The effect of agnus castus is primarily thought to be through an important gland at the base of the brain called the pituitary gland. By balancing out the production of pituitary hormones which affect the ovaries agnus castus can reduce or even eliminate menopause symptoms.

Other factors can affect menopause symptoms. For example, body weaknesses such as tiredness, constipation, frequent infections or digestive problems. Similarly, menopause symptoms will be affected by lifestyle habits including diet, stress levels and the amount of exercise taken.

For the majority of women - where there are no serious medical problems or other major complications - agnus castus combined with lifestyle changes will prove a helpful combination to reduce or even eliminate symptoms. Sometimes the benefits can be staggering; sometimes just moderate, but still helpful.

In general, a holistic treatment including agnus castus will consist of the following.
1. AGNUS CASTUS: Take this herb before breakfast each day. Raw herb - 2 to 3 capsules. Fluid extract - 35-40 drops per day. Tincture - these are weaker so I recommend 3-4 x the fluid extract dose - depending on whether the tincture is a 3:1 or a 4:1 (see the label). Herbal extract - follow the label instructions.

2. DIET: use a diet high in non-starchy vegetables, as much raw as possible; some fruit - not too much; plenty of oily fish (minimal smoked fish); some lean meat; little or no fatty or preserved meats (bacon, salami); low starch, and very low sugar. Minimize food cooked at high temperatures, ie grilling frying or roasting.

3. LIFESTYLE:
A. Reduce anxiety and stress to a minimum. This can be more easily said than done. But if indeed you are affected by anxiety and stress, then this is most important for your hormones. High anxiety and stress levels will certainly affect hormone production. If you have had anxiety and stress for very long such that you now feel exhausted often, you will need practitioner support. Particularly, have your adrenal hormones checked.
B. Weight. If overweight, reduce it towards normal. Again, often more easily said than done. However, obesity and excess weight indicate a poorly functioning body in general. Your overall health as well as your hormone balance will benefit from reducing your weight towards normal. The most effective approach is through a dramatic reduction in starchy food while following the healthy diet recommendations above.

The more you can improve your diet and lifestyle the more likely it is that agnus castus will help your menopause symptoms.

Agnus Castus is such a popular herb for a very good reason; it often works. Thousands of women who do not want to use drugs they consider dangerous have used agnus castus with great success. Agnus Castus is a very natural approach with a great safety record. Just make sure you get a top quality product and ensure you choose it from a company which gives you great support just in case you should need it.

Max Hill is a top practioner in alternative therapy having treated 1000s of clients. He contributes more insightful articles to Alternative Healthzine. Find out additional valuable information about herbal remedies for menopause and check out his recommendations for well-proven herbs for menopause symptoms.