‘Less like a drug than a drug’: The use of St John's wort among people who self-identify as having depression and/or anxiety symptoms

Highlights • St John's wort is a self-care strategy used to manage depressive symptoms, from mild to severe. • St John's wort is rarely used as a single treatment strategy. • St John's wort is used because it is: easy to access; perceived as natural, effective and safe. • Women and men use different decision making processes when deciding about using St John's wort.