AGNUS CASTUS
Agnus Castus also called the chaste berry, has
been used for centuries as a tonic for general female health.
It seems to nourish the pituitary gland, a control centre for
balancing hormonal activity.
Agnus Castus(Vitex Agnus
Castus) produces fruits which contain substances that have a
progesterone like effect on women.
These substances have been shown to decrease
the secretion of FSH(follicular stimulating hormone).
Menopausal symptoms are indirectly linked with
increased levels of FSH and so this decrease in FSH makes it
helpful for treating menopausal symptoms especially hot flushes
and night sweats.
It is also helpful for Premenstrual Syndrome
and in a recent study of 170 women with PMS, there was a
greater than 50% improvement in overall syptoms. It is
especially helpful for symptoms of headache, breast tenderness,
bloating, fatigue and emotional symptoms such as restlessness,
anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, mood swings and lack
of concentration.
As some women experience worsening symptoms of
PMS as the menopause approaches, this benefits them too.
Daily dose is 175-225mg of a standardised
extract(standardised to contain 0.5% agnuside) taken as a
single dose first thing in the morning.
Besides the standard precautions(pregnancy,
breast feeding), Agnus Castus should not be taken at the same
time as other hormone treatments.
Excess can cause a crawling sensation on the
skin.
Don't expect immediate results.
Sometimes 3-6 months may pass before you notice Agnus Castus’s
influence.
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