Medical Benefits of Agnus Castus
Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as the Chaste Berry or Monk's Pepper, is a native of the Mediterranean region. It is also be found in multiple tropical and sub-tropical regions. The plant bears blue flowers that have a strong aroma. The seeds of the plant have a pepper like quality and can be used as a mild spice. The true benefit of the plant lies in the herbal medicine that is derived from it. It can be used to cure or alleviate a wide range of gynecological problems. It can also help alleviate health disorders associated with age.
Medical benefits
Traditionally believed to be an anaphrodisiac, it was used by monks and nuns to curb sexual desires and urges. The seeds of the plant have been used for over 2500 years to cure various menstrual problems in women. In the modern world, clinical studies have proved its effectiveness in reducing premenstrual stress syndrome (PMS), pre menopausal symptoms and cyclic breast pain (Mastalgia). Agnus castus reduces and relieves symptoms like depression, headache, breast tenderness, fatigue and bloating in women who take it on a regular basis.
Although agnus castus doesn't contain hormonal supplements, it is known to indirectly regulate hormones. High quantities of free testosterone in the body can cause hirsuitism which is an excess of body and facial hair in women. Agnus castus has an anti androgenic effect which reduces the free testosterone count thus reducing hirsutism.
Agnus castus is also known to have post childbirth benefits. It can be used as a health supplement to increase breast milk production in women. In a recently conducted study, women who were given agnus castus for 10 days after childbirth showed increased milk flow as opposed to the women who did not take it.
Cyclic breast pain or mastalgia is a common menstrual symptom. Using agnus castus is known to relieve cyclic pains and soothe the nerves. However, it must be noted that agnus castus doesn't seem to work that well at relieving pain in women who have used it for several cycles.
Agnus castus is primarily used for reducing the effects of pre menstrual syndrome or PMS. The effects include reduced irritability and headaches, depression and dysphoria relief and reduced breast tenderness. As in most cases you should consult your physician before taking it, especially in case you are birth control pills or hormone supplements. Agnus castus is known to interfere with their effective functioning.
The herb is also used to as a treatment for infertility and mild corpus luteum inefficiency and defects. Other benefits include correction of irregular menstrual cycles and treatment of post menopausal symptoms in women.
Side effects
Although agnus castus or Vitex (as it is medically known) has its sets of physical benefits, a physician must be consulted before you decide to use it. The herb is known to affect various normal physiological functions of the body. Side effects include a drop in libido, hormonal dysfunction, mild skin reactions, nausea, and transitory headaches. If taken during pregnancy, it may lead to complications.
Agnus castus is a wonder herb when it comes to treating menstrual and gynecological problems in women. It has been used for a very long time to alleviate various other problems related to fertility and hormones. Although it is a herbal remedy, you must take care while administering dosage and definitely consult a physician before you decide to use it.
Medical benefits
Traditionally believed to be an anaphrodisiac, it was used by monks and nuns to curb sexual desires and urges. The seeds of the plant have been used for over 2500 years to cure various menstrual problems in women. In the modern world, clinical studies have proved its effectiveness in reducing premenstrual stress syndrome (PMS), pre menopausal symptoms and cyclic breast pain (Mastalgia). Agnus castus reduces and relieves symptoms like depression, headache, breast tenderness, fatigue and bloating in women who take it on a regular basis.
Although agnus castus doesn't contain hormonal supplements, it is known to indirectly regulate hormones. High quantities of free testosterone in the body can cause hirsuitism which is an excess of body and facial hair in women. Agnus castus has an anti androgenic effect which reduces the free testosterone count thus reducing hirsutism.
Agnus castus is also known to have post childbirth benefits. It can be used as a health supplement to increase breast milk production in women. In a recently conducted study, women who were given agnus castus for 10 days after childbirth showed increased milk flow as opposed to the women who did not take it.
Cyclic breast pain or mastalgia is a common menstrual symptom. Using agnus castus is known to relieve cyclic pains and soothe the nerves. However, it must be noted that agnus castus doesn't seem to work that well at relieving pain in women who have used it for several cycles.
Agnus castus is primarily used for reducing the effects of pre menstrual syndrome or PMS. The effects include reduced irritability and headaches, depression and dysphoria relief and reduced breast tenderness. As in most cases you should consult your physician before taking it, especially in case you are birth control pills or hormone supplements. Agnus castus is known to interfere with their effective functioning.
The herb is also used to as a treatment for infertility and mild corpus luteum inefficiency and defects. Other benefits include correction of irregular menstrual cycles and treatment of post menopausal symptoms in women.
Side effects
Although agnus castus or Vitex (as it is medically known) has its sets of physical benefits, a physician must be consulted before you decide to use it. The herb is known to affect various normal physiological functions of the body. Side effects include a drop in libido, hormonal dysfunction, mild skin reactions, nausea, and transitory headaches. If taken during pregnancy, it may lead to complications.
Agnus castus is a wonder herb when it comes to treating menstrual and gynecological problems in women. It has been used for a very long time to alleviate various other problems related to fertility and hormones. Although it is a herbal remedy, you must take care while administering dosage and definitely consult a physician before you decide to use it.
Teisha Mahabir specializes in writing articles about health, diet, longevity and health specialists like Brenda Rusnak. Brenda Rusnak is a health care specialist who writes about health-aging and prevention. For more information about healthy-aging and Brenda Rusnak, check her out on Inside Toronto. Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Teisha_Mahabir |
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6077353
