Chaste Tree Herb: A Truly Healing Herb

According to this article, titled: "Herbs of Special Interest to Women: Chaste Tree Berry," the extract of chaste tree berries has some great health effects when taken for a peiod of 6 months. What happens is that the extract of chaste tree berries is rich in potent antioxidants and essential oils which induce the release of progesterone. Progesterone is involved in many vital women processes.AN increased amount of progesterone in women alleviate painful periods, decrease the risk of having ovarian cysts and rregular menstrual cycles.

What is the Chase tree?

The scientific name of the Chase tree is Vitex agnus-castus. This plant may be known by different names such as Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, or Monk's Pepper. It is a subtropical plantthat may grow as high as 5 m. It has traditionally being used for medicinal purposes in Africa. Many authors (Wuttke, et al 2003, Berger, et al 2000) have found the chase tree tobe effective for premenstrual stress syndrome.

How is the chase tree herbs used?

You basically will need to take a tea made with the berries of the chase tree. To do that is pretty simple, just a couple of teaspoons of the dried berries in one cup of boiling water. Let it rest for 10 minutes nad take the tea. You could also buy tinctures which are basically alcoholic extract of theberries of the chase tree berries or even of the aerial parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, berries, and young stems)

Are any adverse effect of the chase tree berries?

There are no reported adverse effects. The chase tree berries are a natural product traditionally used in Africa to improve the health of the reproductive systems of both women and men. It has been researched as a natural aid for women in managing PMS (premenstrual stress syndrome). Perhaps, the bitterness of the extract will deter some people from taking the chase tree berries tea or extract or if you have ulcers or problems with your digestive system the chase tree berries tea or extract may have some adverse effects. Alsways check with your doctor before taking any new herbal supplement.

Sources:

Wuttke, et al (2003). Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 10 (4): 348 - 57. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=12809367)

Schellenberg, R. (2001). British Medical Journal 322 (72 79): 134 - 7.

Berger, et al (2000). Archives of Gynecoly and Obsterics.264 (3): 150 - 3