St. John's Wort: What It Is and How to Use It
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering herb with bright yellow blooms, traditionally used in European herbal practice to support emotional well-being and a balanced mood. You'll find it at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805.
Available in Bulk
We carry St. John's wort in our bulk herb section, so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful to try as a tea to a full bag for regular use. Our staff can help you find it and answer your questions.
What We Carry
We stock St. John's wort in cut and sifted form (dried flowering tops), which is traditionally brewed as an herbal tea, either on its own or blended with other calming herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called St. John's wort?
The plant traditionally blooms around St. John's Day — June 24th — and was historically harvested on that date in Europe. The "wort" part is just an old English word for herb or plant.
How is St. John's wort traditionally used?
Most often it's brewed as an herbal tea from the dried flowering tops. In European folk tradition, it has long been used to support a balanced mood and emotional well-being, especially through the darker winter months. It's also sometimes blended with lemon balm or chamomile.
Is there anything important I should know before trying it?
Yes — this is essential: St. John's wort interacts with many prescription medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, and transplant drugs, and can make them less effective. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using St. John's wort if you take any prescription medicine.
What does St. John's wort tea taste like?
It has a mildly bitter, earthy, slightly astringent flavor — typical of many traditional European herbs. Because of the bitterness, many people blend it with sweeter or more aromatic herbs like mint, lemon balm, or hibiscus.
Did you know? The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) warns that St. John's wort can interact with many medicines and make them less effective — which is why checking with a healthcare professional first is so important (source: NCCIH).
Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find St. John's wort and answer your questions.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional before using St. John's wort, especially if you take prescription medications.