Other names: Vitex agnus castus, Agnus castus, chaste tree, monk’s pepper
Vitex is a plant found in Asia and in Mediterranean countries. The part used medicinally is the dried fruit.
Vitex was used as a traditional folk remedy for a range of female conditions, such as post-partum hemorrhage and to help with the “passing of afterbirth”. One of its alternate names, “chaste tree”, comes from the historical belief that it can suppress libido.
Vitex does not actually contain hormones. It appears to increase progesterone by stimulating the release of a hormone called luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland. Vitex is also thought to normalize excessive prolactin levels and promote fertility.
Female infertilityPMS, especially breast tenderness, cramping, and headaches
Acne, especially if it is related to the menstrual cycle
Fibrocystic breast disease
Heavy menstruation
Menopausal symptoms
More common side effects include mild digestive upset or skin rash. Other side effects may include rapid heartbeat, hair loss, headache, dry mouth, nausea, rash, itching and bleeding between periods.
Vitex is not recommended during pregnancy. It shouldn’t be used by nursing women unless under the guidance of a qualified health professional.
People with hormone dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancers of the breast, ovaries, uterus or prostate shouldn’t take vitex.
Small amounts of vitex could increase the production of breast milk in post-partum women. High doses may have the opposite effect and decrease the production of breast milk.
Vitex may affect levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. People with Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, or any other condition in which dopamine levels are affected should avoid vitex unless under the supervision of a qualified health professional.
Vitex may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives or female hormone replacement. It could also theoretically increase the risk of side effects.
Vitex could interfere with the effectiveness of drugs that increase dopamine, such as bromocriptine, cabergoline, carbidopa-levodopa, Mirapex or Requip, or decrease dopamine, such as chlorpromazine, clozapine (Clozaril), haloperidol (Haldol), metoclopramide (Reglan), Risperdal, Seroquel, thioridazine, trifluoperazine or Zyprexa.
Tags: post partum hemorrhage, dopamine levels, nursing women, breast milk, breast tendernessFiled under: Health
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Acne A’s Skin Update Skin Rash From Erbitux Linked to Improved Lung Cancer Survival
…then lack of tangible goal reducing dopamine levels so poor collectively as individuals…leading to loss
Few Babies in Child-Care Centers Receive Breast Milk: Study (HealthDay): HealthDay – THURSDAY, May… (Yahoo)
cytotec for post partum hemorrhage
So we’ll get impotent after we take female hormones. But if we stop, will man become potent again?