Herbal Medicine for Fertility: Chasteberry (Vitex)

The scientific name of chasteberry is Vitex agnus castus. It is commonly referred to as Vitex or as Monk's Pepper. It is among the oldest of herbs, and its first documentation has been traced back to more than 2,000 years. As an infertility medication, it commonly recommended for treating female infertility.

Why Chasteberry Works

Like most herbs, chasteberry contains some rare active ingredients that are able to induce a stimulating and regulating effect on the female hormones. The most significant of these ingredients are antioxidants and flavonoids that act on the female body at the chemical level. This means that they alter the manner in which the body’s natural chemicals, called neurotransmitters, are interpreted. The action of neurotransmitters controls the hormonal cycles in humans and hence, chasteberry is able to act upon the female sexual health.

Chasteberry is recommended as a herb for treating female infertility because it combines various actions to boost the female sexual health, like:

Regulation of Female Hormones

One of the commonest problems among women struggling with infertility is the irregular formation of eggs (oocytes). The formation and maturation of eggs is regulated by the action of various hormones. It has been established that chasteberry induces a slight effect on the pituitary gland, helping to regulate the secretion of important female reproductive hormones like progesterone, leutinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The regulation of these hormones helps to establish a regular ovulation cycle.

Credible support for this action is found in the use of chasteberry among women struggling with irregular pre-menstrual syndrome. Chasteberry is among the few herbs that can slowly neutralize the intensity of PMS symptoms. This includes reducing the discomfort in the breast, constipation and abdominal cramping. Alleviation of PMS symptoms is highly suggestive of chasteberry action on the female hormonal cycle.

Treatment of Menopause Symptoms

Women trying to get pregnant after the recommended age for conceiving face a major hurdle in the form of menopausal symptoms. The onset of menopausal symptoms can easily neutralize chances of conceiving in a natural manner. Symptoms like dizziness and hot flashes can be eased to greater extent with the regular use of chasteberry. This is mainly attributed to the fact that this herb raises the synthesis and retention of female fertility hormones like estrogen.

Chasteberry also helps to overcome typical menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness that can make the process of conceiving rather discomforting. Similarly, women struggling with irregular menses or absence of menses after the age of 40 have found a significant improvement in the regulation of their menstrual cycle with the regular use of chasteberry. This includes difficult-to-cure menstrual issues like painful menses and menstruation cramping that act as deterrents to the female reproductive health.

Treatment for Fertility Deterrents

When used in high concentrations for a sustained period, chasteberry yields appreciable anti-inflammatory properties. This is helpful for treating infertility since reproductive problems are often induced by internal, gynecological problems like impaired uterine health caused by endometriosis. Similarly, uterine fibroids cause internal inflammation that can be reduced with chasteberry.

Chasteberry Usage

Chasteberry is grown in various parts of west Asia and is now among the most commonly-recommended herbs across the world. It is also used in the Chinese herbal medicine. Chasteberry is easily available in herbal stores in various forms, including pure extracts, capsules and tinctures. Though there is negligible evidence to suggest that the use of this herb is risky, it is advised that a professional medical opinion is sought before starting a chasteberry herbal treatment regimen.

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