Agnus Castus ( Chaste Tree )

Vitex Agnus Castus

Chaste Tree is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 15 feet. It features palmate leaves with finger-like leaflets and produces clusters of fragrant, lilac-colored flowers.

Family: Lamiaceae / mint / salvia family

Which probiotic is it in?: Men

Habit and cultivation: European / Mediterranean

Actions (known for): As an anaphrodisiac (lowers libido) but can be adaptogenic for women bringing balance. An abortifacient, digestive, antifungal and anti-anxiety aid. Particularly known for PMS help and womens hormonal balance at any age due to influencing prolactin levels. Also insect repellent.

History of Agnus Castus ( Chaste Tree )

Agnus castus has been used at least since Lower Palaeolithic times as a spice but also medicinally, which is documented in ancient Turkish and Greek medicine. A respected herbal remedy to support women's health and also for rituals to the Greek goddesses. It gets its name, Chaste Tree, from the monks who used it to suppress their desires.

Parts used from the Agnus Castus ( Chaste Tree )

The fruit of Chaste Tree, resembling small peppercorns, and leaves.

Constituents (bio available chemicals):

Bitters,iridoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, essential oils, and ketosteroids and diterpenes (agnuside, aucubin)

Nutritional constituents:

Indications:

Womens hormonal balance and all the various issues with reproductive health. Fungal and digestive conditions and anxiety and enlarged prostate for men.

Dosage:

Traditionally taken as a tea from fresh leaves or up to 40 drops of standard tincture daily or 300-6—mg powder in a capsule per day and up to 1g dried fruit.

British Herbal Pharmacopoeia

Cautions for therapeutic doses

No documented medical interactions but may interact with hormone replacement therapy and contraceptive pill and advice on dosage should be sort for differing conditions. Not to be used in pregnancy or before puberty.

Back to Microbzpedia