What Is Agnus Castus?
Agnus castus also is known as vitex agnus castus and chaste tree berry. It is a plant that grows naturally in the Mediterranean region. The berries and leaves are harvested to use as herbal remedies for various health problems.
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Uses
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Agnus castus is mainly used for treating acne, balancing hormones, fertility and irregular and painful menstruation. It also is useful in treating general weakness of the body and for pains in the limbs.
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How Does Agnus Castus Work?
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Agnus castus works by acting on the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands causing an increase in the production of the luteinizing hormone (LH) while mildly reducing the release of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This causes the progesterone levels in the body to be higher than the estrogen levels.
How to Take It
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This herb should be taken orally as directed. It is typically taken once a day with liquid. Agnus castus can be taken with other herbal supplements. Individuals taking agnus castus may notice some improvement in about two weeks.
Side Effects
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Some side effects that may occur from taking agnus castus include headache, nausea and stomach ache. If an allergic reaction occurs such as dizziness, itching, swelling or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
Precautions
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If an individual has any health problems such as allergies, diabetes, hormonal problems or liver disease, they should consult with a physician before taking agnus castus. Also, it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to use this product.
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References
- Photo Credit "The way summer smells" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: lepiaf.geo (Gordana Adamovic-Mladenovic) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
