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158 herbs, nutrients, and compounds. What the science says, what tradition knew, and what to watch for. Founding members keep this running.

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PELVIC & REPRODUCTIVE

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

NCCIH — Chasteberry · MedlinePlus Herbs & Supplements · NIH NCCIH Herbs at a Glance

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The curious few.
50 founding spots left

Know what you're putting in your body.

158 herbs, nutrients, and compounds. What the science says, what tradition knew, and what to watch for. Founding members keep this running.

$60 /year

Founding rate — locked for life. Regular price after launch: $96/year.

  • ✓ Full access to all 158+ entries
  • ✓ Print-ready reference card for every herb
  • ✓ Monthly curated set — 5 herbs, one body system
  • ✓ The Sunday Letter — weekly research digest
  • ✓ Bookmarks synced across devices
  • ✓ Founding rate locked forever
Become a founding member

Cancel any time. No questions asked.