Every woman knows even the mildest PMS can cause a disruption to everyday habits and routines. Here’s the good news – there’s no need for PMS to wreak havoc with life during that time of the month! Lots of us accept the bloating, food cravings, irritability, and blemishes as inevitable. But fortunately, there are natural ways to support a nice calm, and comfortable lead-up to period time. If you haven’t heard of Vitex Agnus-Castus fruit yet, you’ll be excited to learn more about what's been referred to as the ‘women’s herb’ because studies show it supports a healthy PMS phase and healthy female hormone balance.
Drama free PMS, a comfy tummy and breasts, and lovely clear skin! Yes please, (and thank you).
This small and unassuming fruit (also known as ‘chaste berry’) could offer support for getting through those situations with a smile.
The history behind chaste berry fruit
Vitex Agnus-Castus fruit has been used for thousands of years. The first records of its use as a health supporting herb come from the writings of Hippocrates in the 4th century B.C., and it was used for years to support women’s menstrual health and to support healthy fertility.
What is Vitex Agnus-Castus?
Today, the fruit grows naturally in Mediterranean and Central Asian regions and is characterised by small sprigs of purple flowers that bloom amongst its shrub-like branches and leaves.
It is still used widely in Europe as a traditional herb to support menstrual health and fertility, as well as a healthy clear complexion. The dried form of the fruit can be taken as a tablet or capsule.
The secret is the variety of special plant compounds that are found in its natural form. It is understood that the chaste berry supports pituitary gland health, for the healthy secretion of luteinising hormone (LH) that in turn supports healthy progesterone levels.
In the body, progesterone is important for maintaining healthy pregnancy, preparing the body for conception and supports a regular menstrual cycle in women. Having the correct levels of progesterone in the female body also helps keep balance between oestrogen and progesterone, also called the estrogen-progesterone ratio.
Healthy progesterone
Chaste berry supports healthy progesterone balance which is welcome news for people interested in supporting their emotions in the lead-up to period time. Having balanced progesterone levels is important to maintain a positive outlook and sense of calm during the PMS phase of the menstrual cycle.
Modern Vitus Agnus-Castus benefits and uses
Vitex Agnus-Castus is a popular herbal supplement for PMS and menstrual balance. It’s used to support premenstrual breast comfort and a balanced PMS phase. Chaste berry is popular with women after they stop taking birth control to support a balanced and healthy female hormonal cycle.
A study published in 2001 found that the dry extract form of Vitex Agnus-Castus was generally well tolerated and supported a healthy and comfortable PMS phase.
If you’re interested in chaste berry to support your own health goals, there are plenty of options – whether it’s a pill, tablet, capsules or as a dried herb.
Nature’s Sunshine Chaste-Tree Fruit Concentrate helps support healthy hormone levels and a normal, healthy menstrual cycle. It supports clear skin, breast and abdominal comfort as well as a calm happy mood.