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St. John's Wort vs Nettle: Difference, Benefits & Which Is Better? | HerbAlly

St. John's Wort vs Nettle

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum

Nervine

Nettle

Urtica dioica

Nutritive

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

St. John's Wort

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Nettle

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

St. John's Wort is a flowering plant that has been used medicinally since ancient Greece. It is best known for its use in treating mild to moderate depression, where clinical evidence supports its efficacy comparable to some conventional antidepressants. It is named for its traditional harvest on St. John's Day.

Stinging nettle is a nutrient-rich plant found throughout temperate regions worldwide. Despite its stinging hairs, it has been used medicinally for thousands of years across European and Native American traditions. The leaves, roots, and seeds each have distinct medicinal applications.

Active Compounds

Hypericin, Hyperforin, Adhyperforin, Flavonoids, Xanthones

Chlorophyll, Beta-sitosterol, Scopoletin, Formic acid, Histamine, Serotonin

Traditional Uses

Depression treatment, Wound healing, Nerve pain relief, Anti-inflammatory, Sedative

Allergy treatment, Joint pain relief, Urinary tonic, Blood tonic, Hair health

Modern Uses

Mild to moderate depression, Seasonal affective disorder, Anxiety, Nerve pain, Menopausal symptoms

Seasonal allergies (hay fever), Benign prostatic hyperplasia (root), Urinary tract health, Arthritis, Nutritional supplementation

Adult Dosage

300mg extract (0.3% hypericin) 3 times daily

300-600mg freeze-dried leaf 2-3 times daily, or 2-4 cups tea daily

Contraindications

Concurrent use with SSRIs or MAOIs, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Organ transplant recipients, HIV patients on antiretrovirals

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

View St. John's Wort Details View Nettle Details Calculate St. John's Wort Dose

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between St. John's Wort and Nettle?

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is traditionally used for Depression treatment, Wound healing, Nerve pain relief, while Nettle (Urtica dioica) is used for Allergy treatment, Joint pain relief, Urinary tonic. See the comparison table for dosage, safety and interactions.

Which is better, St. John's Wort or Nettle?

It depends on your goal. Compare evidence levels, pregnancy safety and drug interactions in the table above, then use our free dose calculator. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Can I take St. John's Wort and Nettle together?

Combining herbs can change safety and interactions. Check each herb's interaction profile above and consult your healthcare provider before combining St. John's Wort with Nettle.