The chaste tree berry received its name from the ancient Greeks and Romans because they believed it decreased the female libido, thus ensuring chastity. Historically, monks used and wore it to promote celibacy. Researchers now know that chaste tree berry influences the pituitrary gland. This action helps regulate hormones that affect the production of sex hormones.

How Does Chaste Tree Support Health?

Its modern medicinal uses are also related to sex hormones. The active compounds in chaste tree berry act on the pituitary gland. This gland is located in the brain and produces hormones that stimulate the production of sex hormones in other areas of the body. It also contains chemicals that have the ability to stimulate human progesterone receptors and favour the production of luteinizing hormone over follicle-stimulating hormone. The pituitary hormones influenced by this berry help support pregnancy and lactation. They may also help relieve other female hormonal concerns.

What Are The Modern Medicinal Benefits of Chaste Tree Berry?

While there are many medicinal and historical uses for this nutrient, natural health practitioners recommended chaste trees for conditions such as PMS, acne and menstrual cramps; hot flashes, vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms; insufficient milk production and first-trimester miscarriages.

Chaste Tree Berry Supplement Varieties

Purchasing a quality chaste tree berry supplement is important to ensure potency and purity. Chaste tree comes in many supplement varieties and the format is up to individual preference. People can purchase these supplements as a loose herb, tincture, or encapsulated supplement. Choose standardized products whenever possible. Standardization helps ensure the supplement contains consistent active compounds. The berry contains the greatest concentration of active ingredients.

Potential Side Effects

Although natural health practitioners may recommend it to pregnant women, chaste trees may induce menstruation and should be used cautiously. It may alter hormonal cycles and theoretically can interfere with birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. It alters dopamine levels and may affect drugs for seizures, Parkinson’s and mental disorders.