butalbital pms blog - Vitex Agnus Castus The Herbal Remedy for PMS

Vitex Agnus Castus The Herbal Remedy for PMS

Vitex agnus castus (more commonly referred to in the UK as Agnus castus and the USA as Vitex) grows in the Mediterranean region. The name Agnus castus is derived from the Greek word for chaste as the ancient Greeks thought the plant calmed sexual passion. Its common names of chasteberry and monks pepper also gives some indication of its historical usage. Its reputation as both an aphrodisiac and anaphrodisiac lies in its normalising effect. Nowadays research has proven that extract of Agnus Castus berry is an effective and well tolerated treatment for the relief of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome PMS (sometimes referred to as PMT).

Active Compounds: Vitex agnus castus contains steroidal compounds similar to human sex hormones that have a normalising effect on the reproductive system. Iridoid glycodsides which include auchin and agnoside; flavanoids including casticin, isovitexin and orientin.

Further research and references: Herbal Medicine, Expanded Commission E Monographs; Senior Editor Blumenthal M; Editors Goldberg A., Brinckmann J. 2000 American Botanical Council. ESCOP Monographs, 2003 second edition, Completely revised and expanded Agni casti fructus p 8-13 Textbooks: Principles and practice of Phytotherapy; Mills Simon and Bone Kerry; 2000 Churchill Livingstone. Chaste tree p 328 - 334 Research Papers Wuttke W, JarryH, et al. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)--pharmacology and clinical indications. Phytomedicine 2003; 10( :348-357 Halaska M, Raus K. et al. Treatment of cyclical mastodynia using an extract of vitex agnus castus: results of a double-blind comparison with a placebo. Ceska Gynekol 1998; 63( :388-392 Loch EG, Selle H, Boblitz N. Treatment of premenstural syndrome with a phytopharmaceutical formulation containing Vitex agnus castus. Journal of Womens Health Gender Based Medicine 200; 9( :315-320 Berger D, Schaffer W, et al. Efficacy of Vitex agnus castusL. Extract Ze 440 in patients with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2000; 264( :150-153 Publications Positive Health Magazine Vitex agnus castus: A review by Dee Atkinson originally published in issue 23 - Nov/Dec 1997

Agnus Castus has traditionally been used for: Treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Balancing the menstrual cycle Promoting breast milk flow Improving female fertility Treating hyperprolactinemia Treating menopausal symptoms Side effects and contraindications:

Agnus castus has not been associated with serious side effects. However, in rare situations it can cause gastrointestinal problems, acne-like rashes, and dizziness. As it may affect certain hormone levels, women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills or who have a hormone-sensitive condition (such as breast cancer) should avoid agnus castus. For the same reason Agnus castus is not suitable for children Because it may affect the dopamine system in the brain, people taking dopamine-related medications should also avoid using agnus castus.

Research into Agnus castus There is some powerful research demonstrating how Vitex agnus castus can assist with PMS. AR Schellenburg et al published a paper in The British Medical Journal on research into the treatment of premenstrual syndrome with Agnus Castus fruit extract. This randomised, double blind, placebo controlled research was designed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of Agnus Castus with placebo. 170 women (active 86; placebo with an average age of 36 and an average cycle of 28 days were evaluated. Extract of Agnus Castus fruit was taken once daily. The women were asked to self assess over three cycles, considering irritability, mood alteration, anger, headache, breast fullness and other menstrual issues including bloating, looking both at individual symptoms and overall changes in severity. Improvement was greater in the active group, with 52% of the active group reporting marked changes in the overall severity, as against 24% in the placebo group. Seven women (active 4; placebo reported mild adverse effects, none of which caused discontinuation of the treatment. The researchers concluded that extract of Agnus Castus fruit is an effective and well tolerated treatment for the relief of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome Schellenberg R. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study. BMJ 2001; 322( :134-7 Looking for something logical on butalbital pms blog, we stumbled on the information provided here. Look out for anything illogical here.

For organic agnus castus try Organic Herbal Remedies Or for more information on agnus castus go to Naturopathic Health

Learn More about Resveratrol

PMS - Help for that Time of the Month

Many women suffer from terrible PMS experiencing all sorts of symptoms from headaches to extreme erratic behavior. Premenstrual syndrome isn't a "made up" syndrome, there has been extensive research to prove that PMS is in a fact real and that many women unfortunately suffer severely from it. Here are some tips to help your PMS: Take a warm bath - it may seem like an...

Using PMS/GPS - The Productivity Management System™ for Goal Planning and Setting

When I am willing to take a chance on me, do whatever it takes, thank those who have helped me along the way, and remember to pat myself on the back once the goal has been reached, I am fulfilled" - Heidi Richards In 1979, Harvard Business School did a study of its MBA graduates. They interviewed the graduates and asked them if they had clear written goals with plans for their career...

Premenstrual Syndrome Treatment - Causes And Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) involves symptoms that occur in relation to the menstrual cycle and which interfere with the woman's life. The symptoms usually begin 5 to 11 days before the start of menstruation. Symptoms usually stop when menstruation begins, or shortly thereafter. Premenstrual Syndrome is a hormonal disease. When the estrogen and progesterone hormone differ their proper...

Effective Premenstrual Syndrome Treatments

Premenstrual syndrome can be a painful time for many women. They may suffer from a variety of symptoms including weight gain, irritability, anger, fatigue, difficulty concentrating as well as hunger cravings. Many women also suffer migraines, breast soreness and backaches. Women looking for premenstrual treatments and relief should look at moderate exercise and massage. Moderate exercise...

PMS Depression Information

PMS depression information. If you are not currently taking a prescription antidepressant, then a dietary supplement like 5-HTP can help. Visit the Menopause and PMS guide to learn more. Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles about women's health for the Menopause and PMS...