Chaste Tree
Latin: Vitex agnus-castus
Common Names: Chaste Tree Berry
Family: Lamiaceae
Common Names: Chaste Tree Berry
Family: Lamiaceae
Vitex will always enable what is appropriate to occur. (David Hoffman)
Vitex is a deciduous shrubby tree of free spreading habitat from 6 to 10 feet in height. The young shoots are covered with a fine gray down. Leaves are opposite, composed of a ‘hand’ of five to seven radiating leathery leaflets, ranging from three to six inches in length. Individual leaflets are linear, lance-shaped, toothed, dark green above, gray beneath with a very close downy surface. Flowers are pink or bluish lavender, fragrant, produced in early fall, in whorls on slender racemes 3 to 6 inches long, and sometimes branched. The berries are about the same size and somewhat like peppercorns in appearance, dark purple or black, half covered by their Sage-green calyces, yellowish within, hard, having a very aromatic fragrance. The taste is warm and distinct.
Properties & Actions
Anaphrodisiac, Aphrodisiac, Endocrine tonic, Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis regulator, Hormonal normalizer, Uterine tonic, Galactagogue, Anti-tumor, Anti-microbial, Ophthalmic
Vitex increases progesterone levels by enhancing corpus luteal development via dopaminergic activity on the anterior pituitary
Opioid receptor Vitex works on the μ-opiate receptor, which is the primary action site for β-endorphon (in vivo), a peptide which assists in regulating the menstrual cycle through inhibition of the hyperthalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. (Braun & Cohen)
Opioid receptor Vitex works on the μ-opiate receptor, which is the primary action site for β-endorphon (in vivo), a peptide which assists in regulating the menstrual cycle through inhibition of the hyperthalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. (Braun & Cohen)
Benefits & Uses
Vitex has the effect of stimulating and normalizing pituitary gland function, especially as it relates to relative progesterone levels. Vitex may be called an amphoteric remedy, as it can produce apparently opposite effects, although in truth it is simply normalizing. The term amphoteric comes from chemistry, in which it is used to indicate the ability of a chemical to react as either an acid or an alkali. The word itself is derived from Greek roots meaning "partly one and partly the other." In the context of herbal actions, amphoteric implies that apparently opposite effects may be observed, but the overall result is a normalizing effect. For instance, vitex has a reputation for being both an aphrodisiac and an anaphrodisiac! In effect, the herb will generally facilitate the most appropriate action required to normalize function, no matter what aspect of function is out of balance.
The most important therapeutic application for vitex comes from its ability to normalize the activity of female sex hormones. It is thus indicated for dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and other disorders related to hormone function. It is especially beneficial during menopause. Similarly, it may help the body regain a natural balance after discontinuation of oral contraceptives. The precise mechanisms of action of vitex and its active constituents have not been established. Laboratory research suggests that the herb acts on the anterior pituitary gland via a dopaminergic mechanism.253 This leads to a reduction in release of the hormone prolactin, which in turn enhances corpus luteum development and corrects any relative progesterone deficiency. It is important to note that the effect of vitex on progesterone levels is indirect, as it works through the complexities of endocrine homeostasis rather than by directly stimulating progesterone release. However, the herb is thought to act on the pituitary-hypothalamic axis, rather than directly on the ovaries.
Vitex not only eases symptoms of PMS, but also, over time, may actually cure the disorder. PMS has been linked to abnormally high levels of estrogen, and vitex has proved especially helpful for cases in which symptoms tend to disappear when menstruation begins. Positive results may be perceived as early as the second menstrual cycle, but permanent improvement may take up to one year or longer.
Vitex is also effective for irregular menstruation, especially when related to endometriosis. In addition, because progesterone production declines at menopause, vitex may reduce some of the undesirable symptoms associated with "the change." Several studies indicate that vitex can help control acne in teenagers, both young women and men. The herb is also useful for stabilizing the menstrual cycle after withdrawal from progesterone containing birth control pills. It may help with fibroid cysts that occur in smooth muscle tissue or in subserous areas, but is less likely to help with submucous cysts.
For women who are trying to get pregnant, vitex may effectively regulate the ovulatory cycle. Clinical research shows that vitex may start correcting imbalances after about 10 days, but for full benefit, it should be taken for three cycles or longer. Studies have documented that vitex has a galactagogue action, but chemical analysis of the breast milk revealed no changes in composition. This may seem surprising, as the proposed mechanism of action of vitex involves a reduction of prolactin release. However, it is simply a good example of how the actual activity of a plant is more complex than what is demonstrated in specific laboratory tests. (David Hoffman, Medical Herbalism)
The most important therapeutic application for vitex comes from its ability to normalize the activity of female sex hormones. It is thus indicated for dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and other disorders related to hormone function. It is especially beneficial during menopause. Similarly, it may help the body regain a natural balance after discontinuation of oral contraceptives. The precise mechanisms of action of vitex and its active constituents have not been established. Laboratory research suggests that the herb acts on the anterior pituitary gland via a dopaminergic mechanism.253 This leads to a reduction in release of the hormone prolactin, which in turn enhances corpus luteum development and corrects any relative progesterone deficiency. It is important to note that the effect of vitex on progesterone levels is indirect, as it works through the complexities of endocrine homeostasis rather than by directly stimulating progesterone release. However, the herb is thought to act on the pituitary-hypothalamic axis, rather than directly on the ovaries.
Vitex not only eases symptoms of PMS, but also, over time, may actually cure the disorder. PMS has been linked to abnormally high levels of estrogen, and vitex has proved especially helpful for cases in which symptoms tend to disappear when menstruation begins. Positive results may be perceived as early as the second menstrual cycle, but permanent improvement may take up to one year or longer.
Vitex is also effective for irregular menstruation, especially when related to endometriosis. In addition, because progesterone production declines at menopause, vitex may reduce some of the undesirable symptoms associated with "the change." Several studies indicate that vitex can help control acne in teenagers, both young women and men. The herb is also useful for stabilizing the menstrual cycle after withdrawal from progesterone containing birth control pills. It may help with fibroid cysts that occur in smooth muscle tissue or in subserous areas, but is less likely to help with submucous cysts.
For women who are trying to get pregnant, vitex may effectively regulate the ovulatory cycle. Clinical research shows that vitex may start correcting imbalances after about 10 days, but for full benefit, it should be taken for three cycles or longer. Studies have documented that vitex has a galactagogue action, but chemical analysis of the breast milk revealed no changes in composition. This may seem surprising, as the proposed mechanism of action of vitex involves a reduction of prolactin release. However, it is simply a good example of how the actual activity of a plant is more complex than what is demonstrated in specific laboratory tests. (David Hoffman, Medical Herbalism)
Vitex has been used for thousands of years for its beneficial effect on the female glandular system, and its restraining effect on male hormones. Modern research has confirmed at least one of these uses, and the berries are now widely used to restore balance and function to the female reproductive system, by stimulating the natural production of progesterone. Some of the old herbals classify the berries as an aphrodisiac, accounting for the name monk’s pepper, and the tradition of using the kernels to lessen the urges of the flesh. Other sources list the vitex fruit as aphrodisiac, implying the opposite tendency. The truth is that vitex, like many other herbs, exerts a normalizing influence on the body-- restoring that which is absent, and constraining excessive tendencies. Vitex acts upon the pituitary gland, reducing the production of certain hormones and increasing the production of others, shifting the balance in favor of the gestations, hormones that normally condition the body for pregnancy. It has found a wide following of users for imbalances of the female reproductive system, especially when they are related to excessive estrogen or xeno-estrogen influence, and has been used with great effect in restoring absent menstruation, regulating heavy periods, restoring fertility when caused by hormonal in balance, relieving PMS tension, and easing the changes of menopause. A tincture of the berries has also been used externally for the relief of paralysis, pains in the limbs, and neuropathic muscular weakness.
Qualities & Tastes
Drying, pungent, peppery
Vitex has a peppery taste and may be used as a pepper replacement.
Vitex has a peppery taste and may be used as a pepper replacement.
Cautions & Contraindications
Commission E lists no drug interactions for vitex. However, there is a theoretical possibility that the herb may interact with dopamine antagonists and dopamine-receptor-blocking agents.
While Vitex is considered safe, caution should be taken during pregnancy and only in the early stages for treating insufficient corpus luteal function.
May counteract the effectiveness of birth control pills, and other hormone therapy.
While Vitex is considered safe, caution should be taken during pregnancy and only in the early stages for treating insufficient corpus luteal function.
May counteract the effectiveness of birth control pills, and other hormone therapy.
Role in Detox
Vitex is an important botanical to the pituitary gland, the the body's 'master gland.' Use vitex alone or with other endocrine system tonic botanicals to inspire the pituitary gland and thus the entire glandular system into action .
Resources & Recommended
