How Does Vitex Help Regulate Hormones?
Vitex is a lovely deciduous shrub with long dreamy vertical spires of lilac colored flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Vitex brings visual beauty to the garden in the full bloom of summer and deeply hued berries in the autumn. The dark gray berries are small hard fruits that have been treasured medicinally for centuries.
The Greek physician Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.) wrote,
“If blood flows from the womb, let the woman drink dark wine in which the leaves of the chaste tree have been steeped.”
Bringing Balance
Vitex is a supreme tonic for women, supportive in regulating hormonal health and balance. Chaste berry works by stimulating the pituitary gland – the “master” gland, which regulates the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body. During a typical menstrual cycle, estrogen is higher before ovulation and progesterone is higher after. An imbalance of these hormones can lead to various symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Vitex works on the pituitary gland function, enhancing its ability to do this work and supports the body system to ease symptoms of PMS including menstrual cramps, water retention, acne and headaches. Vitex can support the body into regaining its own natural rhythm and shorten the duration of time to find that equilibrium.
Estrogen Dominance
Low progesterone tends to be at the root cause of various symptoms, including irregular cycles, premenstrual syndrome, sleep disturbances, and other female-specific conditions. Women that are progesterone deficient are commonly referred to as being estrogen dominant. Chaste berries can support the endocrine system to create more progesterone, support the reproductive system to ovulate regularly, and encourage the body into a rhythmic cycle. Vitex has an effect of enhancing progesterone and decreasing estrogen levels. This can help balance out the estrogen dominance, which is frequently the root of many hormonal cycle issues.
Menopause
Chaste berries support the endocrine system to find its own balance and offers many nourishing benefits to women who are entering perimenopause and experiencing common menopausal symptoms. Chaste berries offer relief to many of the uncomfortable symptoms of this transitional time, such as hot flashes, irregular cycles, flooding and low mood.
Chaste Tree is a gentle remedy where current research supports documented historical wisdom. It’s a slow-acting herb, so allow three full cycles for the plant to really work its restorative qualities. Vitex offers thousands of years as an herbal remedy and offers balance to women in every cycle of life.
Fun Fact: Monk’s Pepper
The small round fruits are also referred to as ‘Monk’s Pepper’ (Piper monachorum) referring to the use of the berries as a pepper substitute. The berries can be enjoyed in a pepper grinder as the scent and flavor is reminiscent of black pepper (Piper nigrum).
Vitex and CBD
The biological activity of Chaste Tree Berry cannot be attributed to a single component found in the fruit. There is a synergetic effect of several nutrients, much like the “Entourage Effect” from full spectrum hemp extract.
Combining Vitex with CBD, which also supports hormonal balance and a healthy inflammatory response, makes coping with stress or unwinding from a hectic day easier to obtain.
Meet: Happiness Soft Gels
Uniquely formulated for women, Winged's Happiness formula contains 15mg of cannabidiol (CBD) per serving from full spectrum hemp extract, extracts of Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex), Evening Primrose Oil and Black Cohosh to support hormonal balance, promote a positive mood, provide powerful nutrition for overall female health and wellness.
Happiness truly comes from within, may we all spread our wings to take flight together.
*Note: If you are currently taking conventional hormone therapy or fertility drugs, please consult with your doctor.
Author: Phoenix Fermin
Phoenix Fermin is a Certified Herbalist, Yoga Instructor, Educator, Author and Illustrator.
Phoenix teaches topics in herbalism and holistic health. She maintained the teaching collection of plants for the Department of Biological Sciences at a Florida State University campus facility, which supports research in plant physiology, cell and molecular biology. Find her recipe in the award winning book, Fire Cider 101 Zesty Recipes by Rosemary Gladstar.