In ancient times, it was called Monk's pepper. This is because chaste tree berry (also known as Vitex and by the trade name Femaprin) was said to have an anaphrodisiac quality, that is, its ability to decrease sexual drives. Other sources indicate it was used as an aphrodisiac, in other words, for the opposite effect. How can both be true?
Though a shrub, chaste tree will grow up to twenty-two feet tall. It is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It flourishes on moist riverbanks, but it can also be grown as an ornamental plant in American gardens. The beautiful blue-violet flowers blossom in midsummer. It is only used today for female problems.
That it could bring about opposite responses is not limited to sex drives. Chaste berry has been used to inhibit excessive milk in nursing mothers and to encourage lactation. It magnifies post menopausal problems and solves them. It both hinders conception and helps overcome infertility.
How can this be explained? Chaste tree berry is what is called an adaptogen. This means it works to normalize hormone imbalance through its affect on the adrenal glands, in this case the pituitary. In other words, it restricts hormonal excesses and encourages deficiencies. Other examples of herb that are adaptogens would include ginseng, ginkgo, garlic, echinacea, goldenseal, and taheebo.
Because of its ability to balance the body, chaste tree berry reduces the production of certain hormones and increases the production of others. The reason it is used to treat infertility is that it tends to shift the balance in favor of the gestagens which hormones condition the body for pregnancy.
Because it encourages production of progesterone, the herb is especially effective in balancing the female reproductive system. This has helped restore menstruation, regulate heavy periods, and restore fertility which is caused by hormonal imbalance. It has also relieved PMS tension and eased the changes of menopause. Some believe it is helpful for premenstrual breast tenderness, a condition linked to excess prolactin.
A tincture of the berries has also been used externally for the relief of paralysis, pains in the limbs, and neuropathic muscular weakness. Chaste berries benefit the treatment of acne in both men and women. The berries can be used as a mild substitute for black pepper, and may even be ground in a pepper mill. The leaves and flowers are used for flavoring and have a spicy aroma.
Take 20 to 40 mg of the herb as a normal daily dose; 20 drops of tincture one or two times a day is normal. One cup of the tea, or one capsule may also be used. Some take it shortly before bedtime and find it improves their sleep. Don’t be impatient. Chaste tree berry is slow acting; it may take two or three months to evaluate its effectiveness.
Warnings will vary but some say pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take chaste tree berry. Also women with hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g. breast, uterus, pituitary, etc.) should avoid it. Chaste tree berry should not be taken with exogenous hormones such as oral contraceptives or menopausal hormone replacement therapies. Some experience an itchy allergic rash, mild nausea, or headaches from taking it. A few women have complained that the length of their cycle changed.
Bulk herbs like chaste tree berry are not miracle medicines. Herbs are natural ways to deal with the complex needs of the human body. Start taking herbs and make your body healthier, naturally.
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