| Chaste tree is in the vitex family,
one of the oldest phytomedicines. The ancient Greek physicians Hypocrates,
Theophrast, and Dioscorides all made reference to it as did Greek historian
Pliny The Elder. The Greeks' use closely resembled modern indications;
they recommended it as an aid in external wound heeling, complaints of the
spleen, and for use in child birth. Early American physicians used it to
stimulate lactation.
The herb does have an excellent track record in relieving
complaints collectively referred to as Premenstrual Syndrome. Specifically, it
is effective in relieving insufficiency of the corpus luteum A survey
study conducted in Germany looked at 1,542 women diagnosed with PMS and over 90%
of the subjects experienced complete symptom remission! In 1997 a study
evaluated Vitex against vitamin B6 in 175 women diagnosed with PMS . 24% of the
Vitex patients reported "excellent" results as compared to 12% of the
vitamin B6 patients. What is really good is that you can combine vitamin B6 and
Chaste Tree. Note: you may benefit more by using a complete vitamin B complex
rather than just B6 by itself.
Drug Interactions: Chaste tree may reduce the effectiveness of
oral contraceptives.
Chaste Tree is also known as:
Chaste tree berry, Chaste tree fruit, Vitex
agnus castus, Mai ya, Huang jing zi, Huangjing, Agni casti fructus, Monk’s
pepper
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