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Vitex: A Herb for Women's Health
by Stacelynn Caughlan
A woman’s menstrual cycle is all too often synonymous with dysfunction and discomfort. In the last fifty years there has been an upsurge in factors affecting our hormones. Among them include oral contraceptives, nutritional deficiencies, and stress. One herb that shows a lot of promise in rebalancing hormones and regulating cycles is Vitex agnus-castus.
HISTORY
Vitex was first noticed centuries ago when the ancient Egyptians and Arabians made note of its many uses. They believed it calmed sexual passions and reduced hysteria. In fact, the name agnus-castus means chaste in Greek. We now know that it neither increases nor decreases libido, but helps normalize our systems.
From 450 BC until the 1700s, Vitex had been used medicinally through out parts of Europe and the Middle East, but fell out of favour until the 1900s. In 1930, Dr. Gerhad Madaus conducted some of the first scientific research on the plant's effects on the female hormonal system. Madaus patented Agnolot™, which is a medicine made from the extract of dried Vitex. During the 1950s studies were done to prove that Agnolot™ stimulated milk production in nursing mothers and helped to relieve menstrual problems.
Since that time, scientists have continued looking at the success this herb has in reproductive disorders. Sufferers of hormonal imbalances, PMS, menstrual troubles, and menopausal symptoms have all benefited from the plants effect on the body's glandular system.
WHAT IT DOES
Vitex has a predominant influence on the pituitary gland which in turn monitors the secretion of hormones by other glands. The production of luteinizing hormone is increased if there's an insufficiency, and follice-stimulating hormone is decreased if there's an excess. These hormones work together to encourage the excretion of estrogen by the follicle and stimulate ovulation. Vitex also increases the secretion of luteotropic hormone which stimulates the production of the corpus luteum – our body's principal source of progesterone.
PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome is probably the most common reason woman take Vitex. Often there is an imbalance in hormonal production leading to symptoms such as tension, irritability, depression, bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, and decreased energy. Vitex brings about a balance providing relief for many women.
FERTILITY
Another frequent use of Vitex is re-establishing a proper ovulatory cycle after the use of birth control pills. It encourages the body to produce it’s own hormones, something which synthetic supplementation has hindered. When trying to get pregnant, Vitex can help establish proper cycles allowing ovulation to be monitored month to month. It is usually safe to take during the first trimester and may even protect against miscarriage. However, it is best to discontinue for the remainder of the pregnancy as it may stimulate prolactin and milk flow too early. Consult a qualified professional if you plan to take it while pregnant.
MENOPAUSE
Supplementation with Vitex during menopause helps to alleviate many of the accompanying symptoms such as hot flashes, dry vagina, dizziness, and depression. During this time there is a marked decrease in estrogen production, among other hormones. Reduced levels of estrogen have been linked to osteoporosis and researchers suggest Vitex may be a possible preventative measure. They also theorize that if Vitex helps to stabilize estrogen and progesterone, it may help protect against other estrogen related diseases such as breast and cervical cancers. Further research is definitely needed.
ADDITIONAL
Acne vulgaris (especially in adolescent males and females) and shingles both improve during treatment with Vitex. Reproductive conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids have also benefited from supplementation.
DOSAGE
Dosage can vary between conditions. It’s best to consult a qualified practitioner if you're treating a difficult condition such as endometriosis or fibroids. For regulating and normalizing your cycle, a general guideline is 2-3 capsules one half hour before breakfast or 1-2 droppersful of tincture in water. For commercial preparations, follow the instructions on the label. Vitex needs to be taken long term, so be prepared to take it daily for many months. It also should be noted that it works well with other herbs and is recommended by some herbalists to be used in a formula in order to address all factors in your condition.
