Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-catus) is the fruit of the chaste tree which is native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. It is also called chaste-tree berry, vitex and monk’s pepper. As the name suggests the plant was believed to promote chastity. It is reported that monks in the Middle Ages used chasteberry to decrease sexual desire. This article gives the uses and side-effects of chasteberry.
Here are Few Uses of Chasteberry:
- Women have used chasteberry for thousands of years to help reduce the symptoms of menstrual problems and to stimulate the production of breast milk.
- Presently, chasteberry is used to reduce the symptoms of Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS).
- In clinical trials for the treatment of PMS, chasteberry reduced some symptoms, especially breast pain or tenderness, edema, constipation, irritability, depressed mood, anger, and headache.
- Chasteberry is reported to be very useful for menstrual problems and menstrual related problems.
- It is also effective in treating the symptoms of menopause, some types of infertility, and acne.
Side Effects and Caution:
- Women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills or who have a hormone-sensitive condition (such as breast cancer) should not use chasteberry as it may affect certain hormone levels.
- Some of the non-serious side effects of chasteberry are gastrointestinal problems, acne-like rashes, and dizziness. It does not have very serious side effects.
- Because chasteberry may affect the dopamine system in the brain, people taking dopamine-related medications, such as selegiline, amantadine, and levodopa, should avoid using chasteberry.
- Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
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