While its effectiveness in treating menstrual problems is known, you also must be wary about the side effects of chasteberry. Continue reading to know more.
What Are The Side Effects Of Chasteberry?
1. May Cause Acne
Acne is among the most common adverse effects of chasteberry (2). The herb also causes an erythematous rash, which is redness of the skin characterized by increased blood flow to the superficial capillaries. Long-Term Effects May cause complications in pregnancy and during breastfeeding, and also increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Drug Interactions May interact with antipsychotic drugs, contraceptives, and drugs used in hormonal therapy. When To See A Doctor If you experience a sudden onset of acne, heavy menstrual flow, severe nausea and vomiting, and hormonal change symptoms, consult a doctor.
2. May Cause An Upset Stomach
Chasteberry has often been used to treat constipation in traditional medicine. Hence, overuse of chasteberry may cause an upset stomach (3). Other related gastrointestinal complaints might include nausea. leading to fatigue. However, this is only based on anecdotal evidence, and research has not established this fact.
3. Can Lead To Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
The use of chasteberry during pregnancy and breastfeeding is controversial. There is poor evidence to support if the use of chasteberry during pregnancy can actually prevent miscarriages (4). Though in certain small studies, the use of chasteberry seemed to help achieve pregnancy, its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is thoroughly discouraged as its effect on babies has not been well documented (5).
4. May Cause Problems During Breast Cancer
Chasterry has phytoestrogenic properties. It can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, a hormone that plays a role in the development of women’s breasts. This way, it might cause breast tenderness or interfere with certain cancers. Hence, individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers, like that of the breast, must consult their doctor before using it (6).
5. Can Interfere With Certain Drugs And Therapies
Chasteberry can interfere with birth control pills. It is known to promote fertility, and the herb may not be a good option if you are looking for birth control (7). Chasteberry can also disrupt progesteronei An ovarian hormone that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and the maintenance of the early stages of pregnancy. , a hormone used in hormone replacement therapyi A treatment that boosts a woman’s hormone levels to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and night sweats. (8). Hence, women undergoing therapy must steer clear of the herb and talk to their doctor. Simultaneous use of chasteberry along with antipsychotic drugs is contraindicated (9). The dosages of chasteberry used in studies vary widely.
The ideal dosage of the herb extract is between 20 to 40 milligrams per day (5).
If you are using a fluid extract, the ideal dosage is 40 drops per day.
For the tincture, 35 to 45 drops, thrice a day, should be ideal.
Anything beyond this may cause problems. Chasteberry may also cause side effects when taken with certain birth control options due to the hormonal changes they cause.. A blogger had severe mental health issues that she attributed to chasteberry. She knew these mental health issues were caused by hormonal fluctuations, as she had been told so by a doctor when she had experienced similar adverse reactions using a birth control ring and patch. So when she faced a similar depressive episode, she knew something was affecting her hormones and discovered it was the vitex supplement she was taking. She writes, “Vitex is often recommended by Chinese herbalists to regulate menstrual cycles. It should not be taken with the pill as it may increase the side effects and decrease its effectiveness. Needless to say it increased the side effects x100 for me. I am no herbalist or doctor, but if you tend to react badly to the pill or hormones in general then please stay away from this one (i).” How long does chasteberry take to work? As per anecdotal evidence, chasteberry takes anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months to show results. Will chasteberry cause weight gain? The link between chasteberry consumption and weight gain is not established scientifically. However, consume it in moderation and follow a healthy, active lifestyle to avoid unhealthy weight gain. Does chasteberry increase dopamine? No. However, it acts like dopamine and activates the dopamine receptors (11).
Illustration: Serious Side Effects Of Chasteberry – The Mediterranean Herb
Discover the health benefits and potential side effects of chasteberry in this informative video. Explore its uses and precautions. Watch now to make informed decisions about this natural supplement.
