Vitex

Other names: Vitex agnus castus Agnus castus, chaste tree, pepper of the monk

Vitex is a plant in Asia and the Mediterranean countries. Used in medicine is the dried fruit.

Vitex has been used as a traditional folk remedy for a range of female conditions, such as bleeding after childbirth and to help the "crossing of postpartum". One of its names alternate, "chaste tree", comes from the historical belief that it can suppress libido.

Vitex does not really hormones. It seems to increase progesterone by stimulating the release of a hormone called pituitary luteinizing hormone. Vitex is also thought to normalize the excessive levels of prolactin and promote fertility.

Female sterility
PMS, breast tenderness, cramps and headache especially
Acne, especially if it is linked to the menstrual cycle
Disease mastose
Heavy menstruation
Symptoms of menopause

The most common side effects include mild digestive disturbances or skin rash. Other side effects may include rapid heartbeat, hair loss, headache, la dry mouth, nausea, rash, itching and bleeding between periods.

Vitex is not recommended during pregnancy. It should not be used by lactating mothers, unless under the supervision of a qualified health professional.

People with diseases dependent hormone such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids and cancers of the breast, ovaries, uterus or prostate should not take vitex.

Small amounts of vitex could increase the production of milk in women after childbirth. High doses can have the opposite effect and reduce the production of milk.

Vitex may affect levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. People with Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia or any other condition in which dopamine levels are affected should avoid vitex unless under the supervision of a qualified health professional.

Vitex may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives or female hormone replacement. It could also theoretically increase the risk of side effects.

Vitex could interfere with the effectiveness of the drugs that increase dopamine as bromocriptine, cabergoline, carbidopa-levodopa, Mirapex or Requip, or the loss of dopamine, such as chlorpromazine, clozapine (Clozaril), haloperidol (Haldol), metoclopramide (Reglan), Risperdal, Seroquel, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, or Zyprexa.

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