Dosages & Applications of St. John's Wort

As previously noted, many St. John’s Wort preparations are taken internally or applied externally to a wound or site of pain. Much of the dosage information available is related to the use of standardized extracts which, because of their chemical extraction, are measured in milligrams. Herbal preparations, however, are taken either in capsule form, as an infusion or tea, as an external ointment or olive oil preparation, or as an alcohol or glycerin based tincture.

Most bottles of St. John’s Wort sold to the general public are standardized at a 0.3 percent hypericin content or 30 percent. This isolated compound has been used almost exclusively for double-blind and placebo controlled testing, but is not necessarily the most beneficial source of the herb. Under these conditions, the typical dosage is 300 mg taken three times each day. (83)

If using the whole plant (which may include using just the leaves and flowers), typical dosages are as follows:

Capsules - 1 capsule 3 times per day

Herbal Extract (alcohol or glycerin) - ½ teaspoon taken three times per day in water or juice. (This tincture is typically made with 250-350 grams of herb steeped in one liter of alcohol or glycerin/water mixture)

Herbal Fluid Extract (1:1) - 10-15 drops taken three times each day in water or juice. (This form of the herb is prepared with 1 liter of alcohol to 1 kilo of the herb) (84)

These dosages are considered to be average and should be adjusted according to the situational need. When working with an herbalist or other healthcare practitioner, the determination will be made as to the best dosage for each individual.