Chasteberry leaves come from chastetree or Vitex agnus-castus. This medicinal plant is a deciduous shrub native to Mediterranean, European and Central Asian countries. Vitex has purplish-black berries and fingerlike leaves, both of which are used medicinally. European and North American herbalists have prescribed this herb for a number of health complaints, including digestive problems, acne and various gynecological disorders. Although chasteberry tea might help improve a number of women's health issues, herbal medicine should not replace conventional medicine. Consult with your health care provider before taking chasteberry tea leaves.
Relieves PMS
Chasteberry tea can help relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. A study published in a 2001 issue of the British Medical Journal researched the effectiveness of chaseteberry for PMS symptoms such as irritability, breast tenderness and headaches. Women who took chasteberry experienced a 52 percent reduction in PMS symptoms compared to a 24 percent reduction in the placebo group.
Promotes Fertility
Chasteberry might help boost fertility and improve your chances of becoming pregnant. According to the Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition, chasteberry can help regulate your menstrual cycles and improve the balance between estrogen and progesterone, two important female hormones involved in fertility. Chasteberry can also help stimulate luteinizing hormone, or LH, which is vital for ovulation.
Supports Menopause
Chasteberry might provide you with hormonal support during menopause. According to Martin Stone, a clinical herbalist, chasteberry has specific actions on your pituitary gland, which is responsible for the release of hormones in your body. This herb can help regulate your pituitary and reduce the hormonal ups and downs that can lead to menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.
Reduces Heavy Periods
Chasteberry tea can help reduce heavy menstrual flow, according to the March 2008 edition of Natural Health. Heavy menstrual flow might result from excess estrogen in your body and chasteberry helps to increase progesterone during the second half of your cycle, which creates a healthier estrogen-to-progesterone ratio by reducing estrogen dominance.
Regulates Menstrual Cycle
Chasteberry tea can help regulate your menstrual cycle, according to Alternative Medicine Review. This herb can help treat menstrual cycle irregularities that can result from hyperprolactinemia, corpus luteum insufficiency or luteal phase defect. A German study published in a 1993 issue of Drug Research evaluated the effects of chasteberry on women with menstrual cycle irregularities because of high prolactin levels. After three months of treatment, women who took chasteberry experienced a significant decrease in prolactin levels and more normal progesterone levels. As with all herbal treatments, check with a doctor before starting an herbal regimen.
References
- "HerbalGram: Chasteberry Extract Successfully Treats PMS in Placeb-Controlled Trial;" Donald J. Brown, ND; 2001
- "Alive: Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition: Fertility Conceiving Natural Remedies;" Kathleen Barnes; 2009
- "Alive: Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition: Menopause A Natural Progression;" Martin Stone, Cl.H.; 2008
- "Natural Health: Herbs for Hormones;" Catherine Guthrie; 2008
- "Alternative Medicine Review: Vitex Agnus-Castus;" Kelly Czap, Managing Editor; 2009
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