Are St. John’s Wort Berries Safe to Eat? A More In-Depth Look at This Healing PlantSt. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a happy plant with yellow flowers that has been used for hundreds of years as a medicine. The berries on this plant, on the other hand, are often forgotten. So, can you eat St. John’s Wort berries? Let’s find out.
An Overview of St John’s Wort
Native to Europe, Asia and Northern Africa, St John’s wort prefers sunny locations and is commonly found along roadsides and meadows The plant grows 1-3 feet tall on branched stems. The leaves are dotted with translucent glands that give them a perforated appearance when held up to light
From June to August, St John’s wort produces bright yellow flowers with conspicuous black dots along the petal margins. The flowers bloom in clusters at the stem ends. In late summer to early fall, the plant also produces small, red berries around 4-5 mm across that contain many tiny seeds.
Traditional and Modern Uses
St John’s wort has a long history of medicinal use for treating wounds, burns, nerve pain, anxiety, insomnia and depression. Today, it remains a popular natural antidepressant. Applied topically, it soothes skin conditions.
However, the berries are not considered edible. They contain variable amounts of hypericin, an active compound that can cause side effects if too much is ingested. The unknown hypericin levels make the fresh berries unsafe for consumption.
Potential Dangers of the Berries
Most experts advise against eating St John’s wort berries. Drying or cooking doesn’t necessarily reduce the hypericin to safe levels. Consuming the berries may lead to:
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Anxiety, dizziness and confusion
- Increased photosensitivity
Additionally, the berries may be unsafe for certain groups:
- Children: Contain chemicals that can cause photosensitivity and stomach upset
- Pregnant/nursing women: May cause birth defects or colic in infants
- People on medications: May interact and reduce effectiveness of drugs
So while the plant has many health benefits, it’s best to avoid eating the berries. The flowers and aerial parts can be safely used for teas, tinctures, oils and salads.
Other Cautions and Concerns
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The plant sap may cause rashes or allergic reactions. Wear gloves when handling.
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Can be toxic to pets if ingested. Keep animals away from the plant.
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Not recommended for children due to toxicity concerns. Monitor play areas.
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May interact with HIV, antidepressant and birth control medications. Consult a doctor before use.
Growing and Harvesting
It is simple to grow St. John’s Wort in sandy soil that gets full sun. Water when the soil dries out. Fertilize every 1-2 weeks. Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before last frost. After the plant has grown some leaves, and as the flowers appear, pick them. Wear gloves during harvest.
Even though you should stay away from the berries, St. John’s Wort is still a useful medicinal plant. It’s a great herb to have in your garden because it has been used for healing for a long time. Just make sure to pick the safest parts, which are the bright yellow flowers and flowering tops.
St. John’s Wort Considerations
Due to its powerful effects on depression, St. John’s wort should not be taken with prescription antidepressants.
If you are taking any medication please consult your doctor, naturopath, or a trained clinical herbalist before taking St. John’s wort.
When taking St. John’s wort internally, it is best to cycle 2-3 weeks on, then one week off to get the most benefit.
Where to Find St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) can be found from late spring through summer. Often when it is dried up and past its prime in warmer climates you can still find it in cooler locations and higher elevations.
St. John’s wort is very common and grows nearly worldwide. It likes places that are dry, gravelly, and in full sun. You can find it in fields, pastures, along roadsides, and in areas that have been disturbed.
EDIBLE MOUNTAIN — St. John’s Wort
FAQ
What parts of St John’s wort are edible?
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is considered edible, with the young leaves, flowers, and buds being the most commonly used parts for culinary purposes.
When to harvest St. John’s Wort berries?
Hypericum Growing GuideCommon NameHypericum (aka St. John’s Wort)HarvestingHarvest is carried out when about 80% of the berries on the branch are ripe and colored, and almost all of the flowers have dropped. Cut back to just a couple of inches, to allow them to regrow.
Is St John’s wort berries poisonous to dogs?
St. John’s wort is not known to have toxic effects in dogs.
Are red Hypericum berries toxic?
Edibility and Toxicity The current consensus is clear: Hypericum Berry is not considered edible due to its potential toxicity. While it has historical roots in herbal remedies, these past uses do not validate its safety for consumption today.
Is St John’s Wort edible?
Goatweed. St Johns Wort Oil St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum ) is wild, edible and nutritious food. Identify st john’s wort via its pictures, habitat, height, flowers and leaves.
Can You Eat St John’s Wort berries?
No, the berries of St. John’s Wort are not safe to consume. They have a chemical in them called hypericin that can be harmful to both people and animals if eaten in large amounts. It is essential to handle St. John’s Wort with care and avoid consuming any parts of the plant. What is the typical size and height range for a mature St. John’s Wort plant?.
Can you grow St John’s Wort berries?
by Erin Marissa Russell Gardeners in zones five through nine can grow St. John’s wort, or red hypericum berries. In addition to red, you may find St. John’s wort plants that produce berries in shades of peach, brown, and green. The berries appear at the ends of branches as summer comes to a close and flowers fade.
Is St John’s Wort a good plant?
Overall, St. St. John’s Wort is a pretty and hardy plant that has bright yellow flowers and pretty leaves. It is often used in gardens and landscapes because of its shape and color, and its berries are also used in herbal medicine.
How do you eat St John’s Wort?
Sugar, honey, or lemon juice are often added into this concoction to make it more palatable. Fresh St. John’s wort leaves can be tossed into salads. The fresh flowers can also be used as a beautiful edible garnish in salads.
What does St John’s Wort look like?
” – Joe Forager (Owner) St. John’s wort ( Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering perennial plant that’s native to Europe. This plant can be distinguished by its yellow, star-shaped flowers which were said to first appear on St. John the Baptist’s birthday.