OVERVIEW
Vitex (also known as Chaste Tree Berry) is a beautiful flowering plant that serves as a great ally for women’s reproductive health. It highly benefits women of all ages from their first menstruation until death; aiding in the possible moodiness and hormonal acne as a teen, to the PMS + other menstrual difficulties as a young adult, to assisting in fertility when it comes time to start a family, to rebalancing postpartum, all the way through menopause and so on.
The tiny little berries hold powerful therapeutic properties and have been a part of traditional medicine since at least Ancient Greece 2,000+ years ago. The flavor of these berries are a bit spicy and peppery, similar to black pepper.
It’s important to note that Vitex may need to be used for 3+ menstrual cycles for full effectiveness of the benefits listed below. Consistent, long term use is most beneficial.
HOW IT WORKS WITH THE BODY
Vitex is extremely helpful in the balancing of hormones and easing the discomfort that comes along with women’s menstrual cycles.
Here’s a long list of what vitex aids in:
-PMS, PMDD, hormonal acne, insufficient lactation, infertility (induces ovulation), PCOS, ovarian cysts, progesterone deficiency, menopause discomfort.
-helps increase progesterone and decrease/balance estrogen and testosterone production.
-stimulates, regulates, and normalizes menstruation
-Menorrhagia (heavy menstruation with severe cramping)
-Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
-Dysmenorrhea (painful periods and cramps)
-Decreases breast pain caused my menstruation
-Balances the female reproductive system after birth control.
-Used to treat cysts and fibroids of the breasts, ovaries, and uterus.
-Has been used to aid in the birthing process.
-Can help treat Endometriosis
It is powerful enough to suppress and inhibit female cancers with it’s apoptosis inducing properties (death of cancer cells), and can also be used alongside cancer treatment. breast, uterine, ovarian, and colon are a few examples of the female diseases this may help with.
The way it acts on estrogen & progesterone explained by another herbalist: “Estrogen and progesterone are the two hormones that create all the psychological and emotional qualities associated with femininity. Vitex is an “amphoteric remedy”because it tends to have a normalizing effect on estrogen even though it favors the progesterone cycle. The diminishing of estrogen and the increase of progesterone is important after ovulation since this hormone is needed to prepare the womb for either implantation or menstruation. This is why Vitex has such a beneficial effect on painful menstruation, emotional swings with PMS, and problems related to menopause. It is essentially the single herb of choice for helping to maintain emotional balance before and during menstruation.”
As a galactagogue, vitex may stimulate and increase breast milk production in nursing mothers.
Within the endocrine system, vitex supports and regulates the pituitary gland, suppresses the production of testosterone, may prevent hormonal acne, and treats unwanted symptoms of menopause.
Vitex “acts directly on the HPAOT axis– supporting the P (pituitary) from the top down, helping to create balance in the O (ovaries) via healthy levels of progesterone and estrogen through the HPAOT’s negative feedback loop.”
Vitex may also enhance fertility. *In one trial, 48 women (ages 23 to 39) who were diagnosed with infertility took chasteberry once daily for three months. During the three-month trial period, seven women became pregnant and 25 women experienced normalized progesterone levels, which can increase the chances for pregnancy. (site: Dr Axe)
CAUTIONS
Check with a gynecologist prior to the regular use of vitex if you are on hormonal contraceptives and/or going through IVF as it may interfere.
It’s always best to try new herbs in small amounts and to consult with your physician prior to taking any new herbal supplements, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.
Check out our offerings that contain Vitex:
*Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical/health advice. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before taking any actions based upon such information, it is encouraged to consult with the appropriate professionals. Please consult with your physician prior to the use of any herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.