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 Vitex agnus-castus (Verbenaceae)
CHASTEBERRY, AGNUS CASTUS, MONK'S PEPPER
Chasteberry is reputed to reduce the sex urge of men and to help with female hormonal imbalances.
In the past, celibate monks turned to this herb, as did Greek women who wanted no more additions to their family, giving it to their menfolk.
Even now, its flowers are cast on the floor when male novices enter Italian monasteries for the first time. A native of the
Mediterranean, it is a perennial shrub with palm-shaped leaves and small purple flowers in the summer, which are followed by tiny seeds.
The whole plant is strongly aromatic.
PARTS USED
Seeds.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Iridoid glycosides, including
aucibin and agnuside; volatile oil; fixed oil; flavonoids, including casticin.
ACTIONS
Hormonal, it acts on the pituitary gland in the brain stimulating the release of lutenizing hormone,
which stimulates progesterone production.
MEDICINAL USE
Used to treat premenstrual
syndrome, excessive menstrual flow, and menopausal symptoms.
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, tincture. |
