Chasteberry: properties, uses and contraindications

Chasteberry is considered one of the best natural remedies for women due to its ability to act as a hormonal regulator. By stabilizing the production of progesterone and estrogen, it can be useful to regulate menstruation and relieve premenstrual syndrome, for example symptoms such as swelling, breast hypersensitivity or irritability. It also has a mild sedative effect.

Hormonal regulator and ally of women

This beautiful shrub, typical of riverbanks and dry riverbeds, hides powerful healing properties that make it a great help to alleviate certain women’s ailments.

The name chasteberry may derive from its physical resemblance to willows, and its scientific name (Vitex agnus-castus) alludes to its supposed ability to decrease libido. Tradition tells that chastity matrons lay on chasteberry leaves to ward off temptations, and monks in the Middle Ages chewed their leaves for the same purpose.

The truth is that if not the leaves, it is believed that the berries are inhibitors of the action of male sex hormones (androgens).

The chasteberry is a robust shrub that reaches two meters in height. It has an erect stem and flexible branches, while its leaves are elongated and hairy on the back.

The bluish or purple flowers are very small and aromatic and are arranged in terminal spikes. Inflorescences and berries are collected, which have a not very pleasant pungent taste.

Medicinal properties

Chasteberry contains essential oils (cineole and pinene), alkaloids (viticin), glycosides, agnoside, bitter principles (such as castine) and flavonoids (such as casticin).Its greatest medicinal virtue is as a female hormonal regulatorsince it helps to stabilize the production of progesterone and estrogen by the ovaries during the menstrual cycle.It is also useful for treating various gynecological problems.from the Premenstrual syndrome (reduces swelling, hypersensitivity of the breasts and irritability or melancholy) to many of the accompanying symptoms (such as migraine or acne), going through the irregular or absent periods and a wide range of problems related to female hormonal imbalance.It is also believed that this plant increases milk production in lactating mothersbeing also useful to mitigate certain symptoms related to menopause: dizziness, suffocation or states of depression. The chasteberry It also has antispasmodic virtuesso it turns out indicated to alleviate neurovegetative disorderswhich can manifest itself in the form of anxiety, insomnia, palpitations and spasms.Let us finally note that Chasteberry berries are aperitif and diuretic and help expel gas.

herbal formulas

To normalize irregular periods: Chasteberry tincture is recommended, which is prepared by placing the plant in a glass jar and pouring alcohol until it is covered. The container is closed, shaken for 2 minutes and stored for 15 days in a cool, dark place, shaking it every two. After 15 days, strain the herbs and take 40 drops a day, diluted in water, for two months.Infusion to relieve the symptoms of menopause: This herbal tea is made by mixing, in equal parts, flowering tops and chasteberry berries with sage and hawthorn in a proportion of one tablespoon per glass of water.How to prepare it: Boil for 2 minutes and, after straining it, let it rest for 10 more minutes. The ideal is to take it on an empty stomach every morning.Infusion to treat anxiety, palpitations and insomnia: In case of suffering from neurovegetative disorders (anxiety, insomnia, palpitations and spasms) it will be enough to take an infusion of the plant after the main meals.

the chasteberry It should not be taken if you are taking progesterone treatment.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: Trini Ferrán, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”)