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Chaste tree is in the vitex family, one of the oldest
phytomedicines. The ancient Greek physicians Hypocrates, Theophrast, and Dioscorides all made reference to it as did Greek historian Pliny The Elder. The Greeks' use closely resembled modern indications; they recommended it as an aid in external wound heeling, complaints of the spleen, and for use in child birth. Early American physicians used it to stimulate lactation.
The herb does have an excellent track record in relieving complaints collectively referred to as
Premenstrual Syndrome. Specifically, it is effective in relieving insufficiency of the corpus luteum A survey study conducted in Germany looked at 1,542 women diagnosed with
PMS and over 90% of the subjects experienced complete symptom remission! In 1997 a study evaluated Vitex against
vitamin B6 in 175 women diagnosed with
PMS . 24% of the Vitex patients reported "excellent" results as compared to 12% of the
vitamin B6 patients. What is really good is that you can combine
vitamin B6 and Chaste Tree. Note: you may benefit more by using a
complete vitamin B complex rather than just B6 by itself.
Drug Interactions: Chaste tree may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Chaste Tree is also known as:
- Chaste tree berry,
- Chaste tree
fruit,
- Vitex agnus castus,
- Mai ya, Huang jing zi,
- Huangjing,
- Agni casti
fructus,
- Monk’s pepper
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