Does chasteberry have any side effects?
The chaste tree berry contains flavonoids, essential oils, and essential fatty acids. Humans aren’t the only one who benefit from chasteberry: it’s often used to treat reproductive issues in mares, as well. If you’re in good health, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience any serious side effects from taking chasteberry.
Is chasteberry FDA approved?
Chasteberry is commonly used as a supplement, especially for women hormonal issues. However, this fruit is not approved by the FDA for medical use due to the lack of solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective.
Can you take chasteberry while taking birth control?
It is also very important to understand that chasteberry may decrease the effectiveness of the combination hormonal contraceptives. In other words, taking chasteberry while using the oral contraceptive pill, the contraceptive patch, or Nuvaring for birth control increases the chance that you could get pregnant.
How much chasteberry should I take a day?
Dosage Although there is some debate about the appropriate dose of chasteberry, most experts recommend taking 20 milligrams of a dry supplement three times a day, particularly if you are using it to balance your hormones. For a liquid extract, 30-40 drops each morning should be sufficient.
What does chasteberry do to hormones?
It turns out that chasteberry components can increase blood levels of progesterone. This happens in kind of a round about way. Chasteberry stimulates the pituitary to produce luteinizing hormone which in turn signals the ovaries to produce more progesterone.
Can I take chasteberry daily?
The therapeutic dose of chasteberry depends on the brand and the formulation you chose. Chasteberry is available in liquid, capsules, and tablets. Most clinical trials used a dose of 20-40 mg/day although some clinical trials have used doses as high as 1800 mg/day.
Will chasteberry cause weight gain?
Although rare, chasteberry does produce side effects in some taking it, including dizziness, acne-like rash, stomach upset, diarrhea, weight gain, insomnia, hair loss, headache and heavy menstrual periods. It can cause an allergic reaction.
Can you take chasteberry long term?
Don't take chasteberry indefinitely (for more than four to six months for PMS or for longer than a year for infertility); you need to give your ovaries a rest and avoid overstimulating them. Don't take chasteberry if you breast-feed. Stop taking chasteberry if a rash appears.
Who should not take chasteberry?
Side effects are generally mild, and may include nausea, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, or itching. Taking chasteberry during pregnancy or while breastfeeding may not be safe. It may not be safe for women with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, to take this herb.
How long should you take chasteberry?
For premenstrual syndrome , frequent or heavy periods, vitex can be used continuously for four to six months. Infertile women with amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) can remain on vitex for 12 to 18 months, unless pregnancy occurs during treatment.
Can chasteberry shrink fibroids?
Monk's Pepper — This herb, which is also known as chasteberry, helps with heavy bleeding, a common and inconvenient symptom among women with fibroids. Guizhi fuling — This herb has been known to balance hormone levels, improve uterus health, and slowly shrink fibroids.
Is Vitex the same as chasteberry?
There are a few different species of vitex, but Vitex agnus-castus is most commonly used as a herbal supplement. This plant is sometimes also called chastetree, chasteberry, or monk's pepper. People have been using vitex for a very long time. Athenian women put vitex leaves in their beds to help them stay chaste.
What time of day should I take chaste berry?
It works best in the morning because that's when the pituitary is most responsive to vitex's prolactin-lowering effect. Vitex can promote ovulation and menstruation but does not work for everyone and usually does not work for PCOS.
How can a woman increase her hormones naturally?
7 Ways You Can Boost Estrogen NaturallyPhytoestrogen-Rich Foods. Phytoestrogens, found in plants and plant-based foods, have a similar structure to estradiol, which is the strongest of the estrogen hormones. ... B Vitamins. ... Vitamin D. ... Chasteberry (also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus) ... Boron. ... Black Cohosh. ... Evening Primrose Oil.
What are symptoms of low progesterone?
So, when you don't have enough progesterone, estrogen dominates. And that can lead to symptoms such as: Depression, mood swings or low libido. Weight gain....Low progesterone symptomsLow libido.Hot flashes.Migraines or headaches.Depression, anxiety or other mood changes.Menstrual cycle irregularity or absence.
Is chasteberry good for thyroid?
Chasteberry. Chasteberry is commonly used to treat female hormone imbalances, such as PMS symptoms, menopause symptoms, and sometimes even infertility. With a few uncommon side effects like dry mouth, chasteberry is a well tolerated method of balancing female hormones, which may, in turn, treat Hashimoto's.
Who is the author of The Risks of Chasteberry?
The Risks of Chasteberry. By Kathryn Meininger. ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Kathryn Meininger. Kathryn Meininger began writing and publishing poetry in 1967. She was co-founder and editor of the professional magazine "Footsteps" and began writing articles online in 2010. She earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Temple University School ...
What is a chasteberry?
Woman with a headache. Image Credit: cyano66/iStock/Getty Images. Chasteberry, a perennial shrub, is a member of the verbena family. It is also known by its botanical name Vitex agnus castus, as well as vitex, monk's pepper and chaste tree.
Where does chasteberry come from?
Chasteberry is native to parts of Asia and the Mediterranean . The berry is used in herbal preparations to treat infertility, symptoms of menopause and menstrual problems in women. Consult your doctor before starting treatment with chasteberry, as there are some side effects and precautions associated with its use.
Does chasteberry help with PMS?
Use of chasteberry may reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS , including breast tenderness, irritability, constipation, angry mood and headache. It is also used for infertility, acne and endometriosis. Advertisement.
Is chasteberry good for breast pain?
However, using chasteberry for many conditions is not backed up well by scientific studies. Chasteberry appears to be most effective for use in treating premenstrual syndrome and cyclical breast pain, according to the September 2005 issue of "American Family Physician.".
Can you take chasteberry with hormone therapy?
Chasteberry can interfere with the action of oral contraceptives, reducing their effectiveness. You should not take chasteberry at the same time as any type of hormone therapy, particularly if you are being treated for infertility. Advertisement.
Is chasteberry safe to take?
Chasteberry is classified as a dietary supplement and has not been approved by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. You should only take chasteberry under the supervision of your health care provider. Although rare, chasteberry does produce side effects in some taking it, including dizziness, acne-like rash, stomach upset, diarrhea, weight gain, insomnia, hair loss, headache and heavy menstrual periods. It can cause an allergic reaction. Inform your doctor immediately if you develop hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the mouth and face while taking chasteberry.
Why is chasteberry called chasteberry?
The name “chasteberry” may reflect the traditional belief that the plant promoted chastity. Monks in the Middle Ages reportedly used it to decrease sexual desire. In the past, chasteberry extracts were used to treat a variety of gynecological disorders and skin conditions.
Is chasteberry safe for breastfeeding?
Taking chasteberry during pregnancy or while breastfeeding may not be safe. It may not be safe for women with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, to take this herb.
Can chasteberry be used for psychosis?
It’s possible that chasteberry might interact with some medicines, such as birth control pills, drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease, and drugs used to treat psychosis. If you’re taking medicine, talk with your health care provider before using chasteberry.
Is chasteberry good for infertility?
Preliminary studies suggest that chasteberry might be helpful for symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and for breast pain related to the menstrual cycle, but the evidence is not conclusive. Researchers have studied chasteberry for infertility in women, but there isn’t enough reliable evidence to know if it helps.
What is chasteberry used for?
Chasteberry is used widely to treat infertility and for relief of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Laboratory analysis has shown that chasteberry contains hormonal precursors that can prompt hormone changes within the body by activating those receptors.
What is the fruit of chasteberry?
The fruit of chasteberry is widely used to relieve symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome and to treat infertility. It is said to have a normalizing action on the menstrual cycle and contains non-steroidal progestins that can interact with, and activate hormone receptors in the body (1).
Does chasteberry bind to estrogen?
Linoleic acid from chasteberry binds to estrogen receptors (ER) and can induce certain estrogen genes (12). The flavonoid apigenin was identified as the most active ER isoform-selective phytoestrogen (11), and can also induce progestogenic activity (13).
Does chasteberry interfere with birth control?
You are taking any hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives (birth control pills) : Chasteberry may interfere with their effects. You are pregnant or nursing . Side Effects.
Does chasteberry help with premenstrual syndrome?
This will help them manage your care and keep you safe. How It Works. There is evidence to suggest that chasteberry helps improve symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.
Is chasteberry good for cancer?
Because chasteberry has phytoestrogenic properties, patients with hormone-sensitive cancers should consult their physicians before using it. Clinical trials support this use in women aged 20–40 whose ovarian function was not greatly impaired and who had no other hormone imbalances.
Does casticin reduce inflammation?
Casticin was also shown to reduce lung inflammation induced by cigarette smoke in a murine model (25) by inhibiting the numbers of neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, and by reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
How much Chasteberry is in a day?
Chasteberry is available in liquid, capsules, and tablets. Most clinical trials used a dose of 20-40 mg/day although some clinical trials have used doses as high as 1800 mg/day. Problems associated with elevated prolactin may need higher doses.
What is chasteberry used for?
Chasteberry has been used for centuries to treat several menstrual problems. It works mainly by its ability to influence certain hormone levels in your body. 2 . Westend61 / Getty images.
Why is chaste tree berry called chaste tree berry?
Chaste tree berry ( Vitex agnus-catus) or monk's pepper, is the fruit of the chaste tree. It is thought that the name chaste berry comes from the Middle Ages when monks reportedly used this fruit to decrease their sexual desire. This would help them avoid sex so they could remain chaste.
Does chasteberry cause dizziness?
While chasteberry is not associated with any serious side effects, it can cause dizziness, abdominal cramping, nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, and skin reactions. 3 It is also possible to see some changes in your period when you start taking chasteberry.
Does Chasteberry help with menopause?
For each of these conditions, the therapeutic effect of chasteberry is thought to be due to its ability to either decrease prolactin or increase progesterone to restore proper hormonal balance in your body.
Does Chasteberry help with luteal phase disorder?
Cyclic mastalgia (breast tenderness) Infertility due to elevated prolactin or inadequate progesterone (luteal phase disorder) Although lacking clinical evidence as it its effectiveness, chasteberry has also traditionally been used to treat: 2 . Painful periods.
Does chasteberry have flavonoids?
Several different types of flavonoids have been found in chasteberry. It has been shown that some of these flavonoids can influence certain hormone levels in your body especially prolactin, progesterone and to a certain extent estrogen. 1 . Chasteberry has been used for centuries to treat several menstrual problems.
What is chasteberry used for?
Humans aren’t the only one who benefit from chasteberry: it’s often used to treat reproductive issues in mares, as well. Chasteberry Side Effects and Dosage.
Where do chasteberries come from?
The chasteberry tree is native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean, but it’s now grown in the U.S., as well.
Is Chasteberry better than Prozac?
Chasteberry supplements may work better than fluoxetine (Prozac) to relieve symptoms of PMDD. It could also help treat uterine fibroids, which worsen when estrogen levels increase. Taking vitex (which lowers estrogen) helps lessen fibroid symptoms and could even prevent their formation.
Does Vitex help with PMS?
Vitex also eases symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder ( PMDD ), a painful, debilitating form of PMS. Women suffering from PMDD may not be able to work, or otherwise live normally, in the week before menstruation. Chasteberry supplements may work better than fluoxetine (Prozac) to relieve symptoms of PMDD.
Is chasteberry good for menopause?
Chasteberry for PMS and Menopause Relief. Hormonal changes occur throughout a woman’s life, causing PMS, perimenopause, and menopause symptoms. Chasteberry might alleviate all three — in fact, in Germany, it is approved as a medication for PMS symptoms.
Can chasteberry cause dry mouth?
Chasteberry Side Effects and Dosage. If you’re in good health, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience any serious side effects from taking chasteberry. Mild side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, headache, or fatigue. Studies have shown that lower doses can still affect the hormones prolactin and progesterone.
Can Vitex be used as tea?
Vitex is also available as a liquid tincture or as an essential oil. If you fancy a cup of tea, you can also find chasteberry tea — or if you’re really into horticulture and have some free time on your hands, you can even grow your own chasteberry tree, pick and dry the berries, and make them into tea. The Bottom Line.
What Is Chasteberry?
Chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is the fruit of the chaste tree, which is native to western Asia and southwestern Europe [ 1 ].
Health Benefits of Chasteberry
Chasteberry is commonly used as a supplement, especially for women hormonal issues. However, this fruit is not approved by the FDA for medical use due to the lack of solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective.
Supplementing with Chasteberry
Because chasteberry is not approved for any conditions, there is no official dose. Users and supplement manufacturers have established unofficial doses based on trial and error. Consult your doctor about the best way to take this supplement.
What is chasteberry used for?
Chasteberry is scientifically called Vitex agnus-castus. It is a popular herbal supplement that is often used to treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause ( 1 ). Though its use in treating menstrual symptoms has been well documented, the herb also has certain adverse effects you must be wary of.
Does chasterry cause breast cancer?
May Cause Problems During Breast Cancer. Chasterry has phytoestrogenic properties. It can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, a hormone that plays a role in the development of women’s breasts. This way, it might interfere with certain cancers.
Can chasteberry cause miscarriages?
The use of chasteberry during pregnancy and breastfeeding is controversial. There is poor evidence to support if the use of chasteberry during pregnancy can actually prevent miscarriages ( 4 ).
Can chasteberry be used for hormone replacement?
Chasteberry can also disrupt progesterone, a hormone used in hormone replacement therapy ( 8 ). Hence, women undergoing therapy must steer clear of the herb and talk to their doctor. Simultaneous use of chasteberry along with antipsychotic drugs is contraindicated ( 9 ). We have seen the major side effects of chasteberry.
Does Chasteberry cause acne?
1. May Cause Acne. Acne is among the most common adverse effects of chasteberry ( 2 ). The herb also causes an erythematous rash, which is redness of the skin characterized by increased blood flow to the superficial capillaries. 2.
Is chasteberry safe for pregnant women?
Though anecdotal evidence suggests chasteberry is harm less, some reports question the safety of such herbal supplements ( 10 ). We strongly recommend against its use in pregnancy and breastfeeding and cancers or therapies involving hormones.
How much chasteberry should I take a day?
Although there is some debate about the appropriate dose of chasteberry, most experts recommend taking 20 milligrams of a dry supplement three times a day, particularly if you are using it to balance your hormones.
What is a chasteberry?
Chasteberry is the fruit of the chaste tree, which bears the scientific name Vitex agnus-castus. Other trees and plants in the Vitex genus are typically tropical in nature, but this species is also found in temperate areas.
Why is the Chasteberry tree called Chasteberry?
The tree and its berries have the name “chaste” because the fruit was long believed to be an aphrodisiac. The effects that this plant can have on the reproductive health of both men and women is largely why it remains in use to this day. [1] Chasteberry has been used to address many hormone-related gynecologic conditions.
Do berries help with PMS?
As a dietary supplement (capsule, tablet, powder, etc.), these berries can help minimize PMS symptoms, such as mood swings and cramps. If you suffer from menstrual pain, using these berries regularly can improve your symptoms over the long-term. Reducing fibroids. Boosting female fertility by balancing estrogen levels.
Can chasteberry interfere with oral contraceptives?
Finally, if you are taking oral contraceptives, chasteberry can interfere with their effectiveness, so use this herb with caution! John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA).
How often should I take chasteberry?
Vitamin B6 is frequently taken with chasteberry for an additional anti-acne advantage. It should regularly be used for between 3-6 months to determine if it is something that is working well for you.
How much Chasteberry should I take daily?
Common Dosage Recommendations. The UPMC says that an average dosage of chasteberry includes 20 mg of a supplement three times a day or 40 drops of the liquid extract taken daily. However, meeting with a knowledgeable healthcare provider can help shape the most effective dosage for your requirements.
How much chasteberry extract should I take for PMS?
Chasteberry Dosage for PMS. Take 400mg to 500mg of chasteberry extract once per day when dealing with PMS symptoms. The herb is often found in an combination herbal blend. While there might be less chasteberry in these combination goods, there is the added benefit of the other herbs that typically are combined to boost the effects of each other.
What is chasteberry good for?
Chasteberry Dosage. Chasteberry has an extended history of being useful for addressing many different problems brought about by female hormonal imbalances. These include premenstrual syndrome, breast tenderness, and infertility. While I’ve previously written about the benefits of chasteberry, I neglected to mention what sort ...
How long does it take for chasteberry to work?
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that you must take chasteberry for between 1 year to 18 months to achieve its maximum effectiveness.
Is chasteberry good for ovarian cancer?
Drugs.com notes that using chasteberry is contraindicated in the event of a complicated ovarian function, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may hinder steps of fertility medications while chasteberry itself may enrich fertility. Speak to your physician regarding the appropriateness of utilizing chasteberry if you’re undergoing conventional infertility treatments. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center says this herb has showed estrogenic activity that could prove challenging should you have breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive health issues.
Does chasteberry cause headaches?
A long history of use in Germany implies that chasteberry doesn’t carry a large risk of adverse effects. However, many unwanted effects are reported. These include itch, dyspepsia, rash, acne, menstrual irregularities, nausea, and headache.
