The Five Fingers (Vitex) plant; Its positive effects on female diseases + possible harm

Hormonal fluctuations that women usually experience are painful. The five fingers plant, which has a long history of use, helps solve this problem and other women’s problems. This article has written everything you need to know about this plant.

What is five finger plant?

Five fingers, with the scientific name “vitex agnus-castus,” is the fruit of the five fingers tree and is native to the Mediterranean and Asia regions. People have used this plant for thousands of years to treat hormonal problems.

Today, German health and wellness experts prescribe this herb to treat menstrual irregularities, breast pain, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Five fingers plant is produced in 4 forms capsule, extract, gum, and tea, and is available to people without a doctor’s prescription.

Properties of five fingers plant

Five fingers plant reduces inflammation and balances hormones in the body. When the amount of estrogen and progesterone increases and decreases, this plant restores its balance. Of course, researchers still do not know how exactly this plant works. But according to the old uses of this plant, it is known that it has healing properties.

1. Reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

If you feel tired and lethargic from 1 week before the start of menstruation and this problem bothers you, use five fingers to plant. According to studies, daily consumption of 20 mg of five fingers plant in tablet form for three months dramatically reduces the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Symptoms such as breast pain, headache, and mood changes such as irritability and sadness, which are all symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, are reduced by consuming this plant. The five-finger herb is beneficial for improving mood swings.

According to the researchers, premenstrual syndrome causes depression or irritability in some people, but you cannot use antidepressants for a few days of the menstrual period and expect improvement. So, in this period, the five-finger plant plays its role in improving mental fluctuations.

2. The properties of five fingers plant for ovarian cysts

Infertility has various causes, one of which may be a problem in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This stage occurs between ovulation time (the egg’s release from the ovary) and menstruation (bleeding).

In the luteal phase, the number of progesterone increases. This increase in the uterus lining thickens and prepares for a possible pregnancy. The uterus cannot withstand pregnancy conditions if progesterone is not secreted enough. Luteal phase problems are caused by endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and thyroid disorders. By examining the five fingers plant, researchers found the healing properties of this plant for ovarian laziness.

Although the research on the five-finger plant is promising, it is still insufficient to make a definitive statement, and more research is needed. Some of the results of this research are:

  • Progesterone hormone increase: In an experiment, participants were given one capsule containing 20 mg of the five-finger plant every day for three months, and as a result, their progesterone levels increased, and their luteal phase became normal.
  • Increasing the possibility of pregnancy: According to research, the pregnancy rate of people who have problems with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle increases with the use of supplements containing five fingers. In one of the studies, after three months of consuming five fingers, the participants’ pregnancy probability doubled.

3. Relief of menopause symptoms

When you don’t have a period for 12 consecutive months, you have gone through menopause. A low amount of hormones during menopause causes hot flashes and depression. Five fingers plant reduces hot flashes and night sweats and improves mood. This effectiveness may be due to the phytoestrogens present in the five-finger plant. Phytoestrogen is a natural substance that mimics the action of estrogen. Estrogen is not produced in the ovaries after menopause.

Disadvantages of five fingers plant

Five fingers plant has mild side effects for some people. If you consume this plant and your body does not need it, you will experience nausea and stomachache. It also sometimes causes headaches. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before using this plant. In the following, we present some possible complications of five fingers.

1. Drug interactions

Five-finger herb interacts with some prescription medications, especially birth control pills. So be careful when using this plant. Also, if you are taking medications such as levodopa/carbidopa, ropinirole, and pramipexole that affect the amount of dopamine, be sure to consult your doctor before taking a five-finger herb.

2. Aggravation of hormone-sensitive cancers

Since this plant affects hormones, it may aggravate some diseases, including breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. Avoid using five fingers if you suffer from any of these diseases or diseases caused by hormonal fluctuations.

3. Allergy to five fingers plant

Dried plant five fingers

If you experience problems such as upset stomach, tiredness, rashes, and hives after consuming five fingers plant, visit the medical center. Some of the symptoms of a severe allergy to this plant are:

  • wheezing and chest tightness;
  • then;
  • itching;
  • strong cough;
  • bruised skin;
  • convulsions;
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat;
  • severe vomiting;
  • watery diarrhea;
  • severe headache;
  • Changes in menstrual periods include heavy bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between menstrual cycles.

If you see any of the above symptoms, see a doctor.

If you suffer from mental illnesses, Parkinson’s, restless leg syndrome, and cancer, consume five fingers plant with your doctor’s advice.

The use of five-finger plant supplements

Many people can get rid of the annoying symptoms of diseases related to hormonal fluctuations by using the supplements of this plant. Before taking this supplement, you should talk to your doctor, which is valid for any accessory. At the same time, when taking five-finger plant supplements, you should consider other important points mentioned below.

1. Choosing the right supplement

Different supplements of this plant are available in pharmacies, each of which has a different formula to treat a specific disease. Therefore, you should know which type is right for you when buying.

2. Dosage of the supplement

The five fingers plant, in any form, including accessories, vitamins, or medicine, should be consumed as much as your body needs, and you should usually start with the smallest amount. Most people take supplements according to the amount written on the supplement bottle. But the number on the bottle is the maximum allowed consumption without poisoning, and you should not think you need the same amount of supplements. Therefore, you should start with the lowest amount and increase it if required (according to the doctor). Before adding the supplement amount, you should wait at least two days to notice any possible changes (improvement or side effects).

3. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Some people believe that five fingers plant helps to increase the amount of breast milk. But there is not enough evidence to prove this claim. Therefore, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using this plant to prevent possible harm to your baby. Do not use this herb if you plan to get pregnant shortly.

How to use five fingers plant

To benefit from the benefits of this plant, you do not have to consume it daily. Take this herb whenever needed. For example, you can use this herb three times a day before menstruation and two times a day during the last days of menstruation, and finally, stop using it after recovery.

How to prepare five fingers herbal tea

Five fingers tea

Five fingers herbal tea is tasty, and its preparation is easy.

Necessary ingredients to prepare 1 cup of five fingers tea

  • One cup of purified water.
  • Half a teaspoon of local raw honey.
  • Half a teaspoon of organic ginger powder.
  • Half the juice of 1 lime.
  • One tablespoon of powdered five fingers plant.

The method of making tea

  • Heat the water to boiling, but do not let it boil.
  • Put honey, ginger powder, lime, and five fingers plant in a teapot, pour water on it and let it brew for 10 minutes.

The brew is ready. Enjoy your meal!

Properties of other ingredients of this tea

  • Raw honey: Raw honey has many health benefits and therapeutic uses. This honey contains antioxidants and protects your body from free radicals and cell damage. Honey is also antibacterial and antifungal.
  • Ginger powder: Ginger powder is a spice and medicinal plant that helps digestion, reduces nausea, and prevents flu and colds. The main ingredient of ginger is gingerol, a potent anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, and it plays a role in reducing oxidative stress caused by free radicals in the body.
  • Sour lemon: Lemon is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and many plant compounds; it fights free radicals and improves the body’s immune system. Its fiber also helps digestion.

last word

Although five fingers plant has many benefits, please consult your doctor before taking this herbal medicine to avoid its possible side effects. If you have any advice, we will be happy to share it with us.

 

Warning! This article is only for educational purposes; it is necessary to consult a doctor or specialist.

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