Chasteberry, which also goes by the name agnus castus, is an herbal remedy that supposedly helps regulate female hormones. You may have heard that it can help you ovulate, but no scientific proof supports this. Ask a doctor for more information if you're interested in trying chasteberry or have concerns about ovulation.
Ovulation
The female reproductive cycle begins each month with the shedding of the uterine lining, or menstruation. During this time, your hormone levels start to rise to bring about the next cycle of fertility. As hormone levels peak, around the 14th day of your cycle, you release an egg from one of your ovaries, explains Dr. Miriam Stoppard in her book "Conception, Pregnancy and Birth." This is ovulation, and you must ovulate to conceive a baby.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry is a traditional herbal remedy that is known for suppressing the libido, a property that has given the berry its common name. According to the HerbWisdom website, traditional uses of chasteberry also include helping reduce symptoms of premenstrual discomfort and helping regulate female hormones. It's also sometimes recommended as a galactagogue, meaning that it's thought to help increase the amount of milk you make when lactating.
Using Chasteberry
According to KellyMom, a website for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, chasteberry is sometimes recommended by practitioners of alternative medicine to bring about a return of your period -- which requires ovulation -- when you're lactating. Some alternative health practitioners also recommend it for women with fertility problems, the notion being that it will help induce ovulation in women with irregular cycles.
Concerns
According to Dr. Beatrix Roemheld-Hamm in a 2005 article published in the journal "American Family Physician," evidence supporting the use of chasteberry in inducing ovulation is weak. There also isn't evidence to suggest that chasteberry is safe to use when you're pregnant. This is a concern because if you're using the herb to try to induce ovulation, you could become pregnant while using it. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns regarding use of chasteberry.
References
- "Conception, Pregnancy and Birth"; Miriam Stoppard, M.D.; 2008
- HerbWisdom.com: Chasteberry
- KellyMom.com: Chasteberry
- "American Family Physician"; Chasteberry; Dr. Beatrix Roemheld-Hamm; 2005
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