A.Vogel Agnus castus tincture is a licensed herbal remedy which can be used to help relieve the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) such as menstrual cramps, breast tenderness, bloating, irritability and mood swings.
Agnus castus is a shrub that grows up to 5m in height with delicate lavender or violet flowers. The plant grows mainly in the Mediterranean, although it also thrives in sub-tropical regions of Africa and the USA.
It is the fruit from the plant which is used medicinally. This use has been recorded since the time of Hippocrates. It was believed to be an anti-aphrodisiac, which explains some of the common names applied to Agnus castus including ‘Chaste Tree’, ‘Monk’s Pepper’ and ‘Chasteberry’.
Usage Benefits:
- For symptoms of PMS
- Menstrual cramps
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Tincture of Agnus castus berries or fruit
- Each dose provides 500mg of extract equivalent to 50mg Agnus castus dried berries
Directions: As a food supplement, for women experiencing premenstrual symptoms: 15 to 20 drops in a little water twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Taking the maximum daily dose, you get 1,000 mg of Agnus castus extract, equivalent to 100mg dried berries. The effects of this product may not be felt immediately. For best results you may need to take this product for up to 3 months. Do not take more than 40 drops a day.
Not suitable alongside hormonal contraceptives (including the pill, implant, or injection), HRT or other hormonal preparations. Not recommended for girls within two years of onset of menstruation. Agnus castus is not suitable for women under 18 years of age. It should not be taken by those allergic to any of the ingredients of the product. Do not use if you have a pituitary disorder. Do not use if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding. See your doctor before taking any form of Agnus castus if you are suffering from an oestrogen-sensitive cancer, have suffered from a pituitary disorder or are taking dopamine agonists, or antagonists, oestrogens (such as hormonal contraceptives) or anti-oestrogens.
As with all herbal products or supplements, side effects can occur with use of Agnus castus. The frequency of these side effects is not known – this means it is not known how often these reactions occur as there have not been enough reports to allow this information to be calculated.
Possible side effects resulting from use of Agnus castus are:
- Headaches, dizziness, acne or menstrual disorders
- Digestive symptoms such as nausea or abdominal pain
- Allergic skin reactions
- Other allergic reactions – severe swelling of the face, breathlessness and difficulty swallowing. If these occur, stop taking the medicine immediately and seek medical advice.
Each ml of oral liquid contains 895mg of tincture and is an extract of the fruit of Agnus castus (Vitex agnus-castus L.) (1:10). Ethanol 69.5% V/V.
1. How long will I need to take Agnus castus before I see an effect?
This varies from one person to another. Some women report an improvement in symptoms within the first month, but you may need to take Agnus castus for 3 months for the best results to be evident.See your doctor if your symptoms persist, worsen or do not improve after 3 months.
2. I am on the Pill – is it ok for me to use Agnus castus?
No, anyone using hormonal contraceptives, whether the Pill, an injection or an implant, should not use herbs such as Agnus castus that affect hormone levels.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of young children. Do not exceed the daily dose. If pregnant, or breastfeeding, or if you are taking medication, or on medical care, consult your physician prior to use. While we work to ensure that product information on our website is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our website. All information about the products on our website is provided for information purposes only. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented on our website. Please always read the labels, warnings, and directions provided with the product before using or consuming a product. In the event of any safety concerns or for any other information about a product please carefully read any instructions provided on the label or packaging and contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is not intended to substitute for advice given by medical practitioner, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements about products are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The customer reviews are only moderated for offensive content – they should not be regarded as medical or health advice; no reliance should therefore be placed on them; and they are not endorsed by Victoria Health. If you have any health problems or questions regarding the suitability of any product please contact a health professional. Products are not medicinal unless otherwise stated. Victoria Health accepts no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products by manufacturers or other third parties. This does not affect your statutory rights.
