Alternative Health

What is it? Chaste Tree is an herb that has been used to treat menstrual (monthly period) problems including pre-menstrual symptoms, painful periods, regulation of the menstrual cycle, and hormonal regulation. Other uses include the treatment of infertility, menopause symptoms, acne, and breast pain.

Other names for Chaste Tree include: Vitex agnus castus, Chasteberry, Abraham’s Balm, Lagano, and Monk’s Pepper.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using: Tell your doctor if you …

* are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)

* are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine

* are breastfeeding

* have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage: Talk with your caregiver about how much Chaste Tree you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Chaste Tree. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine: Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Drug and Food Interactions: Do not take Chaste Tree without talking to your doctor first if you are taking:

* Medicine for Parkinson’s disease (examples: amantadine (Symmetrel(R)), bromocriptine (Parlodel(R)), levodopa (Larodopa(R), Dopar(R)), carbidopa and levodopa (Sinemet(R)), pergolide (Permax(R)), pramipexole (Mirapex(R)), ropinirole (Requip(R)))

* Medicine for mental conditions (examples: fluphenazine (Prolixin(R)), chlorpromazine (Thorazine(R)), clozapine (Clozaril(R)), haloperidol (Haldol(R)); risperidone Risperdal(R)), thioridazine (Mellaril(R)))

* Prochorperazine (Compazine(R))