Vitex Agnus-castus, also known as the Chaste Tree or Monk's Pepper, has been used for gynecological issues for more than 2,000 years. In modern times, Vitex Agnus-castus is sometimes used in the treatment of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). It is believed that Vitex Agnus-castus helps the body regulate hormone levels which eases unpleasant menstrual and menopausal symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and hot flashes.

The Vitex Agnus-castus shrub grows profusely around the Mediterranean coastal regions. Vitex Agnus-castus has an ancient reputation for encouraging chastity, hence its Latin and common names. In Athens, couches were strewn with the leaves during rituals associated with the Greek goddess Ceres. This tree's dried fruits are said historically to hold the treasures of balance and reproductive power. Today, Vitex Agnus-castus is still thought to help normalize certain bodily functions and aid in the soothing of female change of life difficulties, balancing the activity of female function.

Vitex Agnus-castus is also thought to be effective in restoring and normalizing female function after taking the "pill." Studies now reveal that Chaste tree directly affects two pituitary hormones, follicle stimulating hormone and lutenizing hormone, which regulate progesterone and estrogen use throughout the body. And there is now reported evidence that aqueous-alcoholic extracts of Chaste tree inhibit secretion of prolactin in vitro (test tube). In human pharmacology (in vivo), however, there are no data available about the lowering of prolactin levels. Vitex Agnus-castus has a rather odd reputation of being an anaphrodisiac (reducing sexual desire) for men; hence the name Monk's Pepper. Indications of use are for women who are experiencing irregularities of the menstrual cycle, premenstrual complaints, mammary activity, problems with the flow, mastodynia.

Note: In case of feeling of tension and swelling of the breasts and at disturbances of menstruation a physician should be consulted for diagnosis. With continued use, some occasional occurrence of itching, urticarial exanthemas. There are some interactions with Drugs that should be noted. Because of a dopaminergic effect of the drug, a reciprocal weakening of the effect can occur in case of ingestion of dopamine-receptor antagonists. Contraindications: Pregnancy, nursing

Vitex Agnus-castus is an ingredient in the following product(s):