If you regularly suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, infertility, or irregular periods, vitex, also known as chasteberry, may help. Historically, vitex has been a proven folk/herbal remedy for these issues, and newer research confirms this. Vitex is not only for women with hormonal issues; rather, recent studies found that it exhibits anti-tumor properties in different human cancer cell lines. 

What Is Vitex?

Technically, vitex is the name for the largest genus in the Verbenaceae family, comprising 250 species. The most common variety used for medicinal purposes is the chase tree, which is a small plant with berries that are similar in size to peppercorns. Native to the Mediterranean and Asia, vitex also goes other names, including lilac chastetree, Abraham’s balm, and monk’s pepper. 

Scientists are in pursuit of finding all of vitex’s biologically active compounds. After investigating more than 20 vitex species for chemical and biological properties, 18 beneficial compounds have been in the vitex fruit. An additional 200 compounds, including flavonoids, steroid, terpenoids, iridoids, and lignans, have been found in the 20 vitex species. Continue reading to learn how this plant can benefit female health. 

May Improve Female Fertility

According to research, vitex has demonstrated an ability to improve fertility, particularly in women with luteal phase defect (shortened second half of menstrual cycle). These women have trouble because their ovaries do not release enough progesterone. One trial consisted of 48 women between the ages of 23 and 39. They were diagnosed with infertility and took chasteberry once daily for three months. During the three-month trial, seven women became pregnant and 25 women experienced normalized progesterone levels. 

Another study evaluated 52 women with luteal phase defects from hyperprolactinemia (higher than normal levels of prolactin in the blood). Each woman received a dose of 20 milligrams (mg) of vitex or a placebo every day during the course of the study. After three months, women treated with vitex exhibited a reduction in prolactin release. Their shortened luteal phases were normalized and deficits in the luteal progesterone synthesis were eliminated. 

May Help Treat Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows beyond the uterine cavity. The lining of the uterus grows on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the pelvic tissues in a woman with endometriosis. Medical experts are not fully aware of the exact cause, but some contributing factors include genetics and hormonal imbalance. Although you cannot do anything about the genetics part, you can help balance hormones with vitex. Some researchers suggest taking chasteberry or vitex for 12 to 18 months for maximum effectiveness. 

Helps Relieve PMS Symptoms

People who want to help naturally remedy PMS symptoms, especially cramps, often turn to vitex. It is one of the top herbal remedies for PMS relief. One study found that 93% of the participants who were treated with vitex for three consecutive menstrual cycles reported a decrease in the number of symptoms, or a complete end of symptoms. Additionally, vitex may help treat some menopausal symptoms and hormonal acne. 

An increased production of prolactin may contribute to cyclic breast tenderness, which is another PMS symptom. Vitex works well at reducing PMS symptoms because it helps suppress the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland. Various studies indicate that vitex may also reduce headaches, irritable mood, and breast tenderness, all of which can be PMS symptoms. One review found that five out of six studies concluded that vitex extracts were superior to a placebo for treating PMS symptoms. 

Vitex or chasteberry is available in many forms, including dried, ripe, tea, or extract. It is one of the prominent ingredients in two Dherbs formulas that are in The Female Cleanse, which can help provide essential nutrients for female health and support overall wellness.

Vincent Stevens

Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.