Chasteberry, also called Vitex, is the fruit of the chaste tree, which is native to Western Asia and Southwestern Europe. Today it is also common in the southeastern United States. There is written documentation that chasteberry has been used for more than 2,000 years across Egypt, Greece, Rome and in medieval Europe. Traditional uses have been to reduce libido or to treat gynecological problems.
Uses
According to American Family Physician,s chasteberry has been used to enhance the production of breast milk. But at this time there is no literature or clinical studies to support the use of chasteberry during lactation. In fact, at this time it is not recommended for use in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, chasteberry is used for menstrual problems, for symptoms of menopause, for some types of infertility and for acne. The dried ripe chasteberry is prepared as a liquid or solid extract that is put into capsules or tablets.
Cautions and Allergic Reactions
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, chasteberry hasn't been associated with serious side effects, but can cause gastrointestinal problems, acne-like rashes or dizziness. According to the Wellness website, anyone who has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to members of the verbenaceae family or any other of the chasteberry components may suffer from an allergic reaction. If you have an allergic reaction you may experience eczema, itching, rash, skin eruptions or hives.
Rare Side Effects
According to clinical studies, chasteberry has been generally well tolerated with very few adverse side effects. According to Wellness, rare side effects that have been reported include acne, hair loss, eczema, itching, headache, vertigo, seizure, drowsiness, agitation, fatigue, sweating and dry mouth. You may also experience palpitations, circulatory disorders, vomiting, diarrhea, fast heart rate, irregular menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, hot flashes, breast tenderness, fibroid growth, weight gain, pelvic disease and nose bleeds.
Use in Pregnancy or Breast Feeding
According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center chasteberry, has estrogenic activity and should be used with caution in women who have hormone-sensitive diseases. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use chasteberry because the long-term effects are not known and because of the uterine stimulatory effects it can have.
Drug Interactions
Chasteberry can interfere with the efficacy of oral contraceptives because of the hormone-regulating activities. This means that oral contraceptives may not effectively prevent pregnancy when you use chasteberry. It can also increase the blood levels of estrogen and progesterone ,which will alter the effects of hormone replacement therapy. According to Wellness, chasteberry binds with D-2 receptors and alters dopaminergic effects. If you suffer from Parkinson's disease or other illnesses that require the use of dopamine for treatment, you should not take chasteberry. Using chasteberry may increase effects and side effects of the dopaminergic medication.
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