For a lot of people, the days before a period come with a familiar set of physical and emotional symptoms. Herbal options have a long traditional use in this area, and chaste tree is one of the best known.
What is PMS?
PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is the collection of physical and emotional symptoms that can show up in the days leading up to a period. It's very common, and it looks different from person to person. Typical symptoms include mood changes and irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, tiredness, headaches, food cravings and cramping. For most people these ease once the period arrives.
The older term premenstrual tension, or PMT, refers to much the same thing, with a particular nod to the mood and tension side of it.
Why premenstrual symptoms happen
Across the menstrual cycle, the hormones oestrogen and progesterone rise and fall. In the phase after ovulation and leading up to your period, both shift markedly, and it's this hormonal ebb and flow that's thought to drive the physical and emotional changes many people feel premenstrually. Because everyone's hormonal rhythm is a little different, the timing and intensity of symptoms vary widely.
What is chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)?
Chaste tree, also known as chasteberry or vitex, is a shrub native to the Mediterranean. Its small berries have a long history of use in Western herbal medicine, particularly in connection with the menstrual cycle and women's health. It's the ingredient at the heart of these gummies, and the one the formula is built around.
Chaste tree's traditional use for periods and PMS
In Western herbal medicine, chaste tree has traditionally been used in two ways relevant here: to relieve symptoms of premenstrual tension, and to decrease irregular periods. These are traditional uses, drawn from its long history in herbal practice rather than being a quick fix, which is why chaste tree is typically taken consistently over a number of cycles.
Where PMS relief gummies fit
If you'd like to take chaste tree in a simple daily format, a gummy is an easy option.
Healthcarebear PMS Relief Gummies contain Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree) and are made on a pectin base with no animal-derived ingredients, so they're suitable for vegans and vegetarians. In line with chaste tree's traditional use in Western herbal medicine, they are:
- Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve symptoms of premenstrual tension
- Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to decrease irregular periods
Like most herbal supplements, chaste tree suits being taken consistently, typically over several cycles rather than as a one-off. You can find them on the Healthcarebear PMS Relief Gummies page.
The bottom line
PMS covers the physical and emotional symptoms many people experience in the lead-up to a period, driven by the natural rise and fall of hormones across the cycle. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) has a long traditional use in Western herbal medicine for relieving symptoms of premenstrual tension and for decreasing irregular periods. PMS Relief Gummies are a simple way to take it, suited to consistent use over several cycles.
Frequently asked questions
Do PMS relief gummies work?
Healthcarebear PMS Relief Gummies are built around chaste tree, which is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve symptoms of premenstrual tension and to decrease irregular periods. Like most herbal supplements, it suits being taken consistently over several cycles.
What is chaste tree?
Chaste tree, also called chasteberry or vitex (Vitex agnus-castus), is a Mediterranean shrub whose berries have a long history of use in Western herbal medicine, particularly around the menstrual cycle.
What's the difference between PMS and PMT?
They refer to much the same thing. PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is the broader term for premenstrual symptoms, while PMT (premenstrual tension) is an older term that leans towards the mood and tension side.
How long do they take to work?
Chaste tree is traditionally taken consistently over several cycles rather than as a one-off, so it suits a regular daily routine.
Are they vegan?
Yes. They're made on a pectin base with no animal-derived ingredients, so they're suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
How do I take them?
Follow the serve on the pack and take it consistently. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or you take regular medication, it's worth a quick word with your pharmacist first.
Written by the Haircarebear team. Reviewed by Katie van der Mye, Innovations Manager (BA, MPRA, MM).
This article is general information only and isn't medical advice. Please speak with your health professional about your individual needs.
Sources: general information on premenstrual syndrome and the menstrual cycle; traditional use of chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) in Western herbal medicine.