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Garden Series
Chasteberry with Bee
watercolor, 13"x20" Chasteberry (Vi tex agnus-castus). Much of the research on the pharmacology of vitex focuses on the effects of this plant upon the pituitary gland. Studies have shown that vitex can inhibit prolactin production by binding to dopamine receptors found in the pituitary gland. Inhibition of prolactin synthesis effects the female reproductive system by enhancing growth of the corpus luteum, thereby increasing progesterone levels. Furthermore, vitex has also demonstrated effects on anterior pituitary production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Vitex increases LH production, inhibits FSH production, resulting in a relative increase in progesterone and a decrease in estrogen in women. In men, it appears that it is testosterone that is decreased, hence this herb's European name "Monk's Pepper." Consequently, Vitex is very useful in the treatment of many disorders related to hormonal imbalances, specifically in progesterone deficiencies and luteal phase defects. These conditions include; acne, dysmenorrhea, endometrial hyperplasia, endometriosis, infertility, insufficient lactation, menopausal syndrome, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, oligomenorrhea, perimenopausal depression, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), oligomenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, secondary amenorrhea, threatened miscarriage, and uterine myomas. Most teas and capsules are made from the dried berries that are harvested in the fall. Personally, I've been taking Vitex teas and capsules once a day for about ten years now. After the first month of daily doses, my hot flashes left and menopause went pretty easily. Since chemical imbalances seem to run in families, my daughters have imbalances too. One of my daughters was getting impatient about becoming pregnant. She took vitex capsules once a day for two months and then become pregnant. There is a lot of information out there about vitex and what studies have shown. If you are interested you should read more about it. And as with any herbs, test a dose first to check for allergies. |
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