Chasteberry

Have you heard something about a particular herb for suppressing the libido of males and females?  Sounds amazing, right?  Well, chasteberry, which is also known for its botanical name “Vitex agnus-castus”, in medieval times, was applied for that purpose.  Many legends have it that monks at that time once chewed on the dried berries of chasteberry plant in an effort to hold on to their vows of celibacy. 

However, in the recent times, it is made clear that chasteberry does not affect the sexual drive.  Instead, chasteberry does have a significant role to perform in order to treat women’s reproductive tract disorders and some menstrual-associated problems.  Chasteberry is now recommended, particularly in Europe, more than any other herb for the purpose of providing relief to the symptoms of PMS or premenstrual syndrome. 

The chasteberry is actually a native to the Mediterranean region and it is a small shrub that carries violet colored flowers and reddish black berries.  Today, chasteberry can be found in subtropical climates around the globe since chasteberry is now widely cultivated in many areas. 

The berries of the chasteberry herb are usually dried in the fall and it is used medicinally.  Similar to the shape of the peppercorns, chasteberry also has a piquant taste.  The other common addresses for this herb are monk’s pepper, vitex, and chaste tree berry.

Historically, the chasteberry has been suggested by most herbalists since the time of Hippocrates for treating menstrual complaints.  Even though this herb does not contain hormones or hormone-like substances, the herb is said to influence the hormonal actions by means of rousing the pituitary gland at the base of the brain to emit several luteinizing hormone or LH.  Many thought that this action in turn signals the ovaries to produce a number of hormone progesterone.   In relation to that, the chasteberry is also suggested to lessen the enhanced levels of a secondary pituitary hormone known as prolactin, which is included in the production of breast milk. 

As it is mentioned above, chasteberry helps to decrease the PMS symptoms for the reason that this herb aids to neutralize the ration of progesterone to estrogen, therefore giving relief from the monthly discomforts that many women experience.  There are also some findings which demonstrate that chasteberry has the power to lessen the fribrocystic symptoms that many women with fibrocystic breast suffer. 

For further uses, the chasteberry regulates ovulation and it greatly promotes fertility.  It is mainly patterned for the reason that chasteberry helps to lower the levels of prolactin and aids in the normal functioning of the ovaries, thus giving a great possibility for conception.
The herb is also used to treat menopausal difficulties such as hot flashes, mood swings, sweating, vaginal drness, and even mild depression.  It can also give relief to pain caused by endometriosis, as well as it can control the menstrual associated acne. 

Chasteberry now comes in the form of tincture, tablet, liquid, dried herb or tea, and capsule.  These forms are now widely distributed and offered in different health food outlets.  Sometimes, these supplements are sold along with the other hormone regulating herbs.  But before taking it, it is still necessary to check the labels for the proper dosage.