Chasteberry: uses, side effects, interactions

Benefits

What is chasteberry for?

Chasteberry is an herbal plant whose fruit and seeds are often used as medicine to increase fertility. This herb has been used since ancient Greece for the treatment of infertility and to treat disorders related to reproductive hormone imbalances such as irregular menstruation, PMS symptoms, and menopause symptoms.

In addition, chasteberry is an herbal plant that is used to treat lumps (fibrocystic) in the breast, prevent miscarriage in women who have low levels of the hormone progesterone, control bleeding, remove the placenta during childbirth, and increase milk production. Chasteberry is also used on the skin to get rid of parasites and to prevent insect bites and stings.

Some men use this herb to increase urine flow and treat prostate swelling.

How does it work?

There is not enough research into how this herb works. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information.

However, there are several studies that confirm the inhibition of prolactin production by chasteberries. This study shows that chasteberry can produce beneficial effects in all conditions associated with luteal phase defects.

One study using a measure of premenstrual tension syndrome (PMTS) has shown that chasteberry can significantly reduce PMS symptoms.

Dose

The information provided below is not a substitute for medical recommendations. Always consult your herbalist or doctor before taking this medicine.

What is the usual dose for chasteberry for adults?

The dosage of this herbal plant can be different for each patient. The dosage used depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbal plants are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for the appropriate dosage.

In what forms is chasteberry available?

The available forms of the chasteberry herbal plant are:

• Aqueous-alcoholic extract
• capsule
• liquid extract
• powder
• solid extract
• tea
• solution

Side effects

What side effects can chasteberry cause?

Generally considered safe, only causes mild and curable side effects. Some of the most common side effects of eating chasteberry are:

• headache
• diarrhea
• itchy rash
• rash
• fatigue
• acne

Some women also experience a change in menstrual flow when they start using chasteberry.

Not everyone experiences the side effects mentioned earlier. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about the side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.

Security

What should I know before consuming chasteberry?

Some things you should know before consuming chasteberry are:

• Store chasteberries in a cool, dry place, away from heat and humidity.
• Watch if you are using chasteberry for irregular periods or for conditions such as PMS, uterine bleeding, or increased menstrual flow.

The regulations governing the use of herbal plants are not as strict as the regulations for drugs. Further research is needed to determine its safety. Before using, make sure the benefits of using herbal supplements outweigh the risks. Consult an herbalist or doctor for more information.

How safe are chaseberries?

Do not give chasteberry to children until more research is available. Chasteberry use while pregnant or breastfeeding is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. The worry is that these herbs can disrupt hormones.

Interaction

What kinds of interactions might occur when I eat chasteberry?

These herbs can have an effect with the medication being used or your medical condition. Consult your herbalist or doctor before using it. Some indications that may occur when eating chasteberry are:

• May interfere with the function of antipsychotic drugs.
• May cause a hypertensive crisis.
• Using chasteberry along with birth control pills might decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.
• Chasteberry can reduce serum prolactin.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.