June 25, 2002

VITEX

Latin Name: Vitex agnus-castus

Alternate Names: Chaste Tree, Monk's Pepper, Hemp Tree, Indian Spice, Sage Tree, Agnus-castus

Family: VERBENACEAE

Parts Used: Berries.

Properties: Anaphrodisiac, Antiandrogenic, Aromatic, Emmenagogue, Galactagogue, Phytoprogesteronic, Vulnerary.

Internal Uses: Amenorrhea, Cysts, Depression, Dysmenorrhea, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Herpes, Infertility, Menopause, Migraine, Polymenorrhea, Posthysterectomy Tonic, Premenstrual Acne, Premenstrual Syndrome, Threatened Miscarriage

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

It is an anaphrodisiac for men. It is useful for herpes related to menses, depression related to menopause, and migraines related to the menstrual cycle. It is used for cysts and fibroids in the breast, ovaries and uterus.

Vitex improves the production of progesterone, increases luteinizing hormones and prolactin, and inhibits the release of follicle stimulating hormone. It helps to regulate the menstrual cycle for women coming off birth control pills. It can help normalize the menses, shortening a long cycle or lengthening a short one. It helps to normalize the functions of the pituitary gland.

Topical Uses: Limb Weakness, Paralysis

Topical Applications: Use as a poultice for weak limbs and paralysis. Stems are made into baskets.

Culinary uses: Seeds are ground into a peppery-like condiment.

Energetics: Sweet, Bitter, Neutral.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (cineol), flavonoids (casticin), alkaloids (viticine), iridoglycoside (agnuside, aucubin, eurostoside).

Contraindications: Discontinue if diarrhea, nausea or abnormal menstrual changes occur. Large doses can cause formication, a strange symptom where one feels as if ants are crawling on the skin. In order to improve hormonal problems with Vitex, the herb should be taken for at least six months.

Comments: In the Illiad by Homer, Vitex is depicted as a symbol of chastity. Both words, agnus and castus translate to 'chaste'. The name Monk's Pepper is because monks chewed the berries to reduce sexual desire.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), June 25, 2002