Chasteberry









Chasteberry


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
Chasteberry is used for a variety of female complaints related to hormone imbalances. These situations include acne, menopause, premenstrual syndrome, and various other menstrual problems.
How does it work?
Chasteberry appears to have progesterone-like activity, helping to balance progesterone and estrogen production in the ovaries. It may also affect the amount of prolactin produced and the production of breast milk.
How is it best taken?
  • Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product in the morning.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Use with caution if you are receiving hormonal therapy (oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy).
  • Use with caution if you have a history of estrogen-dependent tumors, endometrial cancer, stroke, or thromboembolic disease.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this product.
  • Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
  • You may feel tired or sleepy. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this product affects you.
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Belly pain and cramps.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Change in sexual ability or desire. This can return to normal after the product is stopped. Talk with healthcare provider about other products without this side effect.
  • Itching.
  • Rash.
  • Menstrual changes. Premenopausal women may not have a normal period. Postmenopausal women may have bleeding and spotting.
What should I monitor?
  • Periodic breast and gynecologic exams are important.
  • Length or severity of menstrual changes.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider on a regular basis.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe headache.
  • Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Menstrual changes. This includes lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Plant part used
Berry
Dosage forms
Oral
Drug interactions
Hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, dopamine agonists (metoclopramide, antipsychotics)
General statements
Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
  • Children younger than 2 years of age
  • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
  • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
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