Vitex agnus-castus, also called vitex, chaste tree (or chastetree), chasteberry, Abraham's balm, lilac chastetree, or monk's pepper, is a native of the Mediterranean region. It is one of the few temperate-zone species of Vitex, which is on the whole a genus of tropical and sub-tropical flowering plants.

Why is vitex called chaste tree?

The plant gets its name from the belief that it is an anaphrodisiac (decreases libido). It is cultivated in warm climates for its foliage and showy flower spikes that attract butterflies and other pollinators.

What is another name for a chaste tree?

General description. Chaste tree is a shrub that bears violet flowers and berries. It's also called vitex agnus-castus.

Who shouldnt use vitex?

Why most women with PCOS shouldn't use Vitex

If you know your LH level is high (if you don't know – ask for a hormonal panel blood test from your doctor), you should not use Vitex. Most women have the kind of PCOS that is insulin-resistant and comes with high LH, and they should avoid Vitex.

Does chaste tree help you get pregnant?

Chaste tree has also been shown to increase LH secretion and reduce FSH production. There is currently limited scientific evidence demonstrating that chaste tree actually improves fertility. The most commonly cited study is from 1993, published in Germany (Milewicz et al).

Vitex Agnus Castus or Chaste Tree

Does vitex make you ovulate?

Conclusions:The supplement may be used by women trying to conceive. The patented blend consisting of a combination of Vitex, Maca and active folate regulates the menstrual cycle, stimulates ovulation and increases the likelihood of getting pregnant.

When should I take chasteberry for fertility?

Research suggests that taking vitex agnus-castus three times daily from the first daily of menstruation until day 8 of the cycle for four cycles reduces bleeding caused by an intrauterine device. Difficulty in becoming pregnant (infertility).

Does vitex interact with anything?

No herb-drug interactions have been reported, but caution is advised for its concomitant use with dopamine agonists or antagonists. Optimal standardization and dosing recommendations await clarification in clinical studies. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), or monk's pepper, is the fruit of the chaste tree.

What is chasteberry used for?

Chasteberry is used widely to treat infertility and for relief of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Laboratory analysis has shown that chasteberry contains hormonal precursors that can prompt hormone changes within the body by activating those receptors.

What does vitex do to hormones?

Researchers believe that vitex works by decreasing levels of the hormone prolactin. This helps rebalance other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone — thus reducing PMS symptoms (4). In one study, women with PMS took Vitex agnus-castus during three consecutive menstrual cycles.

Can you eat vitex leaves?

Edible Uses

The fruit is used as a condiment, it is a pepper substitute[46, 61, 100, 183]. The aromatic leaves are also used as a spice[183, 227].

Are there different varieties of vitex?

Some smaller cultivars, like 'Blue Diddley' and 'Blue Puffball' can be grown as 3 to 6 ft shrubs other cultivars, such as 'Cooke's Blue', 'Cooke's Pink', or 'Cooke's Purple' can grow as tall as 25 to 30 feet with the same spread. There are also many cultivars of various sizes in between.

Who should not take chasteberry?

Chasteberry can affect levels of hormones that play a key role in pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, and even some breast cancers. You should not take chasteberry if you: Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Have breast cancer.

Is there a white vitex?

The White Vitex tree is an attractive tree, with clusters of colorful flower spikes in Summer to Fall. ... It can reach heights of 15 to 25 feet, and prefers Summer heat for more colorful blooms. This particular white blooming tree features white blooms.

Is vitex a tree or bush?

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) is a deciduous shrub that bears clusters of purple flowers in the summer. The leaves of the vitex are reminiscent of the marijuana plant (Cannabis sativa), with five leaflets in a palm-shaped arrangement.

Does vitex increase estrogen?

Vitex significantly increased the estrogen level in the Vitex + d-galactose group, compared to the d-galactose group (p < 0.05). Vitex also significantly increased the estrogen level in the Vitex + Aging group, compared to the Aging group (p < 0.05; Fig.

What does vitex do to your body?

Vitex can help raise your progesterone levels and lower your prolactin levels. It can help your premenstrual symptoms and ease breast pain and tenderness. The evidence isn't clear whether it helps fertility or other period and hormone problems, though.

Does Chasteberry help PCOS?

Chaste berry works on the pituitary gland and indirectly works to raise progesterone levels naturally within the body. Because progesterone is capable of reducing male hormone levels, many women resort to the use of Chaste berry.

When should you take chaste tree?

Bleeding. Research suggests that taking vitex agnus-castus three times daily from the first daily of menstruation until day 8 of the cycle for four cycles reduces bleeding caused by an intrauterine device.

What are the side effects of chasteberry?

Side effects are generally mild, and may include nausea, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, or itching. Taking chasteberry during pregnancy or while breastfeeding may not be safe. It may not be safe for women with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, to take this herb.

How do you use a chaste tree?

Crude herb extract: Take 20-240mg by mouth per day, divided in 2 to 3 doses. Fluid extract: Take up to 40 drops by mouth per day. Dried fruit extract: Take 1.6-3ml by mouth up to two times a day. Tincture: Take 35-45 drops by mouth up to three times a day.

How do I take Vitex to get pregnant?

Doctors typically suggest 40 drops of a liquid, concentrated vitex extract or 35–40 mg of the equivalent dried, powdered extract to be taken once per day in the morning with some liquid. Vitex should be taken for at least three menstrual cycles to determine efficacy.

How can I become more fertile fast?

1. Eat foods rich in antioxidants. ...
2. Eat a bigger breakfast. ...
3. Avoid trans fats. ...
4. Cut down on carbs if you have PCOS. ...
5. Eat fewer refined carbs. ...
6. Eat more fiber. ...
7. Swap protein sources. ...
8. Choose high fat dairy.

Does Vitex increase chance of twins?

Vitex helps in the prevention or reduction of ovarian cysts in females. It is useful in improving the probability of twin babies as there is a chance for the woman to double ovulate.