Vitex for Fibroids

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Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 6:46 pm

Post subject: FEATURED HERB: VITEX (CHASTE BERRY)

 

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FEATURED HERB: VITEX (CHASTE BERRY)

 

http://www.teetercreekherbs.com/month18.html

 

The ripe seeds of the Chaste Berry (Vitex agnus/castus) have become

a mainstay in modern herbalism, used to address a wide-range of

hormonally-related conditions. The beautiful shrub with lilac-like

flowers is native to the Meditteranean countries, and its uses were

first developed in ancient Greece and Rome. Its uses were only

slowly developed after the fall of these empires.

 

Most of its early uses were related to its spicy, warming nature

in " dispelling wind " , although there are early references to its use

in " inflammation of the womb " , and as an herb to " quench the

passions " . The latter was probably wishful thinking on the part of

medieval monks (Monk's Pepper was an early name), as its warming and

stimulating nature would tend to have the opposite effect.

 

From the 1930's on, there were quite a number of studies done on

Vitex in Germany and Europe until now it is one of the most commonly

prescribed herbals by both herbal practitioners as well as regular

doctors for a host of hormonally related problems.

 

One of the advantages of using herbs for hormonal conditions is that

they do not actually contain hormones, but stimulate or balance

their production in the body.

 

Research has shown that many of the effects of Vitex are due to its

action on the pituitary gland, which acts as a master gland in

regulating the production of many hormones.

 

Two such actions that have been verified in the case of Vitex are

its stimulation of progesterone production through the ovaries, and

its use in reducing too high prolactin levels.

 

With these actions in mind, Vitex is recommended by herbalists for a

number of menstrual and menopausal conditions. Symptoms of PMS that

build-up and then are relieved as the menstrual period begins are a

good indication. These include fluid retention, mood swings, breast

tenderness, headaches, skin conditions and cramping.

 

Menstrual irregularities can be aided by Vitex, including heavy

bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding, too-short cycles and absence of

menses. For long-term problems along these lines, Vitex should be

taken over a 3 to 6 month period, although its effects, when

established, can be long-lasting.

 

Women coming off of birth control have had success using Vitex to re-

establish ovulation and menses.

 

It has been used along with uterine tonics to aid in fertility and

uvulation problems.

 

Women with uterine fibroids have had success in reducing and even

eliminating uterine fibroids with long-term use of Vitex.

 

Benefits are more easily obtained if the fibroids are on the

uterine wall and not in deep tissue.

 

Endometriosis and related symptoms can be aided by long-term Vitex

use; fibrocystic breasts as well.

 

It is one of the herbs used to promote a healthy pregnancy, and as a

miscarriage preventative, also with digestive herbs for morning

sickness. Beginning as soon as the baby is born, it is used to

promote the flow of breast milk.

 

Interestingly, it is also used for too-high prolactin levels, which

in turn can cause corpus luteum insufficiency (ovarian hormone

production) and a range of bleeding and other problems.

 

Many perimenopausal woman use Vitex as an aid in reducing such

symptoms as hot flashes, depression, weight gain, fatigue, etc.

Since the hormonal effects of Vitex relate to the ovaries, it is

likely that once ovulation has completely ceased that Vitex is no

longer as effective, at which time herbs that support the adrenal

glands and their hormones are more relied on.

 

Also, since during menopause both estrogen and progesterone levels

go down, it is often more effective to use a formula of herbs that

have a wider range of hormonal effects. Black cohosh is a good

addition.

 

Acne commonly has a hormonal component. From teens (both boys and

girls) to older folks with acne flare-ups, Vitex has, in my

experience, been a very good aid. As it is a warming remedy, it is

usually combined with more cooling and liver cleansing herbs (see

our SKINTONE Formula).

 

DOSAGES AND SYNERGISTIC HERBS:

 

The average dose of our VITEX liquid extract is 1 dropperful (or

about 40 drops) in a swallow of water, twice a day.

Be aware that in using Vitex long-term, there can be a variation in

symptoms as balance is established.

 

The same herb will not be as effective for everyone. One factor is

overall constitutional health. Those with weak constitutions showing

such symptoms as chronic fatigue, allergies, yeast problems, chronic

immune deficiency, etc. would do well to use herbs that address

these at a deeper level, at which time the hormonal herbs can work

much better.

 

Conditions aggravated by too-high hormone levels (estrogen,

prolactin, testosterone) will benefit by adding a liver herb like

Dandelion Root, to aid the liver in its breakdown of these

compounds.

 

The herb Maca Root will aid if there are also symptoms of low

thyroid.

A number of herbs can be added for various PMS and menstrual

symptoms according to symptoms i.e. Beth Root, Shepherd's Purse,

Yarrow for heavy bleeding, Chamomile, St. John's Wort for mood

swings, Cramp Bark for cramps, Black Haw for fertility/miscarriage

preventative, and Blue Cohosh for uterine inflammation/pain. These

are just a few examples.

 

This herb, which can be grown as a beautiful shrub (likes sun), may

not be the answer for every female problem of for every woman, but

it can be a valuable addition to a program that may reduce the need

for high-powered medical hormonal therapy.

 

 

Yours in healing,

Bob Liebert

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JoAnn Guest

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