AGNUS CASTUS

Agnus Castus (also known as Vitex, Vitex agnus-castus. Chaste Tree, Chasteberry,

and Monk's Pepper) is native to the Mediterranean region and to central Asia.

It is a deciduous bush or small tree belonging to the vervain family (verbenaceae).

The dried fruit have apepper like flavour and aroma and have been used for 2,500 years

in many aspects of maintaining a healthy female reproductive system.

The use of Agnus Castus in female health was recorded by

Hippocrates (460-377 BC) who is known as the father of modern medicine

and his name is still honoured today in the Hippocratic oath taken by doctors.

The Benefits of Agnus Castus

Premenstrual syndrome - Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome such as irritability,

mood swings, anger, headache and breast fullness have been shown

to significantly improve after taking Agnus Castus. In a German study of 1,542 women,

90% reported relief from symptoms after treatment averaging 25.3 days.

Menopause - Women approaching the menopause can experience a reduction in the luteal

phase (second half) of menstruation when progesterone

is produced, upsetting the balance with oestrogen. Agnus Castus can help

restore this balance, regulating the cycle.
Abnormal bleeding and irregular menstrual cycles - Too frequent periods

and spotting between periods can be caused by high oestrogen levels.

Agnus Castus can help correct this by boosting progesterone levels,

balancing the oestrogen.

Period pains - Agnus Castus has been used to treat dysmenorrhoea

(painful and difficult menstruation).

Premenstrual water retention - Agnus Castus has a dopamme like effect. Dopamine

is a hormone required for correct fluid balance.

Infertility - Agnus Castus has been used with some success in treating infertility in cases of established luteal phase

defect (short second half of the menstrual cycle) and high prolactin levels.

Acne - Agnus Castus can help control acne in teenagers, young women and men as it inhibits the action

of male androgens (sex hormones) which can worsen acne.

Properties

Agnus Castus acts on the pituitary gland where one of its effects is to stimulate the
production of the luteinising hormone. The luteinising hormone is involved in the
development of a small gland in the ovary called the corpus luteum where progesterone is made.

If the corpus luteum does not develop properly,

the luteal phase (second half) of the cycle is reduced and too little progesterone is produced resulting

in premenstrual syndrome, irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal bleeding, period pains and acne.

Bynormalising the function of the corpus luteum, these

unpleasant effects are avoided. Agnus Castus has been used successfully for over 2,500 years,

but persistence is sometimes required as the effect can take up to three months to develop.

Contra-indications / Precautions

Medical Advice should be sought before taking Agnus Castus with endocrine therapies

such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), oral contraceptives and diabetic medication.
Not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.