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By: Sydney L. Murray
In medieval times, the chasteberry (botanically known as
Vitex agnus-castus) was thought to suppress the libido of
both males and females. Legend has it that monks chewed
on the dried berries in an effort to adhere to their vows
of celibacy. We know today that the herb does not affect
sexual drive, but chasteberry does play an important role
in supporting the health of a woman's reproductive-tract
and menstrual-related complaints. In Europe, chasteberry
is recommended more often than any other herb for relieving
the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Indigenous
to the Mediterranean region, the chaste tree is actually
a small shrub that bears violet flowers and reddish black
berries and is found in subtropical climates around the
globe. In the fall, its ripe berries are dried and used
medicinally. Similar to peppercorns in shape, chasteberries
also have a peppery taste. Other common names for this herb
are vitex, monk's pepper, and chaste tree berry. Since the
days of Hippocrates, chasteberry has been recommended for
menstrual complaints. Although it contains no hormones or
hormone-like substances, the herb influences hormonal activity
by stimulating the pituitary gland at the base of the brain
to produce more luteinizing hormone (LH). This, in turn,
signals the ovaries to produce more of the hormone progesterone.
Chasteberry also acts to lower elevated levels of a second
pituitary hormone, prolactin, which is involved in breast-milk
production.1
In essence chasteberry may
help to:
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Reduce PMS symptoms. Before their
periods many women may become irritable, depressed,
and bloated. These typical PMS symptoms may occur because
of an insufficient production of progesterone in the
two weeks prior to menstruation. Chasteberry helps to
normalize the ratio of progesterone to estrogen, thus
providing relief from these monthly discomforts. In
a recent study of premenstrual women, 90% of those who
took the herb reported that they experienced a reduction
in PMS symptoms. Chasteberry may be as effective as
another common PMS supplement, vitamin B6, which clears
excess estrogen from the body, in controlling symptoms.
While a German study actually found chasteberry to be
superior to vitamin B6 for resolving PMS symptoms.2
-
Regulate ovulation and promote fertility.
A woman with too much prolactin and too little progesterone
in her body may not ovulate regularly. Obviously, it
would be difficult to become pregnant under these conditions.
Chasteberry can help to lower prolactin levels and aid
in the normal functioning of the ovaries, thus providing
opportunities for conception. The herb works best for
women whose progesterone levels are mildly or moderately
low. High prolactin levels can also cause amenorrhea
(absent menstrual cycles). In such cases chasteberry
may be useful in reestablishing a normal monthly cycle.
Women suffering from infertility due to not only to
an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone but also to
high prolactin levels may benefit from chasteberry,
as well. In a 1988 study, 48 women (ages 23 to 39) with
infertility and this type of condition--called a luteal
phase defect--were given chasteberry once a day for
three months. Of the 45 women who completed the study,
seven became pregnant during the study. And in 25 of
the women, progesterone levels returned to normal, a
situation that improved the chances for future conception.1,3
-
Treat menopausal difficulties. Declining
hormone levels in the years up to and after menopause
can cause hot flashes, sweating, vaginal dryness, and
even mild depression. Chasteberry combined with black
cohosh works to stabilize these hormone levels and can
be beneficial in controlling symptoms.4
-
Relieve the pain of endometriosis.
Chasteberry acts to restore hormonal imbalances responsible
for endometriosis-related pain, which can be severe.
It's often taken with the herb dong quai for this purpose
because both of these herbs support the relaxation of
the uterus.1,3
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