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.
What is chasteberry good for?
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.
What is a chaste 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.
What is Vitex 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 ]. This fruit is used as a dietary supplement for conditions such as menopause, infertility, menstrual problems, and a number of other conditions.
What is chaste tree used for?
Chaste tree is used by some women to help with problems related to hormone imbalances. Some women use it to help with signs of premenstrual syndrome like bloating, breast pain, or low mood. What are the precautions when taking this product?
What does chasteberry do for the body?
In the past, chasteberry extracts were used to treat a variety of gynecological disorders and skin conditions. Today, chasteberry is promoted as a dietary supplement for symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle, infertility, and other conditions.
What does chaste berry 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.
When should you take chaste tree?
Doctors typically suggest 40 drops of a liquid, concentrated vitex extract or 35–40 mg of the equivalent dried, powdered extract to be taken once per day in the morning with some liquid. Vitex should be taken for at least three menstrual cycles to determine efficacy.
Does chaste tree cause weight gain?
Vitex agnus-castus fruit is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth appropriately. Uncommon side effects include upset stomach, nausea, itching, rash, headaches, acne, trouble sleeping, and weight gain.
What are the side effects of chaste tree?
Chaste tree has no serious side effects. Mild side effects can include nausea, stomach issues, diarrhea, and itchy rash. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use chaste tree. It isn't known if chaste tree is safe for children.
How long does it take for a chaste tree to work?
According to anecdotal reports and product manufacturers, it can take around two weeks to notice a difference, and up to three months to achieve a full effect. From two weeks and up to three months, for hormonally related problems. Many women report a reduction in PMS symptoms after just two weeks.
Does vitex cause hair loss?
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.
Does chasteberry increase estrogen?
Because chasteberry can alter progesterone and possibly estrogen levels in your body, women with hormone-related conditions such as breast cancer should not use chasteberry.
Why is it called chaste tree?
Its fruits are used for flavouring and in herbal medicine to treat menstrual cycle problems. The plant gets its name from the belief that it is an anaphrodisiac (decreases libido). It is cultivated in warm climates for its foliage and showy flower spikes that attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Does chasteberry make you sleepy?
Chasteberry usually is well tolerated, with only minor adverse effects reported; in many studies these effects are similar to placebo. Side effects generally are dopaminergic in nature and may include mild gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness, headache, tiredness, and dry mouth.
What does vitex do for a woman?
Vitex can help raise your progesterone levels and lower your prolactin levels. It can help your premenstrual symptoms and ease breast pain and tenderness.
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.
Does chasteberry increase estrogen?
Because chasteberry can alter progesterone and possibly estrogen levels in your body, women with hormone-related conditions such as breast cancer should not use chasteberry.
Does chasteberry lower testosterone?
Because dopamine suppresses pituitary secretion of both LH and prolactin, Vitex also reduces LH release and thereby reduces serum testosterone levels.
Does chasteberry increase dopamine?
VITEX (CHASTE TREE BERRY) (VITEX AGNUS-CASTUS): This herb is dopaminergic. The berries of this plant are used primarily in women for complaints of premenstrual syndrome. Animal studies have shown that vitex inhibits prolactin and appears to selectively stimulate D2-type dopamine receptors.
How long can you take chasteberry?
Don't take for too long For regulating cycles, vitex is most effective during the first three to six months of use. After that, its effects can attenuate. That's why I usually recommend a six-month course, followed by a break to see if cycles are maintained.
What is chasteberry made of?
Chasteberry supplements are made from the dried fruit of the chasteberry tree. It is manufactured in pill or liquid form.
Where does a chasteberry grow?
Chasteberry. Chasteberry is a fruit that grows on flowering shrubs near riverbanks in parts of Asia and the Mediterranean. The fruit is dried and put into: Chasteberry is also sometimes called Monk's pepper.
Does chasteberry interfere with dopamine?
Chasteberry may interfere with medicines that affect levels of a brain substance called dopamine. Do not take chasteberry if you take:
Does chasteberry cause a headache?
The side effects of chasteberry may include: Acne. Headache . Menstrual bleeding. Rash. Stomach upset. Weight gain. Dizziness. Chasteberry can affect levels of hormones that play a key role in pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, and even some breast cancers.
What is chaste tree berry used for?
Modern uses of chaste tree berry include reduction of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual cramps and other pre-menopausal symptoms. Studies have shown a reduction in breast tenderness and pressure, headaches, bloating and fatigue in women who took the herb regularly and over some time. Vitex agnus-castus is often used in combination ...
What is the purpose of chaste tree berry?
Monks used to chew the berries and leaves of this tree to reduce the urges of the flesh. This use is not scientifically proven, but it has deep roots traditionally.
What is the best herb for infertility?
This herb has also been used to increase stimulation of breast milk production. Chaste tree berries are used as an herbal treatment for infertility associated with mild corpus luteum insufficiency. Chaste tree berry has been shown to help balance the progesterone and estrogen levels.
What is Vitex used for?
It can be used with black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) or golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis) to treat PMS and menopause symptoms.
How tall does a chaste tree grow?
Plant Description: The chaste tree is a flowering shrub that grows to a height of 1 to 5 meters. The tree produces a spray of beautiful flowers ranging from lilac to blue and white.
Why was syrup of the berries given to nuns?
Syrup of the berries was even given at convents to nuns to reduce the chances of succumbing to sexual desires.
How long can you use a berry elixir?
In most cases, the herb should be used for four to six months to obtain the desired effect. The leaves, flowers, and berries can be used in a decoction, traditional tincture, cider vinegar tincture, syrup, elixir, or just eaten right off the tree. It is also available in capsule and tablet form as well.
What is Vitex Agnus Castus?
Vitex agnus-castus is a popular herbal supplement used to treat a variety of health problems. It’s most commonly used to treat: It’s also touted as protection against insect bites and certain types of cancer and claimed to offer a variety of other health effects. However, not all benefits are backed by science.
What is the name of the fruit that is used to decrease men's libido?
Vitex agnus-castus is the most common vitex used medicinally. The Vitex agnus-castus fruit, also known as chasteberry or monk’s pepper, is about the size of a peppercorn. It’s produced by the chaste tree, which acquired its name because its fruit was likely used to decrease men’s libido during the Middle Ages ( 2. ).
How does vitex work?
Researchers believe that vitex works by decreasing levels of the hormone prolactin. This helps rebalance other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone — thus reducing PMS symptoms ( 4 ).
Is Vitex agnus castus backed by science?
It’s also touted as protection against insect bites and certain types of cancer and claimed to offer a variety of other health effects. However, not all benefits are backed by science. Here are the science-backed benefits — as well as some myths — associated with Vitex agnus-castus.
Does vitex help with hair growth?
Baldness prevention. The hormone-balancing effects of vitex are sometimes claimed to boost hair growth in men. However, no research can be found to support this claim.
Does vitex help with inflammation?
Reduced inflammation. Test-tube and animal studies suggest that compounds in vitex may have anti-inflammatory properties. However, their effects aren’t stronger than those of aspirin ( 31, 32 ).
Does Vitex help with mastalgia?
Vitex agnus-castus also appears to help reduce cyclic mastalgia, a type of breast pain linked to menstruation. Research suggests that it may be as effective as common drug treatment — but with far fewer side effects ( 8. Trusted Source. , 9, 10. Trusted Source.
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 ].
Does Vitex prevent pregnancy?
One female user reported that she had elevated prolactin levels, which can prevent pregnancy. She commented on the success she had from taking vitex, “I’ve tried it before and it works. My doctor was amazed to see an $8 herb do what a $130 medication does.”
Does chasteberry increase dopamine?
Chasteberry increases dopamine activity in the brain. This results in a reduction of prolactin release in the body [ 1 ].
Does Chasteberry help with lactation?
For centuries, chasteberry was believed to promote chastity by reducing sexual desire, hence its name. It has also been historically used to increase lactation during and after pregnancy. However, these traditional applications have not been clinically investigated. Read on to learn how this supplement works, its benefits, and potential risks of its use.
Is chasteberry a good supplement?
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.
What is this product used for?
Chaste tree is used by some women to help with problems related to hormone imbalances. Some women use it to help with signs of premenstrual syndrome like bloating, breast pain, or low mood.
What are the precautions when taking this product?
Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
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This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
Further information
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What Conditions Does Chasteberry Help?
There has been considerable research mostly from Europe suggesting the effectiveness of chasteberry in treating the symptoms of: 2
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.
How Much Chasteberry Should I Take?
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. You should discuss the use of chasteberry with your healthcare provider.
How does chasteberry help with menstrual cycle?
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
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 cause breast pain?
At higher doses, studies suggest that chasteberry can decrease your prolactin levels. 1 Even a slight increase in your prolactin levels (which commonly happens in response to stress) is thought to contribute to cyclic breast pain. It can also cause changes in your menstrual cycle that can affect your ovulation and your period.
Does Vitex help with hormones?
Vitex supplements typically contain extracts of the fruit and/or seed of the plant. Vitex may influence hormone levels in a number of ways. For example, it's said to promote the release of luteinizing hormone and, in turn, increase levels of progesterone (a hormone known to play a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle).
Is Vitex agnus castus?
Possible Side Effects. Dosage and Preparation. What to Look For. Vitex ( Vitex agnus-castus) is a plant used in herbal medicine. Also known as chaste tree or chasteberry, it's often taken as a remedy for women's health problems. Vitex supplements typically contain extracts of the fruit and/or seed of the plant.
Is chasteberry good for menopause?
Some purported health benefits of chasteberry include the prevention of premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, and infertility. However, there is a lack of large-scale, clinical research to back up its effectiveness.
Is Vitex good for premenstrual syndrome?
Despite some limitations within the reviewed trials, the results indicated that vitex may be beneficial in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. 2
