Vitex

[Shraddhananda]

Our Fall Equinox newsletter highlights the many amazing properties of Vitex - an ancient remedy that was considered almost "magical".  Many herbalists today use it as a women's tonic because of it's balancing action to the endocrine system.

We would love to hear from each of you about how you've worked with developed your relationship with Vitex.
Tell us more!
Blessings,
Jackie D

[cluckfemme]

Vitex has worked for me just as its reputation suggests.  I had irregular periods for years and began taking a dropperful a day in the early evening or just before bedtime.  My cycles have become much more regular, which I attribute somewhat to vitex's properties, but also to the teaching I'm receiving from the herb.  I find vitex deeply calming, delicious and friendly, and it shows me that my ability to 'regularize' is always within myself if only I will slow down and take notice. 
Here and there, I've heard about Matthew Wood's concept of micro-doses when it comes to herbal medicine.  The idea of interacting with herbs more subtly interests me.  I stopped taking vitex for the past couple of months, but I'm considering starting again with very small doses...maybe four drops per day.  Does anyone on the forum use herbs in this way ?  I would like to hear about others' experiences.

[cherotic]

Hi,
is vitex still of value after menopause? thanks!

[Shraddhananda]

Oh most definitely! 

Here is some more information on Vitex.

Herb of the Week:  VITEX
Vitex agnus-castus

AKA: Chastetree, Chasteberry, Abraham's Balm or Monk's Pepper,

Vitex has been used as a tonic for women for centuries.  It is said to supports the endocrine system to find balance - during menstruation, ovulation, conception and menopause and "will enable what is appropriate to occur".

Susun Weed finds Vitex helpful for symptoms of PMS (cramps, headaches, depression, water retention, breast tenderness and irritability) as well as normalizing irregular periods.  She also has seen it shorten and ease the affects of coming off of birth control pills.   

Other ways Susun uses Vitex is in regulating ovulation, bringing in milk for lactating mothers, reducing chances of miscarriages, and supporting the transition into menopause by reducing  hot flashes, irregular cycles, and depression.  Other's also claim that it is indispensable for women with uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts or endometriosis.

The folklore is that, in ancient times, women used the stems and leaves of this plant as bedding to "cool the heat of lust" and monk's were said to chew on it to help with their vows of celibacy.

Tell us more about how you use Vitex!

[janula48]

Is it safe to use while nursing? (child is 9 mos)

[Shraddhananda]

Vitex has a reputation for increasing prolactin, the breastmilk hormone.

[3sa]

My cycles were most irregular, and my menses lasted somtimes for weeks.   It was a terrible struggle, as I never knew when they would be coming.   After I started taking Vitex, everything leveled out.  My menses were predictable again.  Made my life so much better.