If the period is missed due to hormone fluctuations, chaste tree can help to bring the hormone balance back into balance. We explain to you what else the medicinal plant can do!
Table of Contents
What is chaste tree?
What is prolactin?
Prolactin is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland. After giving birth, it takes care of milk production. As a rule, prolactin is inhibited by dopamine. If this process, e.g. B. inhibited by a disorder of the pituitary gland, the prolactin level increases.
Applications of chaste tree
The ripe fruits of chasteberry contain essential oil, iridoid glycosides (agnusid, aucubin), triglycerides and bicyclic diterpenes. Studies have shown that the extract from the fruit helps with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms . Monk’s pepper is firmly established in gynecology because of its hormone-modulating effect. It stimulates the docking points of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the pituitary gland, which inhibits the release of prolactive. The intake of chasteberry also increases the synthesis of the corpus luteum hormone progesterone .
The plant is used for the following diseases :
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS ) with symptoms such as headache, bloating, depressed mood, irritability
- Irregular cycles that are too short or too long
- Feeling of tension and swelling in the breasts
- Desire to have children and erectile dysfunction
- menopausal symptoms
- regulation of hormonal balance
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Dosage of chaste tree
Since chaste tree is a herbal remedy, the range for dosage varies widely. According to the former Federal Health Office (BGA) and today’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), the dosage is 30-40 mg per day . Common over-the-counter medications contain this level of dosage. If you are still unsure, contact your doctor first.
In the case of premenstrual syndrome and cycle disorders, daily intake for at least three months is recommended in order to achieve the desired effect. If you suffer from hormonal infertility and wish to have a child, you should only take chasteberry to become pregnant after consulting your doctor.
Effect of chaste tree
An imbalanced hormonal balance in women can promote acne . This is exactly where chaste tree comes in, by normalizing the hormone balance so that the natural fluctuations in hormones even out. This prevents acne, especially before your period. Its anti-inflammatory properties also have a positive effect on acne and blemishes.
Certain active ingredients in chasteberry can alleviate menopausal symptoms, e.g. B. by preventing night sweats and reducing hot flashes, which improves the quality of sleep.
Monk’s pepper if you want to have children
Monk’s pepper: When does the effect occur?
Because everyone’s body is different, the exact timing of the potential effects of chaste tree ingestion cannot be accurately predicted. It is recommended to take it in a sufficiently high concentration over a period of at least three months until the first effects on the body are noticeable.
Side effects of chaste tree
In most cases, there are no side effects from taking chaste tree, but pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take chaste tree. Likewise, people who take drugs with dopamine antagonists and dopamine agonists should be careful, as interactions can occur. Women who take antiestrogens or have had an estrogen-dependent tumor, such as breast cancer, should also avoid chasteberry. Occasionally, taking chasteberry can cause side effects. These include:
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Acne
- headache
- dizziness
- itching
- Allergic symptoms such as facial swelling, shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing
If symptoms of this kind occur, you should consult a doctor and stop taking it immediately.
Where can I buy chaste tree?
Monk’s pepper is available in the form of tablets, drops and hard capsules in pharmacies and online pharmacies. Talk to your doctor about which drug is best for you.