Fertility-enhancing herbs, such as Vitex, are often praised for their potential to support hormonal balance and improve reproductive health. But what is Vitex or Chasteberry? Can it really benefit our reproductive health?
Vitex is a large genus in the Verbenaceae family, with around 250 species found worldwide. The most well-known species used in medicine is Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chaste tree or chasteberry. This plant grows mainly along riverbanks and shores in the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, and Central Asia.
What the eyes perceive in herbs or stones or trees is not yet a remedy; the eyes see only the dross.
Paracelsus
Studies suggest that Vitex agnus-castus might help with fertility, ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause, and even repel insects like mosquitoes. People commonly use it for:
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Menstrual disorders
- Infertility
- Acne
- Menopause
- Nursing difficulties
Vitex is also said to protect against insect bites and some types of cancer and to offer other health benefits. However, not all these claims have strong scientific support. More: Discover the strength and beauty in embracing your years
Fertility-enhancing herbs may be able to help balance hormones
Vitex may help improve female fertility by possibly affecting prolactin levels. This can be especially beneficial for women with luteal phase defects. This is a condition where the second half of the menstrual cycle is too short, often due to high prolactin levels. High prolactin levels can make it hard for women to get pregnant. More: The Empress Tarot card: Meaning and examples
Some studies examine Vitex’s health benefits:
- In one study, researchers gave 40 women with high prolactin levels either 40 mg of Vitex agnus-castus or a pharmaceutical drug. Vitex worked as well as the drug in lowering prolactin levels.
- Another study involved 52 women with luteal phase defects. They took 20 mg of Vitex and saw lower prolactin levels and longer menstrual phases. Women who took a placebo did not experience these benefits.
- In a third study, 93 women who had been trying to get pregnant for 6 to 36 months were given a supplement with Vitex or a placebo. After three months, women taking Vitex had better hormone balance, and 26% of them became pregnant. In comparison, only 10% of the placebo group got pregnant.
It’s important to note that this supplement also included other ingredients, making it hard to pinpoint the exact effects of Vitex alone. Additionally, irregular periods can make pregnancy planning difficult. Three other studies found that Vitex is more effective than a placebo in improving menstrual cycles for women with irregular periods. More: What is vaginal discharge?
Chasteberry may reduce menopause symptoms
Vitex agnus-castus might help ease menopause symptoms by balancing hormones.
Studies show:
- In one study, 23 menopausal women used Vitex oil. Many reported feeling better, with improvements in mood and sleep. Some even got their periods back.
- Another study gave Vitex cream to 52 pre- and postmenopausal women. About 33% of these women saw significant improvements, and 36% reported moderate relief from symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes.
However, not all research supports these benefits. A larger, well-designed study compared a daily tablet of Vitex combined with St. John’s wort to a placebo. After 16 weeks, the Vitex supplement didn’t show better results than the placebo for reducing hot flashes, depression, or other menopausal symptoms.
Many studies used vitex along with other herbs, making it hard to determine the specific effects of vitex alone.
Relief for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with Vitex
Vitex agnus-castus is popular for easing PMS symptoms such as constipation, irritability, depressed mood, migraines, breast pain, and tenderness. It may work by lowering prolactin levels, which helps balance hormones like estrogen and progesterone, reducing PMS symptoms.
In one study, women who took Vitex for three menstrual cycles reported a 93% improvement in symptoms like depression and cravings. However, this study didn’t use a control group, so placebo effects are possible. Two smaller studies found that women taking 20 mg of chasteberry daily had twice the improvement in irritability, mood swings, headaches, and breast fullness compared to those taking a placebo.
Vitex also appears to help with cyclic mastalgia (breast pain related to menstruation) and might be as effective as some medications but with fewer side effects.
Recent reviews suggest that while it is helpful for PMS, its benefits may be exaggerated. More well-designed studies are needed for a clearer picture.
Potential side effects of using fertility-enhancing herbs such as Vitex
Vitex agnus-castus is usually safe for most people. Studies show that daily doses of 30–40 mg of dried fruit extract, 3–6 grams of dried herb, or 1 gram of dried fruit are generally safe.
Possible side effects are minor and may include:
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Mild skin rash
- Increased acne
- Headache
- Heavy menstrual flow
Pregnant and nursing women should avoid Vitex because its effects on babies aren’t well understood. Vitex might also interact with antipsychotic medications, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before using chasteberry, especially if you’re on any of these treatments. More: Feminine yeast infections: Symptoms & treatments
Sources: Healthline and Science Direct
