Chasteberry
Vitex agnus-castus
also known as vitex, chaste tree berry
Moderate (premenstrual symptoms)
Small dark fruits of a Mediterranean shrub, used since ancient Greek and Roman medicine. The 'chaste' name comes from medieval monasteries, where chasteberry was used to support celibacy — though the herb's actual hormonal effects are more nuanced than the legend. Modern research backs chasteberry mainly for premenstrual symptoms, where it has real and consistent evidence.
- Eases premenstrual symptoms — breast tenderness, mood changes, irritability, bloating
- May support cycle regularity in women with mildly irregular cycles
- May support fertility in women with luteal phase defects
- Approved by Germany's Commission E for premenstrual symptoms, breast pain, and menstrual irregularities
- Effects build over 3 to 6 menstrual cycles — chasteberry is not a quick fix
- Acts on the pituitary gland to affect hormone signaling rather than working directly as a hormone
Skip with hormone-sensitive cancers without provider guidance
Skip with hormonal contraceptives — chasteberry may reduce their effectiveness
Skip with hormone replacement therapy without coordinated provider guidance
Skip during pregnancy and nursing
Use caution with dopamine-related medications, including those for Parkinson's disease and antipsychotics
Use caution with fertility medications
Stop two weeks before surgery
May cause mild side effects including digestive upset, headache, and skin reactions
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