When you cut your finger, it bleeds until your blood coagulates, or clots, to stop the bleeding. Clotting is a natural part of the healing process, but when a blood clot forms inside your vessels, it can block the flow of blood to vital organs and tissues. Blood clots increase your risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism and other medical conditions, according to MedlinePlus. Vitex, an herb used to treat female hormone conditions, doesn't appear to have a direct effect on blood clotting, but the herb may have side effects not yet known. See your doctor before taking vitex.
Vitex and Hormones
The berries from the Vitex agnus castus tree, also called the chasteberry tree, contain essential oils, glycosides and alkaloids, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." Vitex may help regulate female hormonal levels by encouraging the pituitary gland to produce progesterone, which balances the effects of estrogen. Not known to thin the blood or to promote blood clots, vitex is a common natural treatment for menopausal symptoms.
Vitex, Hormones and Blood Clots
During the years immediately preceding menopause, a woman's estrogen levels fluctuate, potentially triggering hot flashes and other symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe estrogen replacement therapy to reduce symptoms, but these drugs may increase your risk of developing blood clots in the legs, according to NYU Langone Medical Center. Theoretically, if you use vitex as a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy, you may be at a reduced risk of blood clots, but studies confirming that benefit do not exist.
Administration
Vitex is available in tincture, extract, capsule or tea form. The "Gale Encyclopedia" recommends a "usual dosage" of 200 mg standardized to 0.5 percent. Mix the liquid tincture or extract with juice or water at the dosage recommended on the package. You may prepare vitex tea by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of vitex seeds and steep for 15 minutes. Do not drink more than 3 cups of vitex tea per day. The effects of vitex are cumulative, and you may not see results for up to six months, reports the "Gale Encyclopedia."
Considerations
Do not take vitex if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have estrogen-sensitive cancer or tumors. Side effects are rare, reports the "Gale Encyclopedia," but include a rash, mild headache, increased menstrual bleeding and nausea. Vitex may interfere with other medications you're taking, including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Talk to your doctor about your risk for blood clots, and use vitex only under a doctor's supervision.
References
- MedlinePlus; Blood Clots; June 2010
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- NYU Langone Medical Center; Menopausal Symptoms (Other Than Osteoporosis); August 2011
