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Actions: Prolactin inhibitor,dopaminergic agonist

Vitex agnus-castus can be used to treat the following:

• acne (associated with menstrual cycle)
• amenorrhea
• catarrh
• colic
• diarrhea
• dysmenorrhea
• dyspepsia
• endometriosis
• female infertility
• fever
• fibrocystic breast disease
• headache
• hemicrania
• hemorrhoids
• menopause
• menorrhagia (heavy menstruation)
• menstrual difficulties (secondary amenorrhea)
• nausea
• premenstrual syndrome

Female Reproductive System

Traditionally, it has been an important European remedy for controlling and regulating the female reproductive system. Long used to regularise monthly periods and treat amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, it was used to help ease menopausal problems and aid the birth process. Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Theophrastus mention the use of agnus castus for a wide variety of conditions, including haemorrhage following childbirth, and also to assist with the ‘passing of afterbirth’. Decoctions of the fruit and plant were also used in sitz baths for diseases of the uterus.

Angus castus has not been significantly investigated for its therapeutic effects. However, preliminary investigations do indeed show the presence of compounds which are able to adjust the production of female hormones. Studies have shown that extracts of agnus castus can stimulate the release of Leutenizing Hormone (LH) and inhibit the release of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). This suggests that the volatile oil has a progesterone-like effect. Its benefits stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland specifically on the production of luteinizing hormone. This increases progesterone production and helps regulate a woman’s cycle. Agnus castus may also regulate prolactin secretion. The ability to decrease excessive prolactin levels may benefit infertile women.

 

Equine health – Moody horses

A lot of trainers ask us how they can help with a moody mare well the answer is Vitex. (One trainer said its like they are on PMS all year round).

Vitex is used in horses by balancing and regulating the hormonal system very effective ,supports the normal functioning of the pituitary gland ,correcting hormonal disturbances.

By supporting the progesterone level is extremely helpful in counteracting the irritability and unpredictability this can occur when mares are in season making them more comfortable co operative and benefit mares who may be experiencing mood changes ,anxiety ,nervous tension and physical discomfort related to oestrours cycle.

Vitex is also used in stallions and geldings when overly aggressive.

 

We also use liver herbs in our mixes to ensure that the liver function and hormone balance are intimately connected.

One of the liver function is to regulate sex hormones levels and eliminating excess hormones

Mare mix – Hormonal Support

Sources:

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-agnus-castus.html

 

Rosemarie