 |
Chasteberry
(Vitex
agnus castus)
Other
names: Chaste Tree Vitex,
Monk's Pepper
|
Medicinally
In
modern times, chaste tree is used primarily as a
women's herb for menstrual complaints. The
flavonoids in chaste tree exert an effect similar
to the hormone progesterone, although the plant
contains no hormonal compounds. Chaste tree acts
on the pituitary gland in the brain, normalizing
the release of both follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
and luteinizing hormone (LH).
The
overall effect is to regulate the menstrual cycle
and slightly increase the production of
progesterone in women who otherwise have irregular
cycles. Many menstrual complaints are known to
result from a relative lack of progesterone. When
progesterone levels are low relative to estrogen,
the result is often infertility, heavy bleeding,
lack of periods, too-frequent periods, irregular
periods, and premenstrual syndrome. Because it
helps normalize LH levels, chaste tree alleviates
these complaints. It can normalize and regulate
menstrual cycles, reduce premenstrual fluid
retention, and treat some cases of acne that flare
up during menstruation.
Chaste tree's berries also can be used for
menopausal bleeding irregularities, such as
frequent or heavy bleeding; it is often combined
with hormonal herbs such as black cohosh or soy.
Therapy of six months to one year is usually
recommended.
Chaste tree is a slow-acting herb and can take
months to produce effects. When treating
infertility, chaste tree is continued for one to
two years; it is discontinued if pregnancy occurs.
Because the constituents in chaste tree --
including flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and
terpenoids -- gradually normalize FSH and LH
levels, it helps allow for normal ovulation and
pregnancy. Chaste tree also lowers the hormone
prolactin, produced during stressful periods,
which also may cause tender breasts and uterine
cramps associated with PMS.
Vitex
(Chaste tree) has been used for thousands of years
for its beneficial affect on the female glandular
system, and its restraining effect on male
hormones. Modern research has confirmed at least
one of these uses, and the berries are now widely
used to restore balance and function to the female
reproductive system, by stimulating the natural
production of progesterone. Some of the old
herbals classify the berries as anaphrodisiac,
accounting for the name Monk's pepper, and the
tradition of using the kernels to lessen the urges
of the flesh. Other sources list the Vitex fruit
as aphrodisiac, implying the opposite tendency.
The truth is that the Vitex, like many other
herbs, exerts a normalizing influence on the body
restoring that which is absent, and constraining
excessive tendencies. Vitex acts upon the
pituitary gland, reducing the production of
certain hormones and increasing the production of
other, shifting the balance in favor of the
gestagens, hormones that normally condition the
body for pregnancy. It has found a wide following
of users for imbalances of the female reproductive
system, especially when they are related to
excessive estrogen or xen-estrogen influence, and
has been used with great effect in restoring
absent menstruation, regulating heavy periods,
restoring fertility when caused by hormonal
imbalance, relieve PMS tension,
and easing the changes of menopause. A tincture of
the berries has also been used externally for the
relief of paralysis, pains in the limbs, and
neuropathic muscular weakness.
Internal
Indicated Usages: Amenorrhea, Infertility,
Menstrual cramps, PMS, Nursing
(to initiate - short term use only) and Menopausal
discomfort.
History
Vitex,
also known as Chaste Tree or Monk's Pepper, was
said to be used as herbal remedy by monks in the
Middle Ages to diminish their sex drive, and its
common names stem from its use by monks to
maintain celibacy. Although it does seem to
occasionally reduce sex drive in women, the
effects are less pronounced than the name of this
plant suggests.
|
Chasteberry C/O
(Vitex
agnus castus)
Origin
Turkey 
Chaste
Tree is a herb for the ladies that
balances the hormones, eases the symptoms of PMS and menopause, aids in withdraw
from birth control pills and normalizes
periods.
|
 |
Bulk
Herbs
A-D
E-O
P-Z
For
educational purposes only This information
has not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease. |
