What is chaste tree?
According to legend, monks chewed chaste-tree leaves to help them maintain their celibacy vows. The herb comes from the dried, ripened fruits and root bark of Vitex agnus-castus. A German formulation of chaste tree is used for certain menstrual disorders, premenstrual syndrome, breast pain, Inadequate lactation, and menopause symptoms
Common doses of chaste tree
Chaste tree is available as capsules, tinctures, and teas. A German study used a dose of a 20 milligram capsule taken orally twice a day.
Why people use chaste tree
- Acne
- Inadequate lactation
- Ovarian insufficiency
- Uterine bleeding
Side effects of chaste tree
Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of chaste tree:
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you’re taking.
Important points to remember
- Avoid this herb if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding or if you’re trying to get pregnant
- Be aware that most information on chaste tree comes from foreign studies whose results are hard to interpret.
What the research shows
A German study showed that chaste tree had value in treating women with certain reproductive hormone imbalances. However, another report argued against using this herb in women with multiple follicular development because of the alterations in hormone levels that resulted.
Medical experts believe the herb may be worth Investigating in disorders specific to women but don’t yet have enough data on it’s long-term safely and effectiveness to recommend it.
Other names for chaste tree : –
Other names for chaste tree include agneau chaste, chasteberry, gatillier, hemp tree, kcuschbaum, and monk’s pepper.
No known products containing chaste tree are commercially available.
Useful References