Chaste Berry
Chaste Berry. Also known as- Vitex. 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. Chasteberry) can be found on the wet banks of rivers in southern Europe and the Mediterranean area. The leaves contain the highest amount of flavonoids. Other components of Chasteberry include glycosides, progesterone, and testosterone in the flowers and leaves. Chasteberry has also been researched for its antioxidant properties. It is a useful hormone-balancing herb. Recent studies have shown that compounds in Vitex are effective in adjusting female hormones that are out of balance and regulating menstruation. Vitex has also been proven to be effective in the treatment of endometriosis, PMS and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Chasteberry helps the liver to process and excrete estrogen which is important for women with endometriosis as excess estrogen in the system has been linked to the development of this condition. 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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