Chasteberry Herb - Herbal Tea

Chasteberry Herb

Chasteberry, also known as Monk’s Pepper, was once thought to lower libido and was often chewed by monks to help them keep their vow of celibacy; Chasteberry since has been found to not affect sex drive.

The Chasteberry tree is native to the Mediterranean area and Europe but can also be found as an ornamental plant in the United States. The berry of the Chasteberry is what is most commonly used even though they contain the least amount of flavonoids in the entire plant.

Chasteberry reacts slowly in the body and it is suggested to use Chasteberry for 6 weeks to 3 months medicinally before you are able to see the effects. Chasteberry is available in the berry form, teas, oils and tinctures as well as capsule form.

Chasteberry Tea

Chasteberry tea is prepared by steeping 1 teaspoon of ripe berries in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes.

Chasteberry Uses & Herbal Remedies

Chasteberry is used most often to treat PMS symptoms, complaints associated with menopause and infertility in women.

Chasteberry is thought to be effective in treating depression as it increases dopamine production.

Chasteberry decreases the production of prolactin, a hormone involved in lactating and can be taken to ease breast pain in women who do not choose to breastfeed after a birth or have chosen to wean.

Chasteberry is thought to be effective in treating migraine headaches.

Chasteberry Cautions

Chasteberry can affect hormone levels and should not be used during pregnancy and may interfere with the efficacy of birth control pills.

Avoid using Chasteberry if you are using a prescription pills for dopamine such as selegiline, amantadine, and levodopa.

Chasteberry decreases the production of prolactin, a hormone involved in lactating and should not be taken by breastfeeding women.

Due to the hormonal effects Chasteberry is not recommended to be used by breast cancer, ovarian cancer or uterine cancer patients.