12 Amazing Health Benefits Of Vitex Herb
Vitex is popularly known as a super herb. It is native to Italy and Greece and its berries are used in herbal medicines. For hundreds of years, Vitex has served us with its goodness. It is one of the most popular herbs used in the Western nations and is most popular for the treatment of gynaecological disorders.
Modern medical research has shown that Vitex can help manage hormonal fluctuations in the body and help enhance fertility. It does not contain hormones and has an indirect effect on the hormones of the body. We can very well call it a fertility herb.
Vitex affects the pituitary gland in the body. This gland is frequently referred to as the master gland as it controls the hormonal secretions from the lymph nodes as well as the organs, like the ovaries. This article lists the ways in which Vitex benefits the body
Vitex benefits
1. Menstrual Cycle
Studies have shown that Vitex is the best herb available that can balance the hormones during the menstrual cycle. It inhibits the follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH and increases the secretion of progesterone by controlling the secretion of the luteinising hormone (LH).
2. Luteal Phase
The period between ovulation and the beginning of menstruation is known as Luteal Phase. One of the major problems leading to infertility is a short luteal phase. Vitex helps to lengthen the luteal phase! Even though Vitex does not contain any hormones, it still manages to help the body to produce more LH, which encourages ovulation. This, in turn, boosts the progesterone levels in the body during the luteal phase of the cycle and lengthens it.
3. Corpus Luteum
Vitex helps to increase the progesterone levels in the body. Vitex stimulates the formation of the crucial corpus luteum, which is responsible for the progesterone secretion in the body. In a study conducted, 85% of the women taking Vitex responded positively and showed significantly improved progesterone levels.
4. Endometriosis
Vitex helps reduce the advancement of mild endometriosis. Endometriosis is a disorder, which can cause painful menstruation and eventually infertility. The herb is used by gynaecologists to cure mild endometriosis and prevent its advancement.
5. Miscarriage
Losing a child in-vitro can be devastating for the mother! A miscarriage can also create problems with subsequent conceptions. Vitex has been known to prevent miscarriages. Most miscarriages occur due to low progesterone levels in the body. With its ability to regulate progesterone levels, Vitex can help keep a pregnancy safe.
6. Pre Menstrual Stress
Vitex helps to relieve Pre Menstrual Stress or PMS. The symptoms of PMS are varied. Women complain of depression, headaches, allergies, acne, rashes and breast sensitivity apart from mood swings and irritability! In a study conducted, 84% of the women found relief from PMS after taking Vitex.
7. Amenorrhea
Vitex helps to cure amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is a condition where the monthly menstrual bleeding does not happen due to hormonal imbalances. Vitex helps increase the progesterone levels and prevent this from happening.
8. Irregular Menstruation
Vitex helps to deal with irregular menstruation. It helps in balancing an absent menstrual cycle as well as cure very heavy or too frequent menstrual cycle.
[ Read: 19 Benefits Of Herbal Tea ]
9. Uterine Cysts
Vitex has been known to reduce uterine cysts. These cysts grow within the smoother inner layer of the uterus and this herb has been known to help in shrinking these cysts.
10. Oestrogen
After taking oestrogen laden birth control pills, the menstrual cycle tends to go haywire! Taking Vitex once you stop birth control pills can help in stabilizing the cycle and induce ovulation at a much quicker pace.
11. Lactation
Vitex helps boost milk production in pregnant women and new mothers. Using it right after delivery and continuing it as needed, helps stimulate milk production.
12. Skincare
Vitex has been known to give smoother skin and help reduce skin related hormonal issues like acne. (This has to be accompanied by appropriate diet changes too in order for Vitex to be effective).
[ Read: Herbal Beauty Tips For Glowing Skin ]
Vitex is a very special and beneficial herb. But it is not to be used as a stop gap measure! Only if you commit to using it for a period of time, can you enjoy its full benefits. It helps make fundamental changes in the body. So, although, it might take some time to take effect, but once it starts working, its effect will help your body for a long time!
