Vitex agnus-castus (agnocastus): what it is, what it is for and how to take it

O The chaste lamb’s vine is a medicinal plant known as agnocasto, rich in flavonoids, essential oils, diterpenes and glycosides, which have an action on the female hormones LH and FSH, and can be used to help treat menstrual cycle irregularities, absence of menstruation, pre- menstrual period, breast pain or excess prolactin production.

This plant can be found in the form of tea or supplements in herbal capsules or tablets, under the trade name Tenag, sold in pharmacies, drugstores, herbalists, compounding pharmacies or in health food stores and should be used in accordance with medical or medical advice. from an herbalist.

What is it for

O The chaste lamb’s vine promotes the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and inhibits follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which leads to increased levels of progesterone, which is a hormone that plays a fundamental role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, the The chaste lamb’s vine it also affects prolactin levels, a hormone that is involved in stimulating breast development and milk production in women.

The main indications of this medicinal plant include:

• Oligomenorrhoeawhich is characterized by very long intervals between periods;
• Polymenorrhoeain which the period between menstruations is very short;
• Amenorrheawhich is characterized by the absence of menstruation;
• Premenstrual syndromewhich is characterized by mood changes, anxiety or pain or tenderness in the breasts;
• Excess prolactin productionwhich is characterized by reduced libido or infertility.

Some studies show that the The chaste lamb’s vineby helping to balance hormonal levels, can help in the treatment of female infertility, especially when the woman has low levels of progesterone in the body, which can make pregnancy difficult.

Although it has many benefits, this medicinal plant should be used under the guidance of a gynecologist.

How to use

The normally used part of the The chaste lamb’s vine It is its fruit or seed from which its active substances are extracted and can be consumed in the form of herbal tablets or capsules or tea.

The main ways to use this medicinal plant are:

• 40 mg herbal tablets: 1 tablet per day, on an empty stomach, before breakfast;
• 300 mg capsules: 1 capsule per day, on an empty stomach, before breakfast;
• Agnocasto tea: Place 1 teaspoon of vitex fruits in 300 mL of water and heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to 2 cups per day.

The duration of treatment with Vitex agnus-castus depends on medical guidance and indication.

Possible side effects

O The chaste lamb’s vine It is safe when consumed in amounts recommended by your doctor and for a maximum period of 3 months. However, during treatment, when consumed very frequently, in greater quantities than recommended or for more than 3 months, side effects such as headache, allergic reactions, eczema, hives, acne, hair loss, itching, rashes may occur. skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and dry mouth.

Who shouldn’t use

O The chaste lamb’s vine It should not be used by children under 18 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women, women undergoing hormone replacement treatment or taking oral contraceptives or sex hormones and people allergic to this plant.

Furthermore, the tablet A chaste lamb It has lactose in its composition and, therefore, should be administered with caution to people with lactose intolerance.

It is important to use the The chaste lamb’s vine under the guidance of a doctor, herbalist or a healthcare professional with specific knowledge in medicinal plants.