Natural Hormonal Balance & Women’s Wellness
Chastetree, also known as Chasteberry or Monk’s Pepper, has been valued for centuries in Mediterranean and European medicine as a powerful herb for menstrual balance, fertility, menopause support, and hormone-related wellness.
This 50 ml extract is crafted from gently dried berries and provides full-spectrum support for PMS, menopause, reproductive health, and natural hormonal regulation.
1. Botanical Profile
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Chastetree, Chasteberry, Monk’s Pepper |
| Scientific Name | Vitex agnus-castus L. |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Part Used | Fruits (berries) and flowering tops |
| Extraction Method | Hydroalcoholic tincture |
| Pharmacopoeia | Listed in French Pharmacopoeia (fruit, flowering tops) |
| Product Size | 50 ml Liquid Extract |
2. Key Features
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100% pure dried Chastetree berries
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Hormone-balancing phytochemicals (flavonoids, diterpenes, iridoids)
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Traditionally used for PMS, menopause, fertility, and reproductive health
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Food-grade quality, free of fillers or additives
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Versatile for tinctures, teas, or capsules
3. Traditional & Modern Benefits
| Category | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Hormone Balance | Helps lower prolactin, supports luteal phase & progesterone balance; used for irregular cycles |
| PMS & Menopause | Reduces irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, hot flushes, and mild depression |
| Fertility & Reproductive Health | Supports cycle normalization, luteal insufficiency, mild infertility, and postpartum recovery |
| Skin Wellness | Used for hormone-related acne & skin imbalances |
| Men’s Use (historic/folk) | Anaphrodisiac use in monasteries (“Monk’s Pepper”) to reduce libido |
4. Active Compounds
| Group | Key Compounds | Notable Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Flavonoids | Casticin, vitexin, penduletin, luteolin | Antioxidant, hormone-modulating |
| Iridoids | Agnuside, aucuboside | Regulate endocrine activity |
| Diterpenes | Rotundifuran, vitexilactone | Dopaminergic agonist – inhibits prolactin, supports cycle |
| Essential Oils | α-pinene, limonene, β-caryophyllene | Endocrine, antifungal, analgesic |
| Sterols & fatty acids | Cineole oil fractions | General metabolic & cellular support |
5. How to Use
| Form | Preparation & Use |
|---|---|
| Tincture / Liquid Extract | 35–45 drops (approx. 1.6–3 ml) daily, or as directed. Often taken 8th–21st day of cycle for cycle balance. |
| Tea (Infusion) | Crush 1 tsp berries, steep in 1 cup boiling water for 10 mins. Drink once daily. |
| Capsule / Extract | 20–40 mg standardized extract daily (follow practitioner guidance). |
| Traditional Cycles | Often prescribed cyclically (mid-cycle until bleeding starts). |
6. Properties & Mode of Action
| Property | Effects |
|---|---|
| Dopaminergic action | Inhibits prolactin, normalizes cycle and fertility |
| Phyto-progesterone effect | Increases mid-cycle progesterone (different from phytoestrogens) |
| Endocrine regulator | Supports LH & FSH pulsatility and GnRH rhythm |
| Menstrual comfort | Relieves breast swelling, pelvic tension, PMS mood changes |
| Menopause | Reduces hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood irritability |
7. Safety & Cautions
| Aspect | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy/Breastfeeding | Contraindicated – avoid use unless prescribed by a professional |
| Side Effects | May cause mild nausea, acne, rash, headaches, or cycle changes |
| Contraindications | Avoid with dopaminergic agonists (Parkinson’s meds), antagonists (anti-emetics), estrogen/anti-estrogen therapy (e.g., tamoxifen) |
| Drug Interactions | May affect hormone therapies, birth control, or dopaminergic drugs |
| Precautions | Start with lowest effective dose; monitor response, especially in cycle-regulating therapies |
8. Storage
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Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
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Keep tightly sealed.
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Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Disclaimer
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For educational purposes only – not medical advice.
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This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
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Always consult a qualified practitioner before long-term use, especially alongside medications.
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This product has not been evaluated by SAHPRA for safety, quality, or intended use.
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Supports a healthy lifestyle but does not replace one.
✅ Summary:
Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a classic women’s wellness herb, used to support hormone balance, reproductive health, PMS relief, and menopausal comfort. Acting primarily via prolactin regulation and gentle phyto-progesterone support, it remains one of the most trusted plant remedies in women’s hormonal health.