|
Vitex agnus-castus
What is Vitex agnus-castus?
Vitex agnus-castus also has the common name Chaste tree or Chasterberry. It
is also referred to as hemp tree and monks pepper. Vitex agnus-castus is from
the Verbenaceae family of plant and is a deciduous tree or large shrub. Vitex
agnus-castus can grow up to 20 feet tall and has leaves that are 3-4 inches
in diameter, each with 5 to 7 leaflets. Vitex agnus-castus blooms in early summer
and produces violet, blue and deep purple flowers.
Vitex agnus-castus is found in southern Europe and western Asia. Vitex agnus-castus
needs good drainage to grow.
The constituents in Vitex agnus-castus include volatile oils, glycosides, alkanoids
and flavonoids. These compounds can inhibit male sex organs, however their main
uses seem to be based on the fact that they affect the pituitary gland, or more
specific the hormone LH (luteinizing hormone). This LH altering effect means
that Vitex agnus-castus can help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle.
What are the uses and benefits of Vitex agnus-castus?
The effect that Vitex agnus-castus has on the pituitary gland leads to the
main uses of this herb, which include:
- Hormonal regulation
- Treatment of PMS
- Treating irregular periods
- Treating infertility due to lack of menstruation
- Treating fibrocystic breast disease
What is the right dosage of Vitex agnus-castus to use?
Vitex agnus-castus comes in both extract and capsule dietary supplement forms.
If taking Vitex agnus-castus as an extract the recommended dosage is 1-2ml of
extract, 3 times per day and for capsules the dosage is 2-3 capsules per day.
What are the side effects of Vitex agnus-castus?
There are only minor side effects of Vitex agnus-castus and these include minor
stomachache, rash and itching. Vitex agnus-castus is not recommended for pregnant
women or people who are on hormone therapy.
|
