Health Benefits of Chasteberry (Vitex)
Learn all about the health benefits of chaste berry (vitex).
Vitex agnus-castus also known as chaste tree or chasteberry or monk’s pepper is a medicinal shrub native to the Mediterranean and western Asia.
Vitex have been traditionally used to treat certain health conditions related to hormonal imbalances.
Vitex is commonly used to treat PMS, swollen or sore breasts, menstrual disorders, improve infertility, hormonal acne, prevent miscarriages, lengthen short luteal phase, help increase progesterone, menopause, and/or nursing difficulties.
Vitex contains essential oils, flavonoids, iridoids and progestins that help raise dopamine activity in the brain which blocks the release of the hormone, prolactin. Higher prolactin causes breast swelling and tenderness.
Studies have shown that women who took Vitex during 3 consecutive menstrual cycles experienced a decrease in PMS symptoms including depression, anxiety, and cravings.
In another study, women who used vitex essential oils shown improvement in menopause symptoms.
In another study, women who tried to become pregnant over the last 6-36 months consumed vitex for 3 months. After the 3 months, the women experienced an improved hormone balance and 26% of them were successfully pregnant.
Vitex may also reduce headaches, improve bone health and reduce inflammation.
Vitex also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Vitex may also reduce inflammation in the prostate for men.
Vitex may cause side effects including nausea, upset stomach, mild skin rash, increased acne, headache and a heavy menstrual flow.
Vitex may interact with certain medications such as birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy and antipsychotic medications just to name a few.
As always consult your physician.
Sources:
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chasteberry
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitex
https://www.verywellhealth.com/vitex-what-should-you-know-about-it-89530
https://www.intimaterose.com/pages/vitex-chasteberry
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/what-to-know-about-vitex
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=ChasteTree
https://draxe.com/nutrition/vitex/
https://fullscript.com/blog/chaste-tree-benefits
https://www.rxlist.com/vitex_agnus-castus/supplements.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitex_agnus-castus