Vitex Agnus Castus - Powerful Menopause Herb
According to history, the Greeks scattered the leaves of the plant on their beds which helped them to "keep them chaste". Hence its alternative name of Chaste Berry. There is no report of whether or not this worked well! Although not widely used in the West until fairly recently, ancient herbalists certainly knew about it. One says: "It brings down the milk and expels the menstrua", in other words it was used as a "lactagogue", and for stuck menses. It's only really in the last 15 years that it has become more popular in the UK and USA, especially for menopausal symptoms. How Does Agnus Castus Work?Agnus castus is thought to have an effect on the pituitary gland. This "master gland" has a lot of control over the sex and other hormones, affecting their balance. When they are out of balance menopausal symptoms are more likely to happen. If this is due to a basic deficiency of the pituitary gland then agnus castus is likely to help. Certainly, of all the single herbs used for menopause agnus castus is one of the top herbs likely to work on its own. Though any herbal regime is best supported by a healthy diet, exercise regime and sufficient relaxation in life. Which Symptoms Is It Good For?It is worth taking vitex for any symptoms of menopause: but perhaps it is best know for helping with hot flushes, their night-time equivalent hot sweats, and also fatigue. It is possible to see benefits from taking vitex agnus castus within a week or two: but if you don't, do give it two months to start producing results. After that, assuming you see it working, continue for 4-6 months, typically, then try leaving it off. If you wish, you can take it for longer with safety. Or, if your body seems to have sorted itself out with the 6 months' treatment, leave it off, or take it for a top-up every few months. Or you can take it a month on, a month off. Whatever frequency works for you, really. One thing is sure: vitex agnus castus is a fantastic herb to help many women with menopause, and a herb highly valued by all Western herbalists. ResourcesHerbs: Articles: |
Vitex agnus castus is not a cactus, though it sounds rather like it: it
is a member of the Verbena family of plants which includes lemon verbena.1. Subscribe
2. Click 'confirm link' in email
(anti-spam measure)
3. First report in 2 minutes!
We hate spam too. We never share your details.