Using Vitex (Chasteberry) for Female Fertility

Throughout history, people have relied on the power of herbs to support reproductive health and increase fertility. These natural remedies offer an alternative approach to conventional medical treatments and provide various benefits when incorporated into a holistic fertility regimen. From balancing hormones to improving reproductive organ function, herbs have been used to support both men and women in their journey towards conception. Vitex is one such miraculous herb native to Italy and Greece and has been used as a medicinal herb for many years now. It is considered the leading herb in Europe and other Western nations that can help with gynaecological problems. Let’s find out what this miraculous herb is and how it works.

What Is Vitex?

Vitex refers to the 250 species constituting the largest genus in the Verbenaceae family of deciduous shrubs found worldwide. Vitex is a herb used since ancient times to treat hormonal imbalances and improve fertility. Vitex is also known as chaste berry, and its scientific name is Agnus-Castus. It primarily aids in relieving the symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle, such as depression, mood swings, cramps, water retention, weight gain, and more. A recent study shows that this herb is also helpful in decreasing PCOS symptoms and helping with conceiving.

Benefits of Vitex for Women With Fertility Issues

Chasteberry functions by lowering inflammation and restoring hormone balance. It helps with situations where your progesterone and oestrogen levels fluctuate. Here are some ways in which Vitex can treat fertility problems in a woman: 

1. Increases Progesterone Levels

Vitex can play a huge role in optimising progesterone levels to prepare you for pregnancy by stimulating the luteinising hormone (LH), which promotes ovulation. It also encourages the production of corpus luteum.

2. Re-establishes Cycles

Women who have been on hormonal birth control will find Vitex useful whilst they transition off it. However, Vitex interacts with birth control pills, so it’s best to consult a doctor before use.

3. Reduces Cysts

Vitex helps in healing fibroids, uterine cysts, and endometriosis.

4. Lengthens Short Cycles

The second half of the menstrual cycle is called the luteal phase. It is at this time that progesterone production is stimulated. Short luteal phases in women can be caused when they are not ovulating or progesterone levels are very low. Increasing the luteinising hormone promotes ovulation, and progesterone levels are improved as a result.

5. Prevents Miscarriage

Due to the properties that enable the herb to boost progesterone levels, it can be very helpful in preventing miscarriages.

6. Balances Menstrual Cycles

Vitex herb can be used to control and treat irregular menses.

How Does Chasteberry Work in Increasing Fertility in Women?

Vitex or chaste berry increases luteinising hormone and inhibits the release of follicle-stimulating hormone, thus boosting progesterone production levels and improving the chances of getting pregnant and maintaining the pregnancy.

Though the prolactin hormone stimulates milk production and promotes breast growth during pregnancy, high levels are linked to fertility issues. High prolactin levels can also lead to hyperprolactinemia in women, leading to conceiving problems. Vitex can decrease the prolactin levels produced in the body and increase your chances of pregnancy. 

Vitex also helps normalise menorrhagia (heavy menstrual flow) and amenorrhea (absent menses), and decreases polymenorrhea (very frequent periods). As it can reduce inflammation of the uterus or the ovaries, it works well for women prone to painful fibroids and cysts.

How to Use Vitex for Improving Fertility and Regulating Cycle?

Herbal remedies take their time to show results, but when you start seeing them, they are long-lasting. Also, these herbs have fewer side effects. Vitex works in such a manner. Here is how to take Vitex for fertility and to regulate the menstrual cycle:

1. To Improve Fertility

It is best to take three months before you would like to conceive to give the herb some time to optimise the hormonal levels. The time can be utilised to slowly change your diet, if needed, and develop healthy eating habits. A balanced diet and this herb can help you conceive and maintain your pregnancy.

2. To Regulate the Menstrual Cycle

You must take the herb for at least six months to regulate your menstrual cycle. After six months, it is recommended that you evaluate your condition and see for any kind of improvement. If there is no improvement, take a break for a month and then continue to take the herb.

How Much Vitex Should You Take?

To see the best results, take Vitex on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. When taking the capsules, start with a dosage of 20 mg per day. If taking the tincture, go for about 60 drops daily.

When Should It Be Taken During the Cycle?

The last half of the cycle, the luteal phase, is the period between ovulation and the beginning of the next menstrual cycle. This is often the best time to take this herb. However, some women can also take the herb throughout the month.

How Long Does It Take to Show the Expected Results?

In addition to flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and essential oils, including limonene, cineol, pinene, and sabinene, the berries of the chaste tree include several other active ingredients. You must take the herb for at least three months to notice any changes. It may work slower than usual in some women. Hence, they may have to take it for up to six months to see any changes.

Which Form of Vitex Is Best to Take?

Vitex, like dried herbs, capsules, and tinctures, comes in numerous forms. The capsules are the best to take, and tincture comes second. This is because the herb is very bitter, and tea from the dried herbs will not go down well unless blended with other herbs. Capsules are very convenient, as they can be swallowed in one go. Alcohol brings out the needed properties in Vitex much better than water, which is why tincture is better than chaste berry fertility tea.

Who Should Avoid Using Vitex?

Though Vitex has amazing benefits, not everyone should take it, as it may not work on everyone. Some women may need to change certain lifestyle habits before taking this herb. The following women should avoid taking Vitex:

• Women who usually eat processed or junk food.
• Those who have low energy.
• Women with weak immunity.
• Those who are on steroids, antibiotics, or medication for mental health.
• Those who are pregnant or lactating.

Does Vitex Work for Women of All Ages?

Women in their reproductive stage can take Vitex; women from about 18 years of age until perimenopause can benefit from this herb. However, Vitex may not treat fertility issues in women over 40, as women of this age reach perimenopause.

What Are the Side Effects of Chasteberry?

Vitex for fertility has been used for a long time now, and there have been very few side effects. However, the following side effects may occur:

• Nausea
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Skin reaction
• Headaches
• Allergic reactions
• Hormonal imbalance

You may be having doubts about using Vitex after reading its side effects, but don’t worry – it is recommended that you consult a doctor before opting for this remedy. Vitex has been used to treat fertility issues in women for a long time now. There are some women who respond very quickly to the herb, but for others, it takes a while for any effects to be seen. Have patience, and make sure to stick to a healthy and balanced diet in order to ensure that you are doing your best to help the herb work.

References/Resources:

1. Bokelmann. JM; Chasteberry/Chaste Tree/Vitex (Vitex agnus castus); ScienceDirect; https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/vitex-agnus-castus; 2022

2. Antoine. E, Chirila. S, Teodorescu. C; A Patented Blend Consisting of a Combination of Vitex agnus-castus Extract, Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Extract and Active Folate, a Nutritional Supplement for Improving Fertility in Women; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6861720/; September 2019

3. Die. M. D. V, Burger. H. G, Teede. H. J, et al.; Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials; PubMed Central; NIH; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23136064/; May 2013

4. What Is Chasteberry, and What Can It Do?; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/chasteberry-benefits-and-risks/; November 2022

5. Hamm. B. R; Chasteberry; PubMed Central; NIH; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16156340/; September 2005

6. ROEMHELD-HAMM. B; Chasteberry; American Family Physician; https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/0901/p821.html

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