Plant Family:  Verbenacea

Common Names:  Chaste Tree, Chaste Berries

Origin: A small deciduous shrub or tree native to central Asia and Europe and growing on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It has been introduced in the United States throughout the southeast and as far north as Maryland. 

History: Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Theophrastus mention the use of Vitex for a wide variety of conditions, including: 

• assisting with the 'passing of afterbirth' 
• hemorrhage following childbirth
  

Tradition: 

• In Greek mythology during the sacred rites of Ceres the young women of Athens would string the leaves together to secure chastity
• Blossoms and branches were strewn in temples during

Plant Constituents

Contains:

• alkaloids
• bitter principles
• castine
• flavonoids
• iridoid glycosides
• terpenoids
• volatile oil

Usage

Medicinal Parts Used: The dried fruit, which has a pepper-like aroma and flavor, is used in herbal medicine preparations.

The Berries are used for:

Female Conditions

• acne associated with menstrual cycle
• amenorrhea
• breast tenderness associated with menstrual cycle
• dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
• endometriosis  
• female infertility
• fibrocystic breast disease
• hormonal imbalances.
•  menopausal conditions
• menorrhagia (heavy menstruation)
• menstrual disorders
• normalizing the reproductive system
• pregnancy and postpartum support
• premenstrual tension including irritability, mood swings, headache 
• progesterone deficiency
• to suppress libido and inspire chastity (which explains one of its common names chaste tree)

Other Conditions

• general weakness of the body
• pains in the limbs
• paralysis

Vitex Agnus Castus is best-used long term as the active constituents do not produce rapid results and benefits develop slowly. It is most effective when taken over a period of time in conjunction with other herbs used for the same purposes.

Externally: Decoctions of the fruit and plant are also used in sitz baths for:

• diseases of the uterus

Action:

• acts primarily on the pituitary-hypothalamus axis rather than directly on the ovaries
• inhibits the release of follicle stimulating hormone whilst stimulating the release of luteinizing hormone (which affects the estrogen/progestin ratio)
• keeps prolactin secretion in check

Precautions

Caution: 

Side effects may include:

• mild skin rash with itching
• minor stomach upset

Vitex Agnus is not recommended for use:

• during hormone therapy (e.g. estrogen, progesterone)
• during pregnancy