Evening Primrose/Dong Quai/Chasteberry

Evening Primrose is indigenous to North America, but is now found in Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. The parts of this plant used medicinally are the seeds, leaves, and root. This plant is called Evening Primrose because its flowers open at night so that they can be pollinated by night-time insects such as the nocturnal sphinx moth. Evening Primrose was also known as "King's Cure-All" for at least 500 years. The primary chemical constituents of this herb include gamma linolenic acid, essential fatty acids, prostaglandins, calcium, and B vitamins. The gamma linolenic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that helps the body produce energy and forms part of the structural fats that comprise the brain, muscle, bone marrow and cell membranes. Those with premenstrual syndrome, diabetes, and eczema can have a metabolic block that interferes with the body's ability to make gamma linolenic acid. Studies have shown that about seven 500 mg. capsules of Evening Primrose oil daily, in conjunction with vitamins B-3, B-6, C and zinc, can achieve remarkable results in the treatment of schizophrenia and PMS. In two separate Canadian studies using animals, the main constituent in Evening Primrose, gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and the plant oil itself, significantly reduced blood pressure. In the first study, the GLA greatly strengthened the heart's response to chronic stress, while in the second a general lowering of blood pressure was observed. Deficiencies of GLA may result in the metabolic blockage of a key enzyme. Evening Primrose supplement is one good means of getting around this blockage and possibly preventing and treating many chronic disorders as well.

Dong Quai, also known as Chinese Angelica, is one of the most popular herbs used today for treating female conditions, both in China and America. In traditional Chinese medicine, Dong Quai is often referred to as the "female ginseng." Rich in niacin and vitamin E, Don Quai is a good source of iron, cobalt and essential oils. Popular for regulating menstruation, Dong Quai is beneficial for promoting blood flow to the reproductive organs, relieving menstrual cramps, regulating uterine contractions, and alleviating some symptoms related to menopause. A large part of its actions with regard to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may be related to its antispasmodic actions, particularly on smooth muscies. Other uses for Dong Quai are to increase the absorption of oxygen by the liver and purify the blood, therefore nourishing the brain, heart, and spleen. Dong Quai may also be used to boost metabolism, reduce cholesterol, aid digestion, and relieve pain caused by arthritis. Ligustilide, butylene phthalide and butyl phthalide are found in the volatile aromatic oil of this herb, while ferulic acid and various polysaccharides are found in the non-aromatic fractions. Dong Quai has an immediate and stimulating effect on the uterus, especially during pregnancy or delivery. Women who are going off birth control pills can use it to help re-establish regular menstrual cycles. It is given to women after birthing to help prevent postpartum bleeding and to build strength. It builds the blood and improves circulation as well as disperses congestion in the pelvic region. It also helps nourish dry, thin vaginal tissues. Dong Quai has been found to have activity in in-vitro studies against strep, shigella and in dysentery.

Chasteberry is also known as Vitex. In the Illiad by Homer, Chasteberry is depicted as a symbol of chastity. Both words, "agnus" and "castus" translate to "chaste". One of its properties was to reduce sexual desire, and it is recorded that Roman wives whose husbands were abroad with the legions spread the aromatic leaves on their couches for this purpose. The name Monk's Pepper is because monks chewed the berries to reduce their sexual desire. Chasteberry grows in Mediterranean countries and central Asia. The dried fruit, which has a pepper-like aroma and flavor, is used in herbal medicine preparations. Chasteberry contains several different constituents, including flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and terpenoids. The whole fruit extract, rather than one of its individual constituents, appears to be necessary for the medicinal activity of Chasteberry. However, Chasteberry does not contain hormones. The benefits of Chasteberry stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland - specifically on the production of a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). Chasteberry also keeps prolactin secretions in check. The ability to decrease mildly elevated prolactin levels may benefit some infertile women as well as some women with breast tenderness associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Chasteberry may also help reduce some of the undesirable symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes associated with the reduction in the production of progesterone. Chasteberry can stabilize the cycle after withdrawal from progesterone birth control pills. Several studies indicate that Chasteberry can help control acne in teenagers, young women and men. For women who are trying to get pregnant, Chasteberry may be helpful to help regulate the ovulatory cycle.