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| Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus) |
| Chaste tree berry is native to the Mediterranean but has spread to central Asia. It is the fruit of this herb, containing volatile oils with a peppermintlike scent, that is used medicinally. Vitex has unique effects on the reproductive system. It appears to have a corpus luteum effect, causing an increase in luteinizing hormone production, while inhibiting the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Vitex is therefore a specific for corpus luteum insufficiency. It allows for a better shift to occur during and after ovulation, giving a better ratio of estrogens to progesterone. By assisting in a better output of progesterone, it can also inhibit excess androgen output. |
| I have recommended Vitex with great success for a number of imbalances and health conditions, including premenstrual syndrome symptoms, such as bloating, breast swelling, water retention, emotional stress, and menstrual cramps. I have also recommended it for menopause and cystic ovaries, and to increase the production of breast milk, to help with acne, and, in general, to treat all conditions that may be caused by overproduction of FSH, which can produce excess estrogen and/or androgen hormones and low progesterone. |
| Vitex, because of its hormone-balancing effects, should be considered for use in the prevention and treatment of breast, endometrial, ovarian, and prostate cancers. It can be combined with isoflavone-phytosterol-rich plants, as well as lymphatic and liver detoxifiers, for a comprehensive herbal compound. 64 |
| Chrysanthemum Flowers (Dendranthema morifolium) |
| Chrysanthemum is used primarily to treat fevers and headaches. It has antibiotic effects against streptococcus, staphylococcus, and shigella. It is used to treat the common cold, flu, and other upper respiratory infections. It is also used to treat hypertension. |
| Cleavers (Galium aparine) |
| Cleavers is used as a diuretic for inflammatory states that are accompanied by renal burning and irritation. The herbalist John Scudder recommended that it be used for nodulated growths or deposits in skin or mucous membranes. |
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