Move over ginseng, echinacea, and Ginkgo biloba, there's a new herbal remedy in town: chasteberry. Also known as chaste tree berry, monk's pepper, or by its botanical name Vitex agnus-castus, it's a small, dark berry from a shrub called the chaste tree that grows across Asia and the Mediterranean.
The name has a bit of history behind it. Monks once used the berry to help curb desire, which is how the chaste tree earned its name, and people have reached for it for centuries. Today it's far better known as a women's health supplement for hormones and cycle support.
Chasteberry contains a range of natural compounds that have made it one of the more popular women's health supplements around.
Wondering if this coveted berry is right for you? Here are nine surprising benefits of chasteberry to keep in mind:
1. May Provide PMS Support
If you ask us, one of the most surprising benefits of chasteberry is that its flavonoid compounds can help soothe the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Yup, it's true, studies have shown that this herbal supplement may help support healthy levels of hormones, including:
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Prolactin
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Progesterone
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Estradiol
Maintaining healthy hormone levels may help ease PMS symptoms. This is because your estrogen and progesterone levels work together to regulate your menstrual cycle. In fact, you can even thank these hormones for your discomfort around the time of menstruation.
So if you're looking for some temporary relief during your period, we suggest opting for a PMS supplement like #Mood Pills, a feel-good supplement that features organic chasteberry for total cycle support and PMS relief.* For support that spans your whole cycle, not only the days before your period, Cycle Soothe is another option worth a look.*
We just want to add here that if you experience extreme signs of PMS, there could be greater issues at play, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In some cases, severe mood symptoms before your period may point to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more intense form of PMS that's worth discussing with your provider.
If your periods are irregular or your symptoms feel severe, it's also worth learning the signs of a hormonal imbalance. Contact your primary healthcare provider for medical advice if you notice any of the following around your period:
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Irregular or missing periods (amenorrhea)
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Extreme cramping
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Extreme breast tenderness
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Extreme mood swings
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Heavy bleeding
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Migraines
2. May Support a Healthy Mood
Chasteberry may be a natural mood booster as well. When taken as a supplement, it may support healthy dopamine levels, which in turn help support energy and concentration. In other words, it might help stabilize your mood, which can lead to improved productivity during the day, as well.
That's not all, though. Chasteberry can also help you relax in general, both physically and emotionally. This is one of our favorite benefits, since a little more zen never hurts.
3. May Support Better Sleep Quality
If better sleep quality is what you need, chasteberry can help with that, too. Because this dietary supplement can help support your hormones, it may also ease some menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms tied to shifting hormones, which can include night sweats and hot flashes.
Because of this, taking chasteberry may help you get more restful, high-quality sleep. Not only can this help you feel better, but it can also support your energy throughout the day. If menopause is on your radar, here's what to look for in a menopause supplement.
Pro Tip: For an extra boost of sleep magic, we recommend Sleeping Beauty sleep supplements from our mood and sleep support range. This dreamy formula combines natural ingredients to help relax and calm your mind so you can fall into a restful sleep, leaving you drowsy-free the next day.*
4. May Reduce Irritation and Swelling
Believe it or not, chasteberry may also have properties that help ease irritation and soothe tension. The main active constituents in this berry, iridoid glycosides and flavonoids, are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help calm irritation and swelling throughout the body and support overall health.
5. May Support Skin Health
Another surprising benefit that chasteberry offers is its ability to support healthy skin. It contains antioxidants, which help support your skin's cells against the free radicals you encounter from things like sun exposure.
Over time, that antioxidant support may help your skin stay resilient against visible signs of aging, like fine lines. Here's more on how antioxidants support your skin.
Because chasteberry can influence hormones, some people also look to it for hormonal acne, though the research there is still limited.
Pro Tip: On a mission to achieve a radiant complexion? Try Clear Skin Probiotics, one of our beauty and skin supplements made with probiotics and herbs like chasteberry that support the appearance of healthy skin texture.*
6. May Provide Fertility Support
For those trying to get pregnant, chasteberry may also provide some assistance. It may help support healthy levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which both help regulate ovulation and fertility. This can work to support your reproductive health as a whole.
Plus, chasteberry can help support healthy levels of progesterone, which is the main hormone that governs the last half of a woman's menstrual cycle. This half is also called the luteal phase, and luteal phase defects can lead to instances of infertility.
Low levels of progesterone can also contribute to painful periods, mood swings, and other symptoms of PMS. It's no surprise that many women can struggle to get in the mood when their mood feels unsteady and their body is in pain. Because of this, it's possible that chasteberry may indirectly support sexual desire, which can support fertility.
While the research is inconclusive here, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that the health benefits of chasteberry may support fertility. Just make sure to take a break from it once you are pregnant, since chasteberry is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
7. May Support Breast Health
In addition to potential reproductive benefits, chasteberry might be able to support optimal breast tissue thanks to its phytoestrogen content.
Phytoestrogens are plant-based substances that mimic hormones like estrogen in the body. When consumed, they can bind to estrogen receptors, where they can support blood flow and tissue formation within the breasts.
Plus, chasteberry supplements may support healthy prolactin levels. Prolactin is a hormone produced in your pituitary gland that helps stimulate lactation in those who are pregnant.
While this is helpful for those who are breastfeeding, it can lead to breast pain and tenderness even in women who aren't pregnant or breastfeeding. When this occurs regularly near your period, it's also referred to as cyclic mastalgia.
8. May Support Digestive Health
Chasteberry can help support your digestive health, too. This supplement is known to have a positive effect on digestion, which can, in turn, help your gut absorb nutrients.
Not only that, but scientists say that it may even help support overall digestive comfort. So if you're looking for some natural relief from digestive woes, chasteberry could be just what you need.
Pro Tip: For everyday gut health support, our Gut Feelings Probiotics pairs clinically studied pre-, pro-, and postbiotics to support calm, comfortable digestion and a balanced gut microbiome.*
9. May Support Mental Clarity
Having mental clarity can be a great feeling. And if you're looking for an all-natural way to get there, chasteberry is here to help, thanks to its adaptogenic qualities.
What are adaptogens, you ask? In short, they are powerful plants that can support cognitive function by helping your body and mind adapt better to stressors like physical exertion or environmental changes. Other adaptogens women reach for include ashwagandha, often used for stress support.
Needless to say, chasteberry is the bee's knees when it comes to mental clarity. You can also add to the benefits of chasteberry with our Big Brain Probiotics. This smart formula contains a powerful blend of probiotics and nootropics to help support cognitive health.*
How To Take Chasteberry: Forms and Dosage
Chasteberry is easy to find over the counter, and it comes in more than one format. You can take it as capsules, liquid extracts or tinctures, gummies, or a tea brewed from the dried berry, so there's an option for almost any routine.
Most research uses a standardized extract, and a commonly studied amount is around 20 milligrams once a day. Because everyone's body is different, it's smart to begin with the lowest dose and build up slowly rather than starting high.
Chasteberry also works gradually. Studies that tracked PMS and cycle-related symptoms often ran for about three months, or roughly three menstrual cycles, before measuring changes, so a little patience helps.
When you're shopping, look for a standardized extract from a reputable brand that has been third-party tested by an independent lab. If you'd like cycle and mood support with organic chasteberry already built in, our mood support supplements are an easy place to start.*
Chasteberry Side Effects and Who Should Skip It
Chasteberry is generally well tolerated, and side effects are usually mild when they do show up. Some people notice nausea, an upset stomach, headaches, or a little fatigue, which can ease if you lower your dose.
Because chasteberry works on your hormones, it can interact with certain medications. Talk to your provider before pairing it with hormonal birth control or oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or medications that affect dopamine, such as some antipsychotics.
A few people should avoid chasteberry altogether. Skip it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, and check with your provider first if you have a hormone-sensitive condition, since chasteberry can influence estrogen and progesterone activity.
When in doubt, loop in your healthcare provider. That's the safest way to figure out whether chasteberry fits your body and the rest of your routine.
The Bottom Line
Chasteberry is one of nature's more versatile remedies. It offers a range of potential benefits, and it's plant-based, which is part of the appeal. If you're looking for a way to support your hormonal balance, mood, sleep, or skin, chasteberry might be worth a spot in your routine.
While side effects of Vitex are rare, we always recommend consulting with your primary care provider before adding it to your diet.
At Love Wellness, we're here to support all of your goals with expert-backed products that nurture your body from the inside out. Whether you're looking for gut, vaginal, skin, or brain support, you can always count on us to help you feel your best, at every stage of life.
Sources:
Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus castus 2) | Restorative Medicine
Anti-Inflammatory Iridoids of Botanical Origin | PMC
What Is Chasteberry, and What Can It Do? | Cleveland Clinic
Edible Plants and Their Influence on the Gut Microbiome and Acne | PMC
