Chasteberry Tea

Prepared from fresh or dried berries of chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), chasteberry tea is an herbal infusion that has a mild peppery flavor. Also known as vitex or monk’s pepper tea, the decoction with an array of medicinal properties, has long been deemed helpful for hormonal disorders and women’s health issues.

History and origin

There are several historical accounts regarding its action on libido. The Greeks and Romans used it as an effective anaphrodisiac to suppress sexual desire. During the 16th century, herbalist William Turner reported the anaphrodisiac properties of chasteberry seeds. In the recent past, it was also used by the celibate monks to allay their feelings driven by sexual arousal.

Chasteberry tea benefits: what is it good for

Fertility

Women with high levels of prolactin hormone may experience suppressed ovulation, which might cause a disruption in the monthly menstrual cycle, a condition called the LPD (luteal phase defect). Regularly having this herbal tea for a short period, would lower prolactin levels and encourage normal ovulation, helping in regulating the menstrual cycle. Moreover, its intake is useful for the prevention of miscarriage caused by low progesterone levels. Therefore, it acts as a fertility aid that improves the chances of conception.

Premenstrual Syndrome

Few scientific studies have shown that taking a blend of black cohosh, chasteberry, and St Johns’ wort tea helps in relieving some symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). It stabilizes the hormone levels and is useful for controlling PMS-related migraine, constipation, depression, joint pain, headache, breast pain, irritability, and anger.

It is also effective in reducing food cravings, swelling, cramps, breast tenderness, and other symptoms of PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), which is a more severe type of PMS.

Menopausal symptoms

Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, and dizziness are some of the most distressing symptoms in menopausal women caused by an elevation of FSH and LH hormones as well as decreasing estrogen levels. Drinking this herbal tea is believed to be useful for regulating the levels of FSH, LH, and estrogen, and thus helps in stopping some of the symptoms.

Uterine fibroid

The natural constituents in this decoction help in proper functioning of the endocrine system, enhancing its ability to maintain hormonal balance, which is necessary for managing benign fibroid tumors.

Milk production

Chasteberry has been traditionally used as a galactagogue for enhancing breast milk production. Few studies have shown that its consumption in moderate amounts might promote milk production in lactating women.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Its intake helps alleviate the symptoms of enlarged prostate glands or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) including urinary hesitancy, interrupted urine flow, burning sensation or pain during urination, urinary retention, and pain in the upper thighs, hips, or lower back.

Dementia

In recent animal studies, use of chasteberry has been shown to improve loss of memory. Although more research is needed to support this effect in humans, its intake might reduce cognitive decline associated with dementia.

Antimicrobial properties

Owing to its antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties, having a cup of chasteberry tea might help in preventing infections that contribute to splenomegaly or enlarged spleen. Moreover, it consists of linoleic fatty acid, which acts as a natural sebum-controlling, antibacterial agent. Since it prevents excess secretion of sebum, it reduces the chances of clogging of hair follicles, which is one of the main factors causing acne.

Other uses

A blend of chasteberry extract, lemongrass, and fennel essential oils could be topically applied to repel insects such as ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and flies.

How to make chasteberry tea

• Take 1 teaspoonful of fresh or dried chasteberry
• Add it into a teapot with 1 cup of boiling water
• Steep for 10 minutes
• Add some honey to taste

Safety and precautions

Side effects

Even though some rare instances of people experiencing side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, itching, rash, and weight gain have been reported, having the tea in moderate quantities is considered safe. Its consumption is not recommended in those undergoing therapy for Schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease, as well as in vitro fertilization procedure.

During pregnancy

Since chasteberry tea might affect the hormone levels, its intake should be avoided by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Where to buy

You can buy caffeine-free, organic chasteberry tea and tea bags from online stores and local tea shops.