How to Use Agnus Castus to Improve Fertility
Vitex agnus castus, more frequently referred to as chasteberry, is a natural supplement often taken by women who want to improve their fertility. The herb is made from ripe berries of the chasteberry shrub, which originated in Europe. Chasteberry can regulate the hormone prolactin, the hormone that leads to milk production. If a women who is trying to become pregnant has too much prolactin in her system, her fertility may be compromised. The use of vitex agnus castus may also be effective in reducing uncomfortable symptoms of pre-menstrual symdrome (PMS).
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Things You'll Need
- Dried chasteberries
- Chasteberry capsules or liquid extract
- Eight ounces of water or juice
Instructions
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Discuss your reproductive health with your physician before you use agnus castus or any other herbal supplement to improve your fertility. Let him know if you are taking medications for other conditions so he can have a full picture of your overall health.
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Brew a tea with dried chasteberries. Pour boiling water over a small amount of the dried herb and let it steep as desired. Discard the leaves before drinking.
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Use chasteberry tablets or capsules instead of taking it in tea form. A usual dosage is 1 to 2 tablets each day. Take with meals to avoid an upset stomach and drink a full glass of water with the supplement.
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Mix liquid chasteberry extract with eight ounces of water or juice as an alternate way to take the fertility-enhancing remedy. Half a tsp. of the extract can be taken 2 to 3 times a day.
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Report any uncomfortable side effects to your doctor. You may experience dizziness, headaches, fatigue or a dry mouth. She may be able to suggest ways to counter the side effects or she may tell you to discontinue use of the supplement.
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Have patience when taking chasteberry to improve fertility or combat PMS symptoms. It usually takes from 3 to 6 months for the full effect of the supplement to be realized.
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Tips & Warnings
Because agnus castus affects hormone levels, do not take it if you are pregnant or if you take birth control pills. If you want to use agnus castus to improve your fertility, take a pregnancy test to make sure you are not already pregnant.
Vitex agnus castus should not be used indefinitely. It is meant to be used for up to one year to improve fertility. If you have not conceived after that time, consult your doctor.
