Chasteberry tea is made from the tiny fruits of a tall shrub native to the Mediterranean region. In medieval times, monks chewed on the berries of the chaste tree, in the belief that this herb repressed the libido, according to Michael Castleman in "The New Healing Herbs." Whether chasteberry can suppress sex drive is an open question. However, Commission E, a German regulatory agency, has approved chasteberry for treating premenstrual symptoms, explains Castleman.
Premenstrual Symptoms
Since antiquity, chasteberry has been recommended for premenstrual discomforts, such as bloating, irritability, breast pain, cramps and mood swings. Contemporary European doctors prescribe it to their patients, and an over-the-counter chasteberry supplement to relieve PMS has been sold in Europe for over 50 years, notes Castleman. He also cites a clinical trial in Germany in which more than 1500 women ingested chasteberry tincture daily for six months. A considerable or total respite of PMS complaints was reported by 90 percent of the subjects. Consult a physician before taking chasteberry.
Menstrual Regularity
Chasteberry tea may also help normalize your menstrual periods, whether you have irregular periods, spotting in mid-cycle or heavy flow, notes Castleman. Another painful symptom of the menstrual cycle can be breast tenderness, also known as cyclic mastalgia. According to Chris Meletis, N.D. in "Complete Guide to Safe Herbs," bioactive constituents in chasteberry inhibit the discharge of the hormone prolactin, which is linked to sore breasts during the menstrual cycle. Do not add chasteberry to your regimen without talking to your qualified health professional.
Fertility
While scientific evidence that chasteberry tea increases fertility is not conclusive, it may be helpful to women who are trying to conceive. According to "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs," chasteberry seems to work best for women who have low progesterone levels, which hinders regular ovulation. The physiological action of chasteberry may stimulate the ovaries to ramp up production of the hormone progesterone and encourage monthly ovulation to occur.
Lactation
One European study reported by Castleman concluded that a chasteberry supplement improved nursing mothers' milk production, although it took a number of weeks before an effect was noticed. The herb seems to regulate the production of the hormone prolactin, which controls lactation, states, "The Healing Powers of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs."
Safety
Noticing chasteberry tea's effects may require several weeks of use. This plant should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and it should not be given to children, advises Castleman. Do not ingest it if you are on hormone therapy without consulting your physician. "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs" notes that a few women may experience stomach upset or a skin rash.
References
- "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs"; Wayne Kalyn et al.; 1999
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2009
- "Complete Guide to Safe Herbs"; Chris Meletis, N.D.; 2002
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