Overview of Chaste Tree
Vitex agnus-castus is a complicated herb. To understand its function, you must first understand the most complex system in the human body (the female reproductive system), the most complex gland in the body (the pituitary gland), and after combing through the historical uses and scientific research, you must then accept that its mechanisms are not purely chemical (/observable), and that its profound effect is due to an intelligence not completely understandable by the human mind. At which point you call it a pituitary herb.
Vitex can be observed to enhance dopamine’s action at/around the pituitary gland, and reciprocal effects include a decrease in prolactin, an increase in Luteinizing hormone (LH) (thus increasing progesterone and to a lesser degree estrogen), and perhaps an increase in melatonin. These hormonal changes are mostly attributed to the higher levels of dopamine available to the pituitary gland, but it’s very possible that the observation of high dopamine in the pituitary gland is just one effect of multiple unseen ones.
But despite the complexity of Vitex, we can rest somewhat assured in its use when seeking to assist the pituitary gland, because it is a very safe herb. It can hold a place in almost any infertility or hormonal imbalance formula without much risk of harm or misuse (see cautions & contraindications). In cases of infertility, hypopituitarism (one indicator of this condition is being very short of stature), high prolactin levels, menstrual problems, when desiring to increase milk production, lowering sexual desire in men, or as a component in a general endocrine formula, Vitex agnus-castus is a highly valuable herb.
Table of Contents
Phytochemistry & Energetics
Organs/Glands affinity: Pituitary gland, Reproductive system
Description
Family: Verbenaceae
Parts used: The ripe berries
A deciduous shrub of free spreading habit, growing up to 7m tall. Yyoung shoots covered with a fine grey down; leaves opposite, composed of five to seven radiating leaflets borne on a main stalk 1 to 2 1/2 inches long, leaflets linear, lance-shaped, toothed, dark green above, grey underneath with a very close felt; flowers fragrant, produced in September or October, in whorls on slender racemes 3 to 6 inches long, sometimes branched; the berries somewhat like peppercorns, dark purple, half-covered by their sage-green calyces, yellowish within, hard, having an aromatic odour; taste warm, peculiar.
Medicinal Actions
Pituitary Adjuvant
Hormone regulator
Dopaminergic
Galactagogue
Anaphrodisiac in men (i.e. the opposite of an aphrodisac.)
Historical Uses
- The name of Chaste Tree was given to the plant due to its action as an anaphrodisiac in men (lowers sexual impulse). The name “agnus-castus” is derived from the greek agnos (pure/chaste) and castus (chaste in latin) to symbolise its power of decreasing sexual impulse in men. It was also called Monk’s Pepper for the same reason.
- “The fresh ripe berries are pounded to a pulp and used in the form of a tincture for the relief of paralysis, pains in the limbs, weakness, etc.” -Mrs. M. Grieve
- “…makes the menses come on earlier, detaches the embryo, attracts the milk, goes to your head and brings sleep” – Dioscorides
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Medicinal Uses
- Infertility, particularly in cases where blood tests reveals high prolactin
- Hypopituitarism (short of stature is a strong indicator of under-active pituitary gland)
- Modulates irregular periods (shortening long cycle + lengthening short one)
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Irregular/absent period
- PCOS related to high prolactin
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Perimenopause hormonal regulation
- Mastalgia
- Increase breast milk production
- Hormonal-related acne, headache, epilepsy, orofacial herpes, mouth ulcers
- Note that an iridology reading (reading of the iris) is especially useful for determining whether Vitex is called for, particularly to help determine whether the issues you/your patient are experiencing are due to pituitary problems or something else. Blood tests are also helpful, as a high prolactin level is a good indicator for its use.
Cultivation
Native to the Mediterranean and western Asia. It has become naturalised in many sub-tropical regions of the world. USDA 6-9. Prefers very well-draining soils, thrives in full sun. Once established, is quite drought tolerant.
Most commonly propagated by softwood cuttings in the summer. Avoid pruning during seed maturation.
Cautions & Contraindications
Cautions: Caution should be used in pregnancy. Theoretically, it will decrease the chances of miscarriage in the first trimester, as it helps with the production of Luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates the corpus luteum (the transformed follicle) to produce progesterone. Progesterone is critical for maintaining the endometrium (uterine lining), and essential in the early stages of pregnancy. Regardless, using herbs in pregnancy requires great caution and should only be done under the support of a trained herbalist.
Caution in combination with progesterone drugs, the contraceptive pill, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Scientific Research
- The following link is an in-depth, easily accessible review of multiple studies of the medicinal actions of Vitex agnus-castus. See here
Dosages
Decoction: Max 3g/day
Tincture: Dried berries (1:5 45% alcohol); 1-3 mL 3x/day
Capsule: 3 caps 2x/day
Note: It may be best to use this herb in the early morning, as this is supposed to be the time when the pituitary gland is most active.
This Post was all about Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree)..
