People have been using herbal treatments for centuries. One of the herbal remedies that has been around for a long time is vitex. This plant has been claimed to have medical benefits from a management drug to a fertility supplement. However, it is still unregulated and there are some quick facts you should know should you be interested in trying this supposed wonder plant.

Vitex comes from central Asia and the Mediterranean. It bears a purple flower and is more commonly known as chasteberry because it was traditionally used for people to remain chaste. Today, in European countries like Germany, it is a licensed drug that is used for the management of PMS in women.

Chasteberry basically takes effect on human hormones, although it is not a hormone itself. It achieves this effect through the stimulation of the pituitary glands. With use, people have been reported to generate more luteinizing hormones (LH) and less follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) as well as more progesterone and less estrogen in women. This rebalance of hormones can have a very positive effect on infertile women suffering from hormonal related causes like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It also reduces prolactin production that can be counterproductive to pregnancy in some situations.

Pills refined from the plant are readily available in drug stores or online. The usual dose is around 1 or 2 tablets a day. If you have access to the plant itself, a tea or juice can be prepared from it. To make a tea, place the dried plant in boiling water. The leaves can be taken out since its effects are marginal compared to the herb itself. If you can obtain a liquid extract of the herb, this can also be mixed with water to make a juice. Regular use is suggested and effects may not be evident until about 3 to 6 months.

It is not recommended for women already pregnant as the effects it has on hormones can have a negative impact. Always take a pregnancy test before consuming any chasteberry related products. It also has some side-effects that can occur in some users. Dizziness, abdominal pains, and dryness of the mouth have been reported by some who have used the products.

Remember though that these are not FDA regulated so if you decide to take some, you take some at your own risk. Although the safety record of chasteberry has so far been excellent, there is still a lack of extensive published testing and studies on its actual effectiveness especially in its use as a fertility drug. It is available on the market because it is marketed as a supplement. The FDA has some great tips on using supplements so try to visit their site to get more information. One general tip from the FDA that you should always do is to consult a health professional or a trusted physician before trying any supplement.

Although limited, there are studies that have been conducted and can be accessed through the internet. As a drug for PMS, the German Commission E Monographs has evaluated and certified chasteberry as effective, and in Germany it is a licensed drug. Another study was done by the Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics of the Stanford University School of Medicine to determine the effects of an herbal fertility blend that included chasteberry on infertile women. The study resulted in 26% of the women who tested the blend becoming pregnant. You can see this report on the PubMed website which you can access through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website.

Hopefully these facts give you some ground to make a decision about going herbal for your infertility woes. As interest increases in herbal alternatives, the studies and testing will increase and in the future we may see an FDA approved chasteberry treatment. But for now, play safe by learning more, and remember to never self-diagnose and always consult the professionals for help.