Chasteberry

Chasteberry
If you are experiencing mood swings, hot flashes, stress,
cramps, and PMS, you need the calming effect of
chasteberry. For menstrual and reproductive health,
chasteberry is taken in capsule form. Women in their
reproductive years will get relief from premenstrual
symptoms, and have a healthy sex drive. In men, this will
support healthy progesterone levels. The herb is combined
with other herbs to produce the desired results. For women
entering into menopause, the herb in cream formulation will
help minimize the discomfort brought about by hot flashes.
Using the cream in small amounts on the body morning and
evening for 21 days will regulate the monthly periods. The
berry is also used to treat endemetriosis in women.
Overall, the herb can promote better sleep, concentration,
cellular support, digestion, and increase energy levels.

Chasteberry is a potent ingredient in medications for
fibroid cysts, help clear acne disorders, and even prevent
miscarriages in pregnant women. Chasteberry contain
flavoniods, iridoid, terpenoids and glycosides. The action
of these compounds on the pituitary glands and the
production of the luteinizing hormone create a positive
effect on women's periods; it is also believed that this
hormone can help infertile women conceive. As a fertile
aid, it will restore the hormonal balance while promoting
the health of the reproductive system. If you use this as
an aid for fertility, follow the directions prescribed.

The use of chasteberry was made popular by a German
pharmaceutical firm in the 1950s. It has become a regular
prescription for premenstrual syndromes. The body produces
prolactin. During pregnancy this is a natural occurrence.
However, when it is produced to high levels in women who
are not pregnant; it will cause painful breast tenderness.
Chasteberry suppresses the release of prolactin from the
pituitary gland, eliminating this pre-menstrual syndrome
affecting millions of women. Women have resorted to this
natural drug when their menses have stopped. However,
women are advised to see a physician as there may be
underlying causes for the cessation of the menses during
the reproductive years.

The berry is native to the Mediterranean regions. The
berry is the fruit of the chaste tree, which is a small
shrub with blue flowers. The shrub grows to a height
between 1 to 5 meters. It thrives well under full sun and
partial shade. The dark berries are picked when ripe
between the months of October and November. Before these
are processed, these are dried under the sun. For
medications, the fleshy part of the berry is used. The
berries contain glycocides, flavonids, and essential oils.
The berry was used for centuries to cure menstrual cramps
and pains. In the modern times, studies showed that there
was no adverse effect on women taking chasteberry-based
medication. Chasteberry supplements are available in
tablets, tea, cream, and tincture forms. The benefits of
the berry fruit of the chaste shrub cannot be ignored. It
would do well to take the supplements to calm pains and
cramps as well improve sexual vigor. Side effects such as
stomach upsets in rare cases may be experienced.

----------------------------------------------------
Patricia McDougall B.Sc. is a Chartered Herbalist and
graduate of the Dominion Herbal College, British Columbia,
Canada. Originally from Peru, Patricia is the Director of
Research and Development for Amazon Botanicals LLC of
Newark Delaware.
http://www.amazon-botanicals.com/Herbs_for_PMS_s/42.htm