Vitex agnus-castus, also named vitex, monk's pepper, chaste tree, chasteberry, Abraham's balm is a tree native to the Mediterranean region. It is one of the few temperate-zone species of Vitex, which is on the whole a genus of tropical and sub-tropical flowering plants. Theophrastus mentioned vitex many times as agnos. It has been long linked to aphrodisiac qualities.

Pliny the Elder mentioned the name Vitex for the plant, which is derived from the larin vieo, meaning to weave or to tie up, refering to the use of chaste tree in basketry. The specific name chaste can be traced back to both Ancient Rome and Greece, and is considered to be sacred to the goddess Hestia or Vesta.

In ancient times, chaste tree was believed to hold anaphrodisiac properties, thus the name chaste tree. Pliny, reports the use of the stems and leaves by women as bedding, to deminish any feelings of lust, during the time of Thesmophoria, when Athenian women left their husbands' beds to remain ritually chaste. Vitex was also used by monks, again to diminish the feelings of lust, sexual desire and to calm the libido.

Traditionally, it has been an important European remedy for controlling and regulating the female reproductive system. Long used to regularise monthly periods and treat amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, it was used to help ease menopausal problems and aid the birth process. Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Theophrastus all mentioned Agnus Castus for a wide variety of conditions, including haemorrhage following childbirth and also to assist with the passing of afterbirth. Decoctions of the berries and plant were als used in sitz baths for diseases of the uterus.

Nowadays, it is one of the most popular herbs, used to regulate hormones and relieve menstrual difficulties. It is also considered one of the best for treating fibroid cysts of the uterus and endometriosis. Compounds in the plant can stimulate the release of Leutenizing Hormone and inhibit the release of Follicle Stimulating Hormone. This points to the fact the herb's volatile oil has progesterone-like effects. It stimulated the pituitary gland, specifically for the profuction of luteinizing hormone. This results in increasing progesterone production and regulating a woman's monthly cycle. Again, the herb can be employed to regulate prolactin secretion. The ability to decrease excessive prolactin levels can be beneficial to infertile women.

Agnus Castus can work wonderfully in dealing with the symptoms that follow PMS, such as anxiety, nervous tension, insomnia or mood changes. It has also shown good resultss on premenstrual water retention and allowing lactating women to sustain a good amount of breat milk production for breastfeeding, while consuming Vitex.

The leaves of Chasteberry have anti-parasitical, alterative, aromatic, vermifuge and pain relieving properties, the root is a tonic, a febrifuge, an expectorant and a diuretic and the small berries are nervine, cephalic and emmenagogue.

Medicinal Applications:

Agnus Castus can subside the acne break-out that is associated with menstrual cycle.

The most common usage for the herb is for regulating a woman's menstrual cycle, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea but menorrhagia and menstrual difficulties as well.

The herb also has good results in dealing with intestinal and stomachic issues, such as colic pains, diarrhea and dyspepsia, as well as hemorroids.

Vitex works wonderfully on the female reproducted parts, dealing with endometriosis, infertility. It also plays a part in successfully helping with fibrocystic breat disease.

It holds analgesic properties, and can deal with headaches and hemicranias, all symptoms that can be attributed to menstruation, or premenstrual syndrome.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.