Chasteberry Extract (Vitex agnus-castus): Providing natural remedies for women.

Chasteberry extract (Vitex agnus-castus) has been found to have amazing health benefits for women. A shrub that is a member of the verbena genus you will most often find chasteberry in Northern Asia and alongside the Mediterranean Sea. The fruit produced by the chasteberry plant smells quite similar to peppermint. Throughout early centuries this herb was believed to suppress sexual desires hence the name chasteberry. Monks of the middle ages also believed in chasteberrys libido diminishing powers thus the herbs common name of monk pepper.

The following are some of the female health concerns that have seen great results with the use of this herb. It has been found that chasteberry has been very helpful to women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Women who are ailing from PCOS are found to have high levels of androgens, a very irregular or no menstrual period whatsoever and may also have cysts on their ovaries. Using chasteberry extract as an herbal remedy for this illness has been shown to raise progesterone levels therefore improving the patients chances of becoming pregnant.

Chasteberry extract has also been used to ease some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. In addition since prolactin (high levels of prolactin are said to contribute to infertility) can be suppressed by the herb, chasteberry has been used as a fertility drug. Of all the studies done over the years none have pointed to chasteberry extract having any ill effects on individuals taking it.

Pregnant women and children are advised to not take chasteberry in any form. If you are receiving hormone replacement therapy or taking birth control pills consult you doctor as chasteberry may alter the effects of these medications. It is best to consult a medical professional to make sure you are taking the dosage of chasteberry extract that is best for you.

We have stumbled upon a company that produces a product that provides the highest quality of Chasteberry extract is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Xtend-Life has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains standardized extracts of Chasteberry extract, along with many other potent herbal supplement extracts, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other speciality nutrients, many of which are documented in this site.

We here at www.InstantHealthSecret.com personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as the foundation of our own health regimen and have achieved excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental acuity, and general sense of well-being.