Agnus Castus or Chaste Berry

Agnus Castus, Vitex or Chaste Berry is wonderful for the treatment of PMS and other hormone related symptoms. It has the effect of balancing hormones naturally, thus eleviatng moodiness, period pains cramps, excessive bleeding and other PMS symptoms.

Common PMS Symptoms:

• Mood-related ("affective") symptoms: depression, sadness, anxiety, anger, irritability, frequent and severe mood swings
• Mental process ("cognitive") symptoms: decreased concentration, indecision
• Pain: headache (e.g., menstrual migraine), breast tenderness, joint and muscle pain
• Nervous system symptoms: insomnia (sleeplessness), hypersomnia (sleeping for abnormally long periods of time), anorexia (loss of appetite), food cravings, fatigue, lethargy, agitation, a change in sex drive, clumsiness, dizziness or vertigo, paresthesia (prickling or tingling sensation)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, diarrhea
• Fluid and electrolyte symptoms: bloating, weight gain, oliguria (reduced urination)
• Palpitations (rapid fluttering of the heart), sweating
• Skin symptoms: acne, oily skin, greasy or dry hair

Vitex is also recommended to address some common symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, depression and vaginal dryness.
It is believed to work on the hypothalamus and pituitary, regulating progesterone levels.

Recently, studies in Germany of Vitex on over 1,500 women aged thirteen to sixty-two with gynecological complaints, one-third experienced complete relief from the symptoms while another 57% reported significant improvement. Both physicians and patients observed a 90% reduction in symptoms, including relieved fluid retention, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, and fatigue.

There is also countless positive testimonials on the internet regarding its' successful use. 

Also known as- Vitex agnus-castus, Chaste Berry, Monk's Berry, Vitex, Chastetree, Chinese Vitex, Gattilier, Hemp Tree, Monk's Pepper, Vitex, Vitex rotundifolia, Vitex trifolia, Viticis Fructus.

Introduction

Chaste tree is a small shrub native to the eastern Mediterranean and easily grown in warm climates around the world. Its tart and peppery fruit has been used for over two thousands years, at least since the time of the Greek physician, Dioscorides, who recommended it in beverages intended to help the wives of soldiers remain chaste while their husbands were in battle.

Constituents

Acubin, agnuside, casticin, chrysophanol D, alpha- and beta-pinene, isovitexin and vitexin.

Parts Used

Dried fruiting berry

Typical Preparations

Usually used as a tincture, however may be cracked and sprinkled on food, producing a slight pepper taste or as a tea infusion.

Summary

Chaste berry has been used for centuries to treat constipation, flatulence, and hangovers, and to bring on menstruation and lactation. In modern herbal medicine, the herb is mainly used to treat breast swelling and breast pain caused by excessive secretion of the hormone prolactin during PMS or cyclic mastalgia. The herb can lengthen the proliferative (first) phase of the menstrual cycle, and also relieve water weight, headache, and fatigue.

Precautions

Men shouldn't take chaste berry. Testicular atrophy could result after repeated use. Not recommended during pregnancy. Binging on sugar, alcohol, or marijuana will block the herb's action on dopamine receptors in the brain and cancel out its effects. Not recommended while pregnant.

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