Chasteberry is the fruit from the chaste tree and is used as a dietary supplement to relieve a variety of women's health issues. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) explains that chasteberry supplements are used to relieve premenstrual symptoms, including breast tenderness, to stimulation milk production, and may also have a positive effect on infertility and acne. As with all herbal remedies, it is important to use chasteberry as directed by a medical professional.
Step 1
Be sure that you are not pregnant if you intend to use chasteberry as a dietary supplement. According to NCCAM, the herb can cause hormones to fluctuate, and should not be taken by pregnant women or those who are affected by breast cancer.
Step 2
Discuss your current medication use with your doctor to be sure chasteberry is appropriate for you to use. People who take dopaminergic drugs to treat Parkinson's disease or other medical conditions may not be able to use chasteberry.
Step 3
Understand the different forms of the herb and the standard dosage of each, as they are not interchangeable. Safe and effective doses of the fruit extract capsule range between 20 and 40 mg each day. Forty drops of a fluid extract can be taken each day, while up to 45 drops of chasteberry tincture can be used three times daily in most patients. Discuss specific dosing instructions with your medical care provider.
Step 4
Recognize side effects that you may experience when using chasteberry supplements. The "American Family Physician," a publication of the American Academy of Family Physicians, reports that side effects may include dry mouth, mild stomach pain or gastrointestinal issues, dizziness and headache. Contact your doctor and discuss further use of chasteberry if you find these side effects worrisome or intolerable.
Things You'll Need
- Chasteberry supplements
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