Can Chasteberry Help Acne

Frustrated with your acne and you don’t know what to do?  Have you heard of chasteberry and can chasteberry help acne?  Let’s see…

What is Chasteberry?

Have you ever heard of Chasteberry?  Up until just a few years ago, I never heard of this.  But, when I started really looking at what I wanted to put in my body, I started to look at more natural remedies.  This is when I first ran into this possible acne fighter and really started to question, “Can Chasteberry help Acne?”  But, what is chasteberry?

According to the AAFP, chasteberry is a natural remedy and it’s actually been used for years.  It’s from the fruit of a chaste tree.  OK, that seems self-explanatory but did you know that this berry contains phytoestrogens which are natural substances that act like estrogen.  When something acts like estrogen in our bodies, there’s the potential that it can help alleviate some issues, like acne.    But, can chasteberry help acne?

Can Chasteberry Help Acne?

So, if there are natural phytoestrogens in chasteberry, there is the possibility that chasteberry can help hormone related issues – this includes acne.  I’m no doctor and I’m not trying to give medical advice but it seems logical to me.  Even the Cleveland Clinic seems to agree – and there’s a whole bunch of doctors there.

In addition, it would seem that it might also help irregular periods and other PMS symptoms.  But, how does it work?

Apparently, chasteberry can help reduce inflammation as well as help in balancing hormones – specifically estrogen and progesterone..  This can mean chasteberry can help with the following PMS related issues:

• Mood swings – anyone (including the men in our lives) would welcome this!
• Depression – no one wants to feel depressed
• Irritability – Ok, this goes along with mood swings, but it bares mentioning again.
• Hot flashes / night sweats – what a relief
• And, yes acne.

How often to take

The good news about chasteberry is that you don’t have to take it continually.  You can take it as you have symptoms.  This may mean that you only need to take it in the week leading up to your period since this is when you may be suffering from acne issues as it relates to your period.

Of course, like I said, I am not a doctor and I would always recommend talking to your doctor if you plan to take any supplements.  As this has been prescribed by doctors in the past, you may find that your doctor is comfortable with you trying this for your hormonal acne.