Infertility is the inability to conceived after having well-timed, unprotected sex for 12 months. Doctors are usually able to identify a cause for the failure to conceive. For 10 to 15 percent of infertile couples, however, the frustrating diagnosis of "unexplained infertility" will be given, according to the Steven Foster Group, Inc., a firm that specializes in information about medicinal plants. The lack of a definitive cause of the problem leads many infertile couples to try numerous and varied remedies to solve their condition, including herbal remedies. Vitex is an herb often used by women with unexplained infertility, as it is believed to improve the odds of conception.
What is Vitex?
Vitex agnus-castus, also called Chasteberry or Monk's Pepper, comes from the fruit of the chasteberry tree. Native to Central Asia and Mediterranean countries, the plant has been used to treat gynecological conditions, especially in relation to abnormal menstruation, for more than 2,000 years, notes the website of Steven Foster Group, Inc. The effectiveness of some usages of the herb have been confirmed by modern clinical trials, though not for unexplained infertility.
Benefits
According to the Steven Foster Group, 20th century scientific studies have shown Vitex to effectively treat multiple conditions related to the female reproductive system. Vitex can stimulate the pituitary gland thereby indirectly increasing the production of progesterone, a hormone critical to the health implantation and development of an embryo. Dr. Randine Lewis, author of "The Infertility Cure," adds that Vitex can also decrease the production of the hormone prolactin, high levels of which can prohibit ovulation. It is also believed that Vitex can help normalize an irregular menstrual cycle and may even help restart an absent period. While these benefits might help a woman with an unexplained infertility diagnosis, no study indicates that it will.
Dosage
Vitex comes in several forms, including capsules, tablets, tinctures and tea. The recommended dosage therefore varies depending up the form in which you are taking the herb. The website Diagnose-Me.com states that taking 2 mL of Vitex extract or 6 mL of a tincture everyday for 18 months continually should be acceptable. A qualified herbalist or naturopath can recommend appropriate dosages. Note that Vitex may take three to six months to produce results.
Warning
Before taking Vitex or any herbal medication, discuss your intentions with your health care provider. Although the herb does not have any known side effects, it may counteract the effects of certain fertility drugs, such as Clomid. Moreover, just because there are no known side effects does not mean that you cannot have a negative reaction to the herb.
References
- Steven Foster Group, Inc: Vitex
- Infertility Clinic London: Vitex-Chasteberry
- Diagnose Me: Vitex/Chasteberry: Information and Recommended Uses
- "The Infertility Cure: The Ancient Chinese Wellness Program for Getting Pregnant and Having Health Babies," by Dr. Randine Lewis (2004)
