society St John’s Wort.  Available from https://bhma.info/indications/low-mood-depression/st-johns-wort/ [accessed 26 January 2026].

Mary, L.B. (2007) Light exposure, melatonin secretion, and menstrual cycle parameters: An integrative review. Biological Research for Nursing, 9(1) 49–69. Available from https://doi.org/10.1177/1099800407303337.

Merk, V.M., Boonen, G. and Butterweck, V. (2025) St. john's wort for depression: From neurotransmitters to membrane plasticity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(24) 11925. doi: 10.3390/ijms262411925. Available from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12732952/ [accessed 11 February 2026].

Ng, Q.X., Venkatanarayanan, N. and Ho, C.Y.X. (2017) Clinical use of hypericum perforatum (st john's wort) in depression: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 210 211–221. Available from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032716315920 [accessed 28 January 2026].