Chaste Tree Vitex agnus-castus
Vitex berries
- Common Names
- Chaste Tree , Vitex, Chasteberry, Monk's Pepper
- Botanical Name
- Vitex agnus-castus
- Family
- VERBENACEAE
Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Chaste Tree
How to Use|
Side Effects |
Plant & Garden|
Folklore
- Medicinal Uses: * Dysmenorrhea
* Female Hormones
* Menopause
* PMS
- Properties: * Anodyne * Emmenagogue * Galactagogue
- Parts Used: berries
- Constituents: aucubin, agnuside, casticin, chrysophanol d, alpha- and beta-pinene, isovitexin and vitexin.
How to Use: Chaste Tree
Vitex neither represses sexual passion, as the ancient Greeks who gave it the name Agnus casus (chaste), believed, nor does it act as a true aphrodisiac. Vitex is a normalizing herb for the female reproductive system, a regulator of the hormonal balance of estrogen and progesterone. 1 This normalizing of hormones is what makes the herb valuable in treating painful and irregular menses, PMS, menopause and infertility. For chronic problems, it is most effective when taken over a prolonged period of time. 2
Vitex berry tinctures were also traditionally prescribed for pain and weakness in the limbs. 3
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Usually used as a tincture or as a tea infusion.
Chaste Tree Remedies
Chaste Tree Side Effects: None for most people. If you are using sex-related medications, taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy talk to your doctor as chaste tree influences the body's hormonal balance.
Plant Description
Chaste berry is a deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean region with lance-like leaves and fragrant flowers. The gray or purple berries have a long history of treating menstrual disorders.
History and Traditions & Folklore
The Athenian matrons in the sacred rites of Ceres used to string their couches with the leaves of Chaste Tree, because of the seeds reputation for securing chastity.
Works Cited- Gladstar, Rosemary Herbal Healing for Women (1993)
- Maud Grieve Modern Herbal Vol I & II 1931
The fresh ripe berries are pounded to a pulp and used in the form of a tincture for the relief of paralysis, pains in the limbs, weakness, etc.
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