Chaste Tree Extract

By Caroline Hoeffgen, COO, BCHC, JD | Reviewed by Dr. Isabel Sharkar, NMD | May 2026

SUPPORT FOR MENSTRUAL DIFFICULTIES WITH CHASTE TREE EXTRACT

Back in the Middle Ages, Chaste Tree Extract (Vitex agnus castus, aka Vitex or Chasteberry) was used by monks to decrease sexual desire (hence its name!). Today we know that this powerful herb – a medicinally potent brown berry about the size of a peppercorn – doesn’t impact sexual desire. But it does help manage reproductive disorders. Vitex is used for menstrual difficulties including PMS and PCOS, breast pain management, and infertility. It may also benefit women going through menopause.Vitex does not supply hormones to the body; rather, it acts on the glands that control hormone production, namely the pituitary and hypothalamus. Ultimately, it helps balance the ratio of progesterone to estrogen, while slightly elevating progesterone level.Chaste Tree is available as a liquid extract, in capsule and tablet form, and as an essential oil. It is considered safe for most people. However, women on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, or who have a hormone-sensitive condition (such as breast cancer) should seek medical consultation before taking this herb. Also, it should not be used by persons taking antipsychotic drugs or medications for Parkinson’s disease. Your holistic health care provider is the best source for information on Chaste Tree and the appropriate use for your health concerns.

RESOURCES

Medical Disclaimer

This content is provided by Indigo Integrative Health Clinic for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Individual health conditions vary — information presented here may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult a qualified, licensed healthcare provider before making decisions about your health, medications, supplements, or treatment plan.

Featured in
Related articles

Continue reading

View all articles

Hashimoto's is diagnosed by combining findings, not one test: thyroid antibodies (TPO, sometimes thyroglobulin), thyroid function (TSH and free T4), symptoms, and often an ultrasound. A normal TSH does not rule it out, and a low-positive antibody is not always disease. Found early, before the gland is damaged, there is the best chance to protect it and feel better.

There is no single Hashimoto's diet, but a few moves have real evidence. Correct the nutrient gaps you can measure, like iron, selenium, and vitamin D. Get your iodine to the right level, which takes an assessment, not one test. And cut a food only for a real reason, like a positive celiac test or too much iodine. Assess first, then personalize.

Lyme disease shares key symptoms with fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome, so it can be mistaken for any of them. It is also over-diagnosed in people who do have one of those conditions. The honest answer is that Lyme is worth confirming or ruling out with a knowledgeable clinician, not assumed in either direction.