When the sunny yellow flowers of St. John’s wort start to appear then I know that summer is here! It is such an unassuming little plant that often grows along roadsides, but it is a powerful herbal ally. It is a great plant to know how to forage for, as it grows nearly everywhere and has some major benefits for us! After foraging St. John’s wort, use it to make an excellent infused oil and salve for sore muscles and pain (recipe included below).
If you want to learn more about the edible and medicinal weeds that surround us and how to use them, check out my eBook: Wildcrafting Weeds: 20 Easy to Forage Edible and Medicinal Plants (that might be growing in your backyard)!
Are St John’s Wort Berries Edible? A Closer Look at This Medicinal Plant
St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a cheerful yellow-flowered plant that has been used medicinally for centuries. But one part of this plant that often gets overlooked are the berries. So are St John’s wort berries edible? Let’s take a closer look.
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
St John’s wort is easy to grow in well-drained, sandy soil with full sun exposure. Water when the soil dries out. Fertilize every 1-2 weeks. Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Harvest leaves after the plant is established and flowers as they appear. Wear gloves during harvest.
While the berries are best avoided, St John’s wort remains a versatile medicinal plant. With its long history of healing benefits, it’s a wonderful addition to any herb garden. Just be sure to harvest the safest parts – the cheerful 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 prefers dry and gravelly locations in full sun and is common in fields, pastures, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas.
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?
| Common Name | Hypericum (aka St. John’s Wort) |
|---|---|
| Harvesting | Harvest 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 contain a compound called hypericin, which can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested in large quantities. 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. John’s Wort is a beautiful and hardy plant that is known for its bright yellow flowers and attractive foliage. Its structure and color make it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes, 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.