Chasteberry for PMS

Vitex agnus-castus

Chasteberry is the fruit of the chaste tree, a small Central Asian and Mediterranean shrub. Women have used it for menstrual problems for thousands of years. In recent years, several clinical scientific studies have shown it to be effective in relieving the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Some sources say that it is as effective as Prozac for relieving premenstrual depression (though it should not be taken as a remedy for depression that is ongoing and chronic).

Chasteberry remedy for PMS

Method

• If you wish, you can collect the berries yourself when they are ripe, usually in October or November. After you collect the berries, dry them.
• Pour one cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of ripe dried berries.
• Let the water and berries sit for 10 to 15 minutes to infuse.
• Drink the infusion three times daily.
• Alternatively, you can buy it in capsule form, and take as directed.

Why It Works

Scientists think that chasteberry has some effect on women's hormones. Herbalists say that it normalizes the actions of the pituitary gland, bringing it into balance.

Precautions

Chasteberry has no serious side effects, but it may cause nausea, headaches, gastrointestinal distress, acne or acne-like rashes, itching, or dizziness. Because chasteberry is thought to act on hormone levels, you should not take it if you think you might be pregnant or if you are taking birth control pills. Also, chasteberry is thought to affect the chemical balance in the brain, so you should not take it if you are also taking medications for a mental disorder or for Parkinson's disease.

More Remedies

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