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...AGNUS CASTUS
Agnus Castus (also known as Vitex, Vitex agnus-castus, Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, and Monk’s Pepper) is native to the Mediterranean region and to central Asia. It is a deciduous bush or small tree belonging to the vervain family
AGNUS CASTUS
Agnus Castus (also known as Vitex, Vitex agnus-castus, Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, & Monk’s Pepper) is native to the Mediterranean region & to central Asia. It is a deciduous bush or small tree belonging to the vervain family (verbenaceae). The dried fruit have a pepper like flavour & aroma & have been used for 2, 500 years in many aspects of maintaining a healthy female reproductive system. The use of Agnus Castus in female health was recorded by Hippocrates (460-377 BC) who is known as the father of modern medicine & his name is still honoured today in the Hippocratic oath taken by doctors.
The Benefits of Agnus Castus
Premenstrual syndrome – Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome such as irritability, mood swings, anger, headache & breast fullness have been shown to significantly improve after taking Agnus Castus. In a German study of 1, 542 women, 90% reported relief from symptoms after treatment averaging 25.3 days.
Menopause – Women approaching the menopause can experience a reduction in the luteal phase (second half) of menstruation when progesterone is produced, upsetting the balance with oestrogen. Agnus Castus can help restore this balance, regulating the cycle.
Abnormal bleeding & irregular menstrual cycles
- Too frequent periods & spotting between periods can be caused by high oestrogen levels. Agnus Castus can help correct this by boosting progesterone levels, balancing the oestrogen.
Period pains
- Agnus Castus has been used to treat dysmenorrhoea (painful & difficult menstruation).
Premenstrual water retention – Agnus Castus has a dopamine like effect. Dopamine is a hormone required for correct fluid balance.
Infertility – Agnus Castus has been used with some success in treating infertility in cases of established luteal phase defect (short second half of the menstrual cycle) & high prolactin levels.
Acne – Agnus Castus can help control acne in teenagers, young women & men as it inhibits the action of male androgens (sex hormones) which can worsen acne.
Properties
Agnus Castus acts on the pituitary gland where one of its effects is to stimulate the production of the luteinising hormone. The luteinising hormone is involved in the development of a small gland in the ovary called the corpus luteum where progesterone is made. If the corpus luteum does not develop properly, the luteal phase (second half) of the cycle is reduced & too little progesterone is produced resulting in premenstrual syndrome, irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal bleeding, period pains & acne. By normalising the function of the corpus luteum, these unpleasant effects are avoided.
Agnus Castus has been used successfully for over 2, 500 years, but persistence is sometimes required as the effect can take up to three months to develop.
Contra-indications / Precautions
Medical Advice should be sought before taking Agnus Castus with endocrine therapies such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), oral contraceptives & diabetic medication. Not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.