Agnus Castus (Vitex Agnus Castus), also known as Chaste Tree or Monkspepper, is a member of the Verbenaceae family and is native to the Mediterranean. The name Agnus Castus is Greek and means chaste lamb. Agnus Castus has been used for gynecological conditions since the days of Hippokrates. It has a balancing effect on female hormones and has shown to be effective in a wide range of symptoms, such as PMS, breast tenderness, irregular cycle, anxiety and other psychological symptoms, as well as problems in connection with menopause.

Agnus Castus Medicinal Uses

Agnus Castus has been used for its beneficial affect on the female hormonal system since ancient times. Modern research confirms this use and in today’s European phytotherapy, Agnus Castus is being prescribed for the management of menstrual disorders, for PMS, for the treatment of infertility produced by mild corpus luteum insufficiency, and for hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue at the initial stages of menopause, among other conditions. The seeds and fruits of the tree have aphrodisiac, anaphrodisiac, galactagogue, sedative, ophthalmic, and stomachic properties and prolonged usage restores corpus luteum functions. The berries have a range of medicinal benefits, the most important possibly being its ability to rectify hormonal imbalances caused by an excess of estrogen and an insufficiency of progesterone. They act upon the pituitary gland, reduce the production of certain hormones and increase the production of others and thus shift the balance in favor of the gestagens. Therefore, Agnus Castus has a wide application of uses in malfunctions of the female reproductive system and has proved to be effective in regulating heavy periods, restoring absent menstruation, restoring fertility when this is caused by hormonal imbalance, relieving pre-menstrual symptoms, and easing the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue. The berries have been found to have as well aphrodisiac as anaphrodisiac properties. This is because the berries have a regulating effect on the body and so increase sexual activity in those who are not very active sexually, and reduce it in those who are very active. Out of the fresh berries a tincture is made which also brings relief for paralysis, limb pains, and weakness. Excessive doses have shown to cause a nervous disorder known as formication, a sensation as if insects were crawling over the skin.

Agnus Castus Other Uses

The fruit of Agnus Castus can be used as a pepper substitute and the aromatic leaves also serve as a spice. They form one of the ingredients in a famous Moroccan spice mixture. Out of the flowers, a perfume is made. Young stems are being used in basket making, and from the leaves, seeds, and the roots, a yellow dye is obtained.

Agnus Castus Dosage

It is recommended to daily take 1 – 2 grams of powdered whole berries which is equivalent to 2 – 4 capsules, 20 – 40 drops of fluid extract, or 60 – 120 drops of tincture. Agnus Castus is generally taken as a single dose first thing in the morning as this is the best time to influence the pituitary gland. Usually results can be seen already within a few weeks, but it is advised to take it for 4 – 6 months and then reduce the dose by half for a few weeks. Agnus Castus often comes in combination with other herbs as this can be more effective than using just a single herb. Agnus Castus should not be taken during pregnancy and should not be taken in combination with any other product or drug which affects the female hormone system, including the contraceptive pill. Side effects are rare but they may include mild indigestion or mild skin rashes.

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