Vitex Agnus Castus is the fruit of the Chaste Tree. The fruit and seed are used to make a natural medicine which has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy for women. One of its properties is to reduce sexual desire and it has long been recorded that Roman wives, whose husbands were away at war, would spread the aromatic leaves on their couches to quench desire! It became known as Chaste Berry, and during the middle Ages its supposed effect on sexual desire led to it being included with meals in the monasteries, where it was called 'Monk's pepper'.

The Hormonal Roller Coaster

Now it is used for menstrual cycle irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a very severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and also Menopause. For some women, the symptoms of menopause, which include hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, depression and mood swings can severely interfere with everyday life. Menopause occurs when the ovaries cease production of oestrogen. Hormone replacement therapy may help to ease menopausal symptoms, but it comes with higher health risks such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. The herb Vitex is sometimes used as a natural remedy for the relief of menopausal symptoms.

Can Vitex Help You?

It is not known exactly how Vitex agnus-castus works, simply that it seems to have a very positive effect on many hormones that regulate a woman’s reproductive cycle.

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Vitex seems to decrease some symptoms of PMS, especially breast pain and tenderness, irritability, low mood or mood swings, anger, and headaches in some women
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of PMS. Vitex agnus-castus is about as effective as the prescription drug Prozac for relieving symptoms of PMDD
• It is believed to be useful for treating “lumpy” (fibrocystic) breasts, hormonal acne breakouts
• To prevent miscarriage, and female infertility in women who have low levels of the hormone progesterone
• It also helps to increase breast milk after childbirth
• It relieves pre-menstrual symptoms including temporary relief of cramping pain, bloating and mild fluid retention

Mr Vitamins Recommends:

Blackmores Vitex Agnus Castus Women’s PMS Relief

A convenient one-a-day dose contains high-strength Vitex Agnus Castus, 660mg per capsule to assist in the management of pre-menstrual tension Find out more and shop online for Blackmores Vitex Agnes Castus here

Vitex Agnes Castus goes well with

Blackmores Evening Primrose Oil

Taken 3 times daily as a source of the Omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which may provide relief of premenstrual symptoms Find out more and shop online for  Blackmores Evening Primrose Oil here