Chasteberry lengthens short cycles, increases progesterone levels, reduces the risk of miscarriage, balances menstrual cycles, reduces cysts, balances estrogen and progesterone levels and helps in a pain-free menstrual cycle.

The scientific name of chasteberry or vitex is Angus-Castus. Since ancient times, chasteberry (vitex) has been used to treat the cases of infertility by a number of women. Apart from improving fertility, chasteberry has also been used to improve the PMS symptoms such as mood swings, depression and even cramps. We will discuss the benefits of chasteberry in boosting the fertility more elaborately:

Top 7 Health Benefits of  Chasteberry in Boost Fertility in Women

Lengthens short cycles

Progesterone production is stimulated during the second half of the menstrual cycle, which is called as the luteal phase. Low progesterone levels can result in short luteal phase, which can also be caused when women are not ovulating. Thus, when luteinizing hormone is increased, it leads to ovulation and further improves the progesterone levels.

Increasing progesterone levels

Chasteberry helps in the optimization of progesterone levels that further helps in stimulating the luteinizing hormone (LH), thus preparing you for pregnancy by promoting ovulation. In addition to this, it also leads to the production of corpus luteum.

Reduces the risk of miscarriage

Chasteberry has the properties to boost the progesterone levels, which helps in the prevention of miscarriages.

Balances menstrual cycles

As per the studies, vitex has been found to improve the PMS symptoms. The pain, mood swings, bloating, sore breasts that one is likely to suffer from during the menstrual, can be reduced with the help of vitex. This would consequently lead to less stress levels and perhaps an easy time when you move ahead with your natural fertility program.

Reduces cysts

Chasteberry plays a major role in reducing the problems caused by excessive estrogen such as fibroid growth, endometriosis and ovarian cysts. This is a mildly spicy herb that in breaking up the stagnation and inflammation caused in the uterus and ovaries.

Balance between estrogen and progesterone levels

There are a number of cases where women have comparatively higher estrogen levels than progesterone. This situation can contribute to a number of health issues. Thus, the herb helps with the inhibition of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and also balances the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH). This further helps in maintaining an adequate ratio between the two.

Pain-free menstrual cycle

It is pretty common for women with fertility challenges to suffer from irregular and painful cycles. Over the period of time, chasteberry can help with a normal menstrual cycle. Especially when you have been on fertility drugs and hormonal birth control since a period of time, it is important to rebalance your body after the same and vitex helps with that.

Side effects of chasteberry

Chasteberry has been used for fertility for quite a long time now. But when comparing the side effects with its benefits, there are very few of them:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Skin reaction
• Gastrointestinal problems

You must consult your doctor before you begin to take this herb. Even if your doctor recommends you not to take this, there are a number of other medications that may work better for you, depending on your medical history.

What amount of chasteberry should you take?

You can take vitex on an empty stomach in the morning. In case of capsules, it is advised to take 900-1000mg a day and take about sixty to ninety drops a day, in case of tincture. The best time to take chasteberry is in the last half of the cycle or the luteal phase. This is the period between the ovulation and the beginning of the next menstrual. Although, a number of women also take this throughout 30 days.

Which form if most effective?

Chasteberry or vitex is available in various forms like capsules, tincture and dried herbs. It is best to take capsules and make them as your first choice and then comes tincture. The only reason is the bitterness of the herb. When you will be making tea from the dried herbs, you will need to blend it well with other herbs otherwise it would not go down well. Whereas, capsules can be taken and swallowed in one go, which is indeed easier.

Cases where chasteberry should be avoided

Not everyone’s body is the same and no matter how beneficial this herb is, not everyone should be taking this. Women listed below should avoid its consumption:

• Women with low energy
• Ones with weak immunity
• If you are on steroids or other antibiotics
• If you often eat processed or junk food

Chasteberry may not treat the fertility issues if you are over the age of forty as by this age you have reached the perimenopause age. However, those who are in their reproductive age can take this herb.

Conclusion

It is imperatively important for you to stay patient and not to rush the process to see the results. While it may show results in a little while for some women, for others it may take comparatively lesser time. You are recommended to stick to a healthy diet and follow all the necessary precautions suggested by your doctor.