2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Vitex / Vitex agnus castus /, also known as the Abraham tree, is a shrub with beautiful purple flowers. Its leaves are ovate to elongated. It grows in the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Prefers moisture and bright sun.
Vitex is an herb that is being used by more and more women who suffer from gynecological problems of various kinds. Vitex has a unique ability to correct hormonal imbalances in women, it is even used to treat infertility.
History of vitex
Vitex is well known in antiquity and was even pointed out in Homer's epics in the 6th century BC, as a means of banishing evil and a symbol of chastity.
The ancients believed that vitex reduced sexual desire, which is why it was traditionally chewed by monks, who claimed that this way their oaths of chastity were more easily observed.
Ladies in ancient Greece, who did not want to be disturbed, decorated their bed with wreaths of plant leaves to reduce the passions of their loved ones. The Greeks used the fruit to treat various female problems, and doctors also used it to stop postpartum hemorrhage.
Composition of vitex
The usable parts of the herb are the fruits, leaves and seeds. They contain flavonoids (casticin), terpenoids and iridoid glycosides. Other key components in the composition of Vitex are volatile oil and alkaloids / viticin /.
Selection and storage of vitex
Vitex can be purchased from specialty stores in the form of a food supplement. The dosages and method of use are mentioned on the package. It can also be found in the form of a dry extract extracted from the fruits of the plant.
Benefits of Vitex
It has been scientifically proven that vitex has a hormonal effect, which is why it is used by women, mainly for the treatment of infertility and hormonal problems. Scientists have been studying the fruits of Vitex for more than 30 years, but it is still not entirely clear which ingredients are responsible for its pronounced hormonal effect on the body.
Vitex fruits are thought to stop the action of male androgens, while in women they have a progressive force through which they act on the pituitary gland, which regulates menstruation. By increasing progesterone activity, the herb works to balance estrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries during the menstrual cycle.
Apart from everything else, vitex stimulates the production of prolactin - a hormone that regulates milk production.
A study conducted more than 10 years ago proved that daily use of the herb in the form of capsules relieves the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
It is important to note that Vitex does not contain hormones. As mentioned, the effect is due to its effect on the pituitary gland.
Since 1950, European doctors have recommended dried fruits vitex for irregular cycle and relief of PMS. It is also prescribed to regulate ovulation after the use of oral contraceptives, acne and menopause, endometriosis, uterine fibroid growth - all of which are associated with hormonal imbalance.
In Mexico vitex It is traditionally used to treat menstrual disorders, but also other problems that are not related to it - scorpion bites, diarrhea and some respiratory infections.
Reception of vitex
Vitex is not a product that shows fast results. For the treatment of premenstrual syndrome, the herb should be taken for 2-3 months to feel its full effect, which is significant.
After prolonged use of vitex reduce breast tenderness and bloating, eliminate irritability and depression. The herb also helps regulate the cycle - shortens the long and lengthens the short cycle.
Vitex should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. The use of vitex, in combination with hormone therapy is also not recommended. Some women who take Vitex have heavier periods in the first few months. This effect disappears after a few monthly cycles.
