What is it used for?
(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve restlessness and/or nervousness (nervine/calmative) [Source note 2].
(Used in Herbal Medicine to) help(s) promote healthy mood balance [Source note 3].
(Used in Herbal Medicine to) help(s) relieve sleep disturbances associated with mood imbalance [Source note 4].
The recommended uses above can be combined on the product label if they are from the same traditional or non-traditional paradigm (e.g. Used in Herbal Medicine to help promote healthy mood balance and to help relieve sleep disturbances associated with mood imbalance).
For multi-ingredient products:
Who does this guide cover?
Adults 18 years and older
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Quantities
Restlessness/nervousness
Methods of preparation: Dry, Powdered, Non-Standardized Extracts (Dry extract*, Tincture, Fluid extract, Decoction, Infusion)
2 - 12.6 grams of dried herb top, per day; Not to exceed 4.2 grams per single dose [Source note 5].
*Note: Solvents allowed for the method of preparation “Non-standardized extracts (Dry extract)” as part of this reference are ethanol and/or water only.
Mood balance; Sleep disturbances
Methods of preparation: Standardized extracts (Dry extract)
600 - 1800 milligrams of extract, per day, standardized to 3-6% hyperforin and/or 0.12-0.28% hypericin; Not to exceed 600 milligrams of extract per single dose [Source note 6].
How is it used?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
How long is it used?
Use for at least 2 to 4 weeks to see beneficial effects [Source note 7].
Ask a healthcare professional for use beyond 18 weeks [Source note 8].
Warnings and precautions
Healthy mood balance
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have a psychological disorder such as anxiety or depression.
All products
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding [Source note 9].
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are taking seizure medications, antihistamines, bronchodilators, muscle relaxants and/or opiates [Source note 10].
When using this product avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet light (UV) or UV therapy [Source note 11].
When using this product exercise caution if you drive or use machinery as you may experience drowsiness [Source note 12].
Ask a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
When should it be avoided?
Do not use if you are taking antidepressants, anxiolytics, anti-cancer, cardiovascular, contraceptive medications, blood thinners, anti-HIV agents and/or medications to suppress the immune system [Source note 13].
Possible side effects
When using this product you may experience mild gastrointestinal disturbances, restlessness, and/or headaches [Source note 14].
Stop use and ask a healthcare professional if you experience muscle rigidity or contractions, tremors, agitation/confusion, increased heart rate, or hypersensitivity/allergy [Source note 15].
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source material(s) | Source information / Part(s) | Source information / Preparation(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypericum perforatum |
| Hypericum perforatum | Herb top | Dry |
References: Proper name: USDA 2023; Common names: Anghelescu et al. 2006,Gastpar et al. 2006, Szegedi et al. 2005, Wichtl 2004, McGuffin et al. 2000; Source information: Bradley 2006; Mills and Bone 2005, Hoffmann 2003, Blumenthal et al. 2000, Felter and Lloyd 1983, Wren 1907.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database.
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- July 26, 2024
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
Taking a medication too?
Explore our supplement–medication interaction checker. Its coverage and review status are shown with the results; a missing finding does not establish that a combination is safe.