Abraham’s Bush – The Gynecological Herb

Supporting a woman through all stages of life

Abraham’s Bush – also known as Vitex or Agnus-Castus – is a medicinal plant that has been used since ancient times to treat various health conditions related to a woman’s gynecological system.

Originating in the Mediterranean and Central Asia, Abraham’s Bush has a long history of use as a ‘gynecological herb’. In 1582, Abraham’s Bush was mentioned as a plant that promotes menstruation. 19th century healers used Abraham’s Bush in various doses as a period regulator, to increase breast milk production while breastfeeding, and to speed up placental expulsion.

Why is this herb known as ‘Abraham’s Bush?

Jewish tradition teaches that the bush in which the ram was caught by its horns during Akeidas Yitzchak was the Vitex Agnus-Castus, hence the Hebrew name ‘Abraham’s Bush’.

Abraham’s Bush has gained a reputation as a gynecological healer and has been studied by scientists around the world to evaluate the effectiveness of its healing properties.

• Abraham’s Bush has been used traditionally to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and to promote hormonal balance. Researchers have proven that although the herb does not contain active hormones, it affects the female hormonal system via the herbal healing properties. The herbal components bind to receptors in the pituitary gland and subtly influence the secretions of hormones such as LH, Prolactin, Progesterone and Estrogen.
• Modern herbal medicine uses Abraham’s Bush to promote menstruation (in cases of irregularity, amenorrhea, scanty menstruation and menstrual pain), to assist with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and as a fertility aid (in cases of ovulation difficulties, high levels of Prolactin or Testosterone, and/or polycystic ovaries.)
• Abraham’s Bush can relieve symptoms of endometriosis (characterized by high Estrogen levels), ovarian cysts, congestion, and chest pain. It can also be used to relieve menopausal symptoms, to increase breast milk production, in cases of repeated miscarriages and more. 

Note: Usage of Abraham’s Bush for medical  purposes requires professional guidance. It is not recommended for single plant use and should not be taken without consulting a medical professional.

What are Abraham’s Bush’s proven healing properties?

• Relief of premenstrual syndrome symptoms

Abraham’s Bush contributes to the reduction of prolactin levels, thereby affecting the regulation of other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. This reduction results in an improvement in PMS symptoms.

1. In a clinical study without a placebo group, 93% of the participants reported a significant reduction in PMS symptoms (, including decrease of low mood, decrease in stress and restlessness, and reduced food cravings), after taking Abraham’s Bush’s extract for 3 months.
2. In two placebo-controlled pilot studies, women taking Abraham’s Bush extract reported a decrease in typical PMS symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, headaches and chest congestion. (link to study 1, study 2)
3. Clinical studies have indicated that Abraham’s Bush may be as effective as conventional drugs for women suffering from mastalgia – chest pain linked to the menstrual cycle, albeit without side effects. (link to study 1 on mastalgia, link to study 2)

• Improving female fertility

Abraham’s Bush may improve fertility indices, most likely due to its effect on reducing prolactin levels (high levels of prolactin may suppress ovulation). Reduction of prolactin levels is particularly important for women with luteal phase problems, as high levels of prolactin interfere with all aspects related to the ability to conceive.

1. In a clinical study of 40 women, Abraham’s Bush was equally as effective as conventional medication when treating women with abnormally high prolactin levels.
2. 52 women with luteal phase problems reported that taking Abraham’s Bush’s extract helped regulate prolactin levels and significantly prolonged the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, as compared to the placebo group (which reported no improvement).
3. Various clinical studies have demonstrated that Abraham’s Bush’s extract contributes to the balance of Progesterone and LHRH (follicle-stimulating hormone) indices in the blood:
4. In a placebo-controlled clinical study, 93 women who had unsuccessfully tried to get pregnant for 6–36 months were given a herbal formula containing Abraham’s Bush. After 3 months, all women experienced hormonal balance improvement and 26% of them became pregnant – as compared to the placebo group, where only 10% became pregnant.
5. Irregular periods may affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant. In 3 clinical studies, Abraham’s bush was more effective in regulating the menstrual cycle among women with irregular periods than a placebo. (link to study 1, 2, 3)

• Relief of menopausal symptoms

The hormonal balancing effects of Abraham’s Bush may also help alleviate the symptoms of menopause.

1. In a clinical study, 23 menopausal women given volatile oils extracted from Abraham’s Bush reported an improvement in menopausal symptoms, including better mood and better sleep.
2. In a follow-up study, 52 menopausal women received a botanical cream made of Abraham’s Bush’s extract. 33% of participants reported a great improvement in menopausal symptoms and another 36% of participants reported a moderate improvement in symptoms – including night sweats and heat flashes.

Abraham’s Bush: Safety

Abraham’s Bush is generally considered very safe to take. Rarely, it may cause minor side effects such as nausea, skin rash, heavier than usual period, and/or headaches. These effects usually disappear when treatment is stopped.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children, and those taking prescription drugs (including pills) should consult a doctor before taking dietary supplements that contain Abraham’s Bush.

Disclaimer: Medicinal plants are not drugs. The purpose of this article is to provide a  general overview of approaches in complementary medicine and the information provided does not constitute a qualified medical recommendation. This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Always contact your health practitioner before starting any nutritional supplement programs.