What is it? Relationship with menstruation

(Vitex agnus-castus), also known as the "chaste tree" or "Vitex opitra", is a plant native to the Mediterranean region, whose fruits have been used since ancient times to regulate the physiology of women. In ancient Greek times, chestberries were considered the guardians of women's health, and were also used as sacrifices to the goddess Hera. The fruits of this plant are rich in active ingredients such as flavonoids, terpenes and alkaloids, which act directly on the pituitary gland, affect the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), regulate the balance of estrogen and progesterone.

Modern studies have found that chaste berries are especially good at improving problems associated with the menstrual cycle. It helps women restore their natural hormonal rhythms by regulating the endocrine pathways of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPO axis). According to a 2022 survey conducted by the Hong Kong Family Planning Association, about 68% of women in Hong Kong suffer from menstrual irregularities or premenstrual syndrome, and 75% of young women aged 15-25 are affected. This has led to increased interest in natural conditioning methods, such as chaste berries.

It is important to note that the effect of chasteberry on menstruation is gradual. Unlike Western medicine, it works by supporting the body's own regulatory mechanisms, rather than directly supplying exogenous hormones. Clinical observations showed that about 72% of women had significantly regular menstrual cycles after 3 consecutive months of consuming chasteberry extract (Data source: Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Report, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2021). This gentle mechanism of action is the key to the longevity of chasteberry in traditional medicine.

How does Chaste Berry relieve menstrual discomfort?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) afflicts about 80% of women of childbearing age, and according to a 2023 survey by the Hong Kong Federation of Women's Centres, the most common symptoms are:

• Mood swings (89% of respondents)
• Chest pain (76%)
• Headaches/migraines (63%)
• Bloating and edema (58%)

The active ingredient of chaste berry suppresses excessive secretion of prolactin, a hormone that is considered one of the main causes of PMS. Studies have shown that taking 20 mg of standardized chasteberry extract daily reduces breast tenderness by 32% after 4 weeks (clinical trial data from the University of Hong Kong School of Traditional Chinese Medicine). At the same time, anti-inflammatory components such as quercetin and apigenin reduce the production of prostaglandin PGE2, which is the main mediator of menstrual pain and uterine contractions.

Chaste berry may work through a double mechanism, especially for women with severe menstrual cramps: on the one hand, it relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus (similar to the effect of the Chinese herb "Xiangfu"), on the other hand, it regulates thromboxane A2 levels to improve blood flow in the uterus. A study of women aged 18 to 35 from Hong Kong Baptist University found that the use of warm compresses and chaste berries reduced dependence on painkillers by 41% (compared to only 17% in the control group). This combined advantage makes it a natural alternative to traditional NSAIDs.

Chasteberry effect on irregular menstruation

An irregular menstrual cycle is often a warning sign from the body. According to the Hong Kong Health Bureau, some of the main triggers include:

Chasteberry is a shortened cycle (

It is important to note that for menstrual disorders (amenorrhea after pills) after abrupt cessation of oral contraceptives, chaste berries can also help. It acts like a hormone reset button and helps the body regain its natural rhythm. However, if amenorrhea lasts more than six months, preference should be given to a visit to the doctor to exclude organic lesions.

How to use chaste berries correctly?

There are three main forms of Chasteberry products on the market:

• Standardized capsules(推薦):含0.5%紫堇鹼(agnuside),每日20-40mg
• Liquid extracts: 1:1 degree, 30 to 40 drops per day (about 2ml)
• Dried Fruit Tea Bags: Due to its weak effect, it is suitable for use during the maintenance period

The best time to take it is on an empty stomach in the morning, since its central effect can interfere with sleep. The Council of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hong Kong recommends that the effect can only be evaluated if taken for at least three menstrual cycles in a row, but it should not be used for more than six months without interruption. Note:

• Users of oral contraceptives should take them at 2-hour intervals
• Pregnant and lactating women are not prohibited
• May interact with antipsychotics such as dopamine antagonists

About 8-12% of users may experience mild side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and itchy skin, but they usually resolve on their own within 2 weeks. If menstruation is delayed for more than 2 weeks after taking it, it is necessary to stop using it and take a pregnancy test.

Real Case Sharing & Expert Advice

Ah Shi (not her real name), a 29-year-old Hong Kong designer, said: "The menstrual cycle beats between 22 and 45 days for six months. Menstrual pain is so painful that I have to take painkillers for 3 days. After 4 months of taking Chasteberry Capsules, it stabilized in 2 ± 30 days, and menstrual pain decreased by 70%. Similar cases are also common in clinical practice, but Dr. Chang of the Hong Kong Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasized that "Chasteberry is not a panacea, and if it is accompanied by abnormal bleeding or sudden weight changes, endometrial lesions and thyroid problems should first be ruled out."

Professor Lee, a TCM physician, recommends the following lifestyle changes:

• 1 week before menstruation: avoid live and cold foods, walk actively for 30 minutes a day
• Follicular phase (after menstruation): eat more black beans, yams and other kidney-strengthening ingredients
• Luteal phase: Supplement with vitamin B6 and magnesium tablets to relieve PMS

Last but not least, chaste berries are classified as a "health food" in Hong Kong, but they are recognized for medical use by international organizations such as the German E-Committee. When choosing a product, you should identify GMP-certified manufacturers and avoid cheap products from unknown sources to truly protect your women's health cycle.

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