The herb known as chasteberry has had its advantages recognized for several generations. This herb is also called vitex agnus-castus. The name of the plant itself is vitex, and it is a native plant in the Mediterranean region.
The little black berries created from the plant look something like peppercorns and are called chasteberries. It comes in numerous forms, from supplements in pill form to the raw extract and tinctures, and each of the chasteberry benefits us in some way.
The dried herb can be used in yet another form: tea. Although there are many manufacturers of ready – made tea on the market, the dried or fresh berries can be steeped in warm water to make the tea fresh to increase the potency of the herb.
Several Chasteberry Benefits
Chasteberry is frequently utilized by natural health practitioners to reduce a male’s testosterone levels and to control hormone imbalances in females. It’s recognized for its usefulness in treating menstrual problems, PMS, menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, breast tenderness and disposition swings, infertility and reduced production of milk in lactating females. Because of its anti-androgen activity, Chasteberry has been employed as a natural nutritional supplement to lower testosterone in transgenders (in male to female), and to suppress the beginning of prostate cancer that is also related to high testosterone levels. Its anti-androgen activity could also help get rid of acne, and reduce Hirsutism (excessive hair growth) in girls.
Breast Tenderness
Chasteberry has been used in the production of a drug for Mastalgia (sore breasts/tenderness) related to PMS and menopause. It’s considered that the extract of the chasteberry herb might help prevent excessive amounts of the hormone prolactin in the pituitary gland. High levels of this hormone might promote milk production in lactating and pregnant women, causing breast tenderness, and may also trigger unpredictable menstrual cycles and missed periods. Consequently, getting one 300mg of chasteberry extract capsule daily may be advantageous to lessen breast tenderness.
Infertility & Miscarriage
Studies have discovered that the Progesterone hormone performs a critical part in the conception of pregnancy. Scientists have concluded that reduced progesterone levels might be connected with and luteal phase defects (a main reason of pregnancy complications) and the a thinning uterine lining during pregnancy. Consequently, ingesting a chasteberry supplement once daily can help with infertility and reduce the dangers of miscarriage. It does so by helping to grow the body’s progesterone levels. Nevertheless, there are contradictory views concerning the utilization of chasteberry for those who are pregnant. As such, if one is pregnant the usage of chasteberry in any shape should be prevented unless recommended by your doctor.
Menopause
A woman can be made to be more comfortable when going through menopause by making use of chasteberry. The ability of chasteberry to help with balancing the body’s hormones makes it perfect for working against hot flashes, as well as other signs of menopause. The herb may be joined with other herbs including black cohosh for optimum impact.
The blossoms of the plant are believed to possess a libido-boosting effect, which could be decreased during menopause. Another side-effect of menopause is a decrease in the density of the bones, and this herb is believed to help against this.
Breast Milk
Chasteberry is utilized as a galactagogue, which helps to boost the body’s supply of breast milk. This hasn’t been confirmed by any studies, though. Reduced doses might raise prolactin levels, which may stimulate milk supply, since prolactin assists in regulating milk production. Using the herb to improve one’s milk supply is a controversial benefit of chasteberry. Take chasteberry in tea or whatever your preferred method happens to be (pills are another option, for example) for this objective only when your physician approves it.
Prostate Cancer
Chasteberry has been employed as a natural organic treatment to greatly help in balancing the hormones in the body. Guys have been using chasteberry for years as an anti-androgen to lower testosterone hormone ranges, and to suppress the beginning of prostate cancer.
Chasteberry Side Effects
Chasteberry is probably safe for most individuals. Unusual side effects are comprised of weight gain, nausea, itching, rash, headaches, acne, and difficulty sleeping. Some women discover a big change in menstrual flow once they begin taking this herb.
Chasteberry is offered in several forms such as capsule, powder, oil, tea and whole berry.