How much vitex should I take and how long?

How much Vitex a day should I take?

• I have the oral suspension of Vitex (chaste tree berry). I need it to help my periods come back more regular. I have taken it the last 2 months and have already gotten results...I am almost on a 28 day cycle again (instead of a 37-45 day one). How many drops a day is recommended? Do I take it before, during and after my period?

• Answer:

  You need to take it as recommended on the label. Check the label. If no instructions are found then contact the shop from which you bought it or the company who has supplied it. From the UK subsidiary of the US GNC stores, which is Holland and Barrett here in the UK they have the following: Liquid extract: "Mix one ml of extract in a little water one to three times daily, preferably with meals. Do not exceed stated dose" (quoted verbatim). ! ml extract provides 500 mg Vitex agnus castus fruit...dried weight equivalent. So the maximum daily dose would provide 1,500mg. The minimum dose would provide 500mg. Taking a mid dose would provide 1000mg. http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/vf/labels/007847HB.pdf Capsules of dried powder: "Take two capsules twice daily, preferably with meals. Swallow with water. Do not exceed stated dose" (quoted verbatim): The daily dose is thus 1,600mg Vitex agnus castus fruit...dried weight equivalent. http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/vf/labels/000036HB.pdf The dose recommended for the liquid extract is probably varied relative to the capsules because the liquid extract is usually absorbed quicker and might have a more potent effect than the capsules. So you might need less. So you should perhaps start off at the lower dose or the mid (middle) dose. If you have already had results from taking it, perhaps it is better to stick with how you have been taking it thus far, including the form (liquid, capsules or tablets) you have been taking it in. As far as I know, you take it all the time and not at a specific time of the month. It needs to be regular to have an effect. Never exceed the stated upper limit or dose given on the label. Best wishes.