St. John's Wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and nerve pain. In ancient times, herbalists wrote about its use as a sedative and a treatment for malaria, as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites. Today, St. John's wort is used by some for depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders.

Contraindications: It may speed or slow a drug's breakdown.

Drugs that can be affected include:

• Indinavir and possibly other drugs used to control HIV infection
• Irinotecan and possibly other drugs used to treat cancer
• Cyclosporine, which prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs
• Digoxin, which strengthens heart muscle contractions
• Warfarin and related anticoagulants
• Birth control pills Antidepressants
• When combined with certain antidepressants, St. John's wort may increase side effects such as nausea, anxiety, headache, and confusion.