Herbal Support for Women's Menstrual Hea ...

Herbal Support for Women's Menstrual Health.

Jun 26, 2022

In the midst of all complications beginning with MEN —

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Obviously, there are things going on in this world right now that are in direct contrast of human autonomy and human rights. More on that later. But in the middle of allowing the old outdated scum to oust itself and holding space and place for the bright new world of ‘we ain’t having it’ to come through, let us not forget to care for ourselves.

Let’s discuss: Lilac Chastetree aka Chasteberry aka Vitex berry aka Monk’s Pepper aka Vitex Agnus Castus. NGL: The first time I paid any real attention to this herb was last month during @EmpressKarenmrose ‘s Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio video, where she discussed the energy of the cosmos and complimentary herbs. She therein mentioned Vitex. After briefly looking up her recommendations and a few sources, I tucked it away in my notes. Life moves fast and it fell out of my focus. Fast forward to a few days ago, while making my way down the walkway near my residence, a tree with these quaint little lavender flowers was brought to my attention. The flowers were fragrant and gorgeous, with a few bumble bees buzzing through the branches. I used the PlantNet app, found it was named ‘Lilac Chasteberry tree’ and went back home a happy camper ready to look up its possible significance and uses.

Imagine my surprise when while looking it up, one of the first things that came up was ‘CHASTE TREE/ VITEX BERRIES’. I was shooketh. As usual, the Universe finds a way to bring something right up to my nose, and as usual the circumstances are anything but usual. I’ve walked past that tree for 3 WHOOOOLE summers. NADA. All of a sudden, voila. Truth is, I definitely could have used this even more over these past years when my menstrual symptoms where fluctuating due to my IUD. That’s another discussion. (If you have an IUD — hormonal or not — and you need help with any symptoms, message me).

And so, I went back this afternoon to pick some of the dried berries for myself! (As well as some flowers with leaves for my budding Materia Medica).

All of that said, here’s the low down on Chasteberry/ Vitex Berries:

  • ”Chaste Tree berry has been well studied in clinical trials to support normal hormone levels, particularly progesterone.”- Gaia Herbs

  • Vitex agnus-castus is a popular herbal supplement used to treat a variety of health problems. It’s most commonly used to treat: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS); menstrual disorders; infertility; acne; menopause; nursing difficulties. One of the most popular and well-researched attributes of Vitex agnus-castus is its ability to reduce symptoms of PMS. These include: Constipation; irritability; depressed mood; migraines; breast pain and tenderness.”- Healthline

  • Many clinical trials show chasteberry’s ability to ease PMS and menstrual-related difficulties. In one randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study (translation: very credible), 178 women took vitex in capsule form for 3 full cycles. Compared to the control group, the women in the test group experienced 50% improvement/reduction in symptoms. These include mood swings, anger, irritability, headache, breast tenderness, and bloating. This is good news for PMS and even PCOS sufferers, especially with the generally safe profile of this herb.”- Wellness Mama

  • “Vitex berry has been used in traditional European herbalism for reproductive support for thousands of years. The dried fruit, also called chasteberry, can be brewed as an herbal tea, tinctured, or cracked and sprinkled over food for a peppery spice… Vitex supports physical and emotional health during a woman’s menstrual cycle and in the transition into menopause… Whole dried fruits are usually used as a tincture, however, may be cracked and sprinkled on food, producing a slight pepper taste or as a tea infusion.”- Mountain Rose Herbs

Now, the berries definitely do have a peppery bitter taste, so if you are the faint at heart, try to find capsules or tinctures. Feel free to do a sprinkle sprinkle on one of your meals from the first day of your cycle onward. OR order the berries and make your own tinctures if you’re open for an experiment! (It’s easier than you think, I promise)

NOW. For the few warnings and restrictions (Let it be noted that Vitex berry is generally considered safe):

  • “Researchers also believe that vitex may interact with: Antipsychotic medications; birth control pills; hormone replacement therapy. Therefore, you may want to discuss Vitex with your doctor before taking it.”-Healthline

  • “… be aware that vitex may cause some changes in the menstrual cycle. This will stabilize over time, but if you chart your cycle for natural family planning purposes, expect to see some irregularities while your body adjusts.”- Wellness Mama

ALLLLLLL of the sources I read said that it should not be taken with any form of hormonal birth control (contraindications due to chaste berry’s progesterone likeness), hormonal IUDs included. This even stretches over those who may be suffering from hormone-sensitive Cancers. ❤ As always with herbal medicines, if you are on any prescription medicines, you may want to speak with a doctor prior to use. (A licensed alternative medicine practitioner is always an option if you feel your primary/general MD won’t be supportive.)

In closing, here is an excerpt from @EmpressKarenmrose ‘s IG reel about Chaste berries — “Vitex: I love this as a rites of passage herb; an herb that is with us through all phases of transformation. Reminding us how to show up in our power, how to stand in our power when these things are happening. How to hold ourselves, how to balance ourselves against the wave.” If that’s not the current energy to a tee, I don’t know what is!

All is Love,

Lola ❤

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