Pms,Premenstrual Syndrome,Premenstrual - Vitex Agnus Castus The Herbal Remedy for PMS

Vitex Agnus Castus The Herbal Remedy for PMS

Vitex agnus castus (more commonly referred to in the UK as Agnus castus and the USA as Vitex) grows in the Mediterranean region. The name Agnus castus is derived from the Greek word for chaste as the ancient Greeks thought the plant calmed sexual passion. Its common names of chasteberry and monks pepper also gives some indication of its historical usage. Its reputation as both an aphrodisiac and anaphrodisiac lies in its normalising effect. Nowadays research has proven that extract of Agnus Castus berry is an effective and well tolerated treatment for the relief of symptoms of Premenstrual+Syndrome' target=_blank>premenstrual syndrome PMS (sometimes referred to as PMT).

Agnus Castus has traditionally been used for: Treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Balancing the menstrual cycle Promoting breast milk flow Improving female fertility Treating hyperprolactinemia Treating menopausal symptoms Side effects and contraindications:

Agnus castus has not been associated with serious side effects. However, in rare situations it can cause gastrointestinal problems, acne-like rashes, and dizziness. As it may affect certain hormone levels, women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills or who have a hormone-sensitive condition (such as breast cancer) should avoid agnus castus. For the same reason Agnus castus is not suitable for children Because it may affect the dopamine system in the brain, people taking dopamine-related medications should also avoid using agnus castus.

Active Compounds:

Vitex agnus castus contains steroidal compounds similar to human sex hormones that have a normalising effect on the reproductive system. Iridoid glycodsides which include auchin and agnoside; flavanoids including casticin, isovitexin and orientin.

Adult Tincture Dosage:

Take 1-2ml of tincture three times a day (based on 1:3 herb to alcohol ratio). That's where one kilo of herb is used to make three litres of tincture. When buying herbal remedies always buy tinctures not pills or capsules. Pills tend to have long lists of unnatural ingredients. Tinctures use the synergistic benefits of the whole plant while pills isolate specific phytochemicals. It's also better to use organic tinctures as these are free from herbs and pesticides.

Research into Agnus castus There is some powerful research demonstrating how Vitex agnus castus can assist with PMS. AR Schellenburg et al published a paper in The British Medical Journal on research into the treatment of premenstrual syndrome with Agnus Castus fruit extract. This randomised, double blind, placebo controlled research was designed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of Agnus Castus with placebo. 170 women (active 86; placebo 84) with an average age of 36 and an average cycle of 28 days were evaluated. Extract of Agnus Castus fruit was taken once daily. The women were asked to self assess over three cycles, considering irritability, mood alteration, anger, headache, breast fullness and other menstrual issues including bloating, looking both at individual symptoms and overall changes in severity. Improvement was greater in the active group, with 52% of the active group reporting marked changes in the overall severity, as against 24% in the placebo group. Seven women (active 4; placebo 3) reported mild adverse effects, none of which caused discontinuation of the treatment. The researchers concluded that extract of Agnus Castus fruit is an effective and well tolerated treatment for the relief of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome Schellenberg R. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study. BMJ 2001; 322(7279):134-7

Further research and references: Herbal Medicine, Expanded Commission E Monographs; Senior Editor Blumenthal M; Editors Goldberg A., Brinckmann J. 2000 American Botanical Council. ESCOP Monographs, 2003 second edition, Completely revised and expanded Agni casti fructus p 8-13 Textbooks: Principles and practice of Phytotherapy; Mills Simon and Bone Kerry; 2000 Churchill Livingstone. Chaste tree p 328 - 334 Research Papers Wuttke W, JarryH, et al. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)--pharmacology and clinical indications. Phytomedicine 2003; 10(4):348-357 Halaska M, Raus K. et al. Treatment of cyclical mastodynia using an extract of vitex agnus castus: results of a double-blind comparison with a placebo. Ceska Gynekol 1998; 63(5):388-392 Loch EG, Selle H, Boblitz N. Treatment of premenstural syndrome with a phytopharmaceutical formulation containing Vitex agnus castus. Journal of Womens Health Gender Based Medicine 200; 9(3):315-320 Berger D, Schaffer W, et al. Efficacy of Vitex agnus castusL. Extract Ze 440 in patients with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2000; 264(3):150-153 Publications Positive Health Magazine Vitex agnus castus: A review by Dee Atkinson originally published in issue 23 - Nov/Dec 1997

For organic agnus castus try Organic Herbal Remedies Or for more information on agnus castus go to Naturopathic Health

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