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Healthy Way: Issue 7 > Chaste Tree
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Chaste Tree
Going back to the Crusaders’ belief that it would crush their wives’ libidos while they were off crusading; it is doubtful as Chaste Tree is now recognized as boosting female fertility and easing menstrual symptoms.
Monks, however, used to grind the seeds to make pepper, which was believed to help keep them ‘chaste’, and this is rather more credible as we now use Chaste Tree for teenage acne in boys, so it may well balance testosterone levels in men.
In modern times, Chaste Tree has increasingly become recognized for its beneficial effect on female hormones, boosting the levels of luteinizing hormone and therefore the production of progesterone. It may not seem important to have enough progesterone – estrogen is the hormone most people are aware of and many women worry that lower estrogen levels experienced in the menopause will bring them uncomfortable symptoms. It is, however, high estrogen levels in the menstruating woman that we associate with symptoms such as PMS, breast tenderness, fluid retention, heavy, painful periods and many other miseries.
Increasing progesterone levels can alleviate many of these symptoms, and there is even research to prove this! A trial published in the British Medical Journal in 2001 showed Agnus castus to have a beneficial effect on PMS symptoms, ranging from anger and irritability to bloating and breast fullness. The herb was well tolerated and did not cause unwanted side effects.
Another trial published in 2000, showed 42% of the 1,634 women involved reporting that they no longer suffered from PMS! Overall, 93% of the women on the trial reported that their PMS symptoms either disappeared or decreased. Interestingly, 23 of the women on the trial got pregnant while taking Agnus castus, and 19 of them had previously had fertility problems. Seemingly, not only does Agnus castus increase progesterone, but it inhibits prolactin, high levels
of which have been connected to infertility.
It is therefore well worth trying if you’ve had problems conceiving – and tell that to the Crusaders!
Other uses are for teenage acne, working for both boys and girls, and for menopausal women experiencing flooding in the early part of the menopause. When using this herb, take it all month round rather than just for a few weeks of the cycle. It will work on PMS within two to three cycles and can be taken for a greater length of time if necessary.
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Menstruation is a pain… literally!
Many women develop inflammation in the uterus during their menstruation cycle. For some this results in mild to moderate discomfort while others describe pain that is more severe than giving birth. Women who suffer regularly from cramps can eliminate their pain with A.Vogel Atrosan® drops, a proven anti-inflammatory.
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