After I had my son, I was plagued with anxiety, messed up cycles and I had the WORST breast pain right before my period. After doing some research I took Vitex (and Motherwort, which I'll talk about in another post) and I felt a night and day difference within a few cycles. I even had an increase in libido ;-) I stopped taking it after about 6 months and I didn't have to take it again for many years.
Vitex (Chaste Tree) is perhaps my all-time favorite herb for balancing cycles, improving fertility, reducing PMS and breast pain.
Not too bad for a supplement that usually costs less than $15/bottle! You can make a tea or herbal extract with the whole herb, but I personally find the taste awful. LOL So, for me, capsules worked the best.
Vitex (aka chaste tree berry) is a peppercorn-sized berry that acts on the pituitary gland. It improves the luteal phase of your cycle, promotes ovulation, reduces excess prolactin (which can cause breast pain and facial hair), and indirectly increases progesterone (which can lead to a more stable pregnancy should you get pregnant).
Below you can find my own protocol for taking vitex, which I have personally found to be useful.
FOR NORMAL-ISH CYCLES
Take first thing in the morning.
Take a break when you get your period.
Begin again after your period.
Take a 1 month break after 3 months of use.
IF YOU HAVE NO PERIOD, OR IT IS EXTREMELY IRREGULAR
Take first thing in the morning.
Take a five-day break from the herb every month.
Take the herb for 25 days, then five days off, then 25 days on again.
Take a 1 month break after 6 months of use.
WHEN SHOULD YOU NOT TAKE VITEX?
Use with caution if you have PCOS, it can help with androgen excess, but may also increase already high LH.
If you are on fertility drugs or recently stopped birth control.
If you are a teenager, unless you have been on the pill before.
USE YOUR HEART AND YOUR HEAD
STOP TAKING Vitex if you get any weird side effects. Most common (though experiencing side effects from this herb is uncommon) are headaches, rash and weight gain. If this herb is working for you, you should not experience these things.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This information and opinion is for informational purposes only. You are encouraged to confirm the information contained with other sources. Patients and consumers should review the information carefully with their professional health care provider. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians. Sarah Sorvillo is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom
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