Agnus Castus - Properties, benefits, uses and applications
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Agnus Castus, (also known as Vitex, Chaste Berry, Monks Pepper, Wild Pepper or Chaste Tree), is a member of the Verbenaceae family, native to the Mediterranean. It is a perennial bush - like plant, which appears like a cross between a hemp plant and a buddleia with soft, five-fingered leaves and purple flower cones.
Although leaves have been historically placed under the pillow in the belief this would preserve chastity, and used as bedding during the ancient fertility and renewal festival of Thesmophoria, the berries are the part now considered medicinally potent, and these are harvested when they are very dark in colour, between October and November. They are then dried in either the sun or the shade.
Agnus Castus' monk influence in many of it's aliases comes from it's history of use by medieval monks to quell sexual desire – hence “chasteberry” and “monk’s pepper”.
Conversely however, it also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac, with Greek philosopher and naturalist Plato describing its aphrodisiac effects, a seeming contradiction to the aforementioned anaphrodisiac qualities it was used for by the monks. It is now known to be an endocrine system adaptogen, which could explain the discrepancy.
Agnes Castus is from dry, warm climates, which can make it difficult to grow in the UK, yet with green housing and climate control, it is possible to propagate from cuttings. For those without such set ups, some specialist nurseries work hard to produce UK hardy plants. Your best hope of success therefore is to purchase a UK hardy adolescent plant, and mature it in well drained soil and direct sun. Agnus Castus Vitex prefers slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH range (6.0 to 7.5).You will need to use a fertiliser that is high in nitrogen and mulch your plant too, pruning it in the late winter or early spring. Remember to protect your vitex tree from insects and diseases.
Agnus Castus may tone the uterus, however it is also known to cause miscarriage, bringing on bleeding and directly effecting hormone balance. Although once thought to benefit lactation, it's hormonal influence could potentially be passed to the feeding baby. Therefore, these days, it is only ever used for this purpose as a last resort, under clinical supervision.
Due to it's ability to raise Oestrogen levels, persons diagnosed with a female cancer, or those with a family history of them, should avoid this herb. Likewise, those taking hormone replacement therapy or a hormonal contraceptive will also be unable to use Agnus Castus.
Some of the many medications that are unsafe to take alongside Agnus Castus include certain Parkinson’s, Thyroid, Sedative, and most antipsychotic medications. This is because it's action on the endocrine system also has secondary effects on other neurotransmitters and hormones too, such as dopamine. There are other medication types which must be avoided too. If you are taking any medications, please speak with a qualified herbalist . (Feel free to use the webchat function!)
Agnus Castus should be avoided by those with Cancer, Parkinson's, Bipolar spectrum disorders, Schizophrenic spectrum disorders, Gastric ulcers , Fibroids in most conditions, Endometriosis, and Adenomyosis. There are other conditions too. (In some cases, it may be used in clinically controlled dosing and under supervision). Therefore, If you have any diagnosed health conditions, please speak with a qualified herbalist.
Name: Vitex Agnus Castus
Parts used: Berries
Plant descriptive: A member of the Verbenaceae family, This perennial bush - like plant appears like a cross between a hemp plant and a buddleia. It features soft, five-fingered leaves and purple flower cones.
Growing: Sunny spots, drought tolerant, propagated from cuttings.
Location: Native Mediterranean plant, found growing in South Asia also.
Harvesting: Very dark berries, between October and November. Dry in sun or in shade.
Location: Native Mediterranean plant, found growing in South Asia also.
Constituents: Iridoid glycoside’s including aucbin and agnoside, flavonoids including casticin, isovitexin and orientin, Bitters, alkaloids, volatile oil
Chakras: Sacral and Throat
Interesting Facts:
- Has an alleged history of use by medieval monks to quell sexual desire – hence Agnus Castus’s aliases, “chasteberry” and “monk’s pepper”.
- Conversely, it also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac, with Greek philosopher and naturalist Plato describing its aphrodisiac effects, a seeming contradiction to the aforementioned anaphrodisiac qualities it was used for by the monks.
- Chasteberry was known as “monk’s pepper” and used as a spice in many dishes in Southern Europe
- “In the days of antiquity Agnus Castus played an important role in the female mysteries of Demeter and Persephone/ Kore celebrated during the festival of Thesmophoria, which honoured the cycles of renewal and fertility. During the 3 day 'women's only' festival it was customary to use Agnus Castus leaves as bedding since they were thought to increase fertility and enhance a woman's receptivity to the life-giving powers of the Goddess. Due to the fact that men were absent from these festivities Agnus Castus later became wrongly associated with chastity, rather than fertility. Dioscurides even goes so far as to suggest the plant's ability to induce chastity was due to its scent, which he surmised, would keep any potential suitors at bay. Furthermore, the classical Greek name 'agnos' had a similar ring as the word 'hagnoacute;s', which translates as 'chaste', and so the conclusion that 'agnos makes hagnos' followed quite naturally. When translated into Latin this word spins a further association - 'agnos' to Roman ears sounded very close to their 'agnus', which translates as 'lamb' and in turn conjured up the image of an innocent, chaste little lamb, which enjoys continued popularity as one of the best loved popular icons of Christianity, and from which Agnus Castus derived its other, curious common name 'Chase Lamb Tree' - a convoluted path of mistaken identity for herb that was originally associated with fertility magic.”*
Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Physical/Environmental
- Restoration of natural cycle following contraceptive use
- Warming
- Drying
- Anaphrodisiac
- Amenorrhoea
- Water retention
- Pituitary gland activator
- Regulates libido
- Adaptogen
- abortifacient
- Anxiety
- PMS
- Uterine tonic
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Regulation of female hormones
- Activates Oestrogen
- Progesteronic
- Increases Luteinising hormone production
- Male hormone inhibitor
- Sedative
- Antispasmodic
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Palpitations
- Digestive problems
- Mid-cycle bleeding
- Bloating
- Luteal phase defects
- Peri-menopausal symptoms
- Lactation issues
- Certain circumstances of uterine fibroids only
- Spleen
- Inflammation
- Animal bites
- Haemorrhoids
- Depression
- Acne
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Dopaminergic
- Emmenagogue
-
Menopause
Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Emotional/Psychological:
- Moodiness
- Racing thoughts
- Fear
- Self-discovery
- Self-awareness
- Creativity
- Positive action
- Sexual instinct
- Tenderness
- Love
- Delicacy
Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Energetic/Spiritual:
- Fertility
- Initiation rituals
- Increases spiritual receptivity
- Spiritual transformation and renewal
- Warming
- Drying
- Feminine energy
-
Preservation of chastity
- May take 3-6 months if use to see optimal physiological benefits
- Tincture: Dried berries (1:5, 45% alcohol); 1-3ml, 3 times daily
- Capsule or Powder: 1,000 - 2,000mg, 3 times daily
- Infusion: 1 teaspoon infused in 1 cup of water, 3 times daily
Cautions and Contraindications:
Agnus Castus must not be given to prepubesants. Do not take with HRT or if you have a family history of oestrogenic cancers. Not suitable for use during pregnancy or without clinical supervision during lactation. Do not take if using hormonal contraception.
Medications: Not to be taken with certain Parkinson’s, Thyroid, or antipsychotic medications.
Moderate and Severe Medication interactions: - This list is not exhaustive
| Moderate Acepromazine , also known as (Atravet) |
| Moderate Acetophenazine , also known as (Tindal) |
| Moderate Amitriptyline, Perphenazine , also known as (Etrafon, Etrafon-A, Etrafon-Forte, Triavil) |
| Moderate Apomorphine , also known as (APO-go, APO-go Pen, APO-go PFS, Apokyn, Uprima) |
| Moderate Apomorphine Hydrochloride , also known as (Kynmobi) |
| Moderate Aripiprazole , also known as (Abilify, Abilify Maintena, Abilify Mycite) |
| Moderate Aripiprazole Lauroxil , also known as (Aristada, Aristada Initio Kit) |
| Moderate Armodafinil , also known as (Nuvigil) |
| Moderate Asenapine , also known as (Saphris, Secuado) |
| Moderate Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated Estrogens , also known as (Duavee) |
| Moderate Benserazide, Levodopa , also known as (Madopar, Prolopa) |
| Moderate Birth Control Pills , also known as (Birth control pills) |
| Moderate Brexpiprazole , also known as (Rexulti) |
| Moderate Bromocriptine , also known as (Parlodel) |
| Moderate Butaperazine , also known as (Repoise) |
| Moderate Carbidopa, Levodopa , also known as (Dhivy, Rytary, Sinemet, Sinemet CR) |
| Moderate Carbidopa, Levodopa, Entacapone , also known as (Stalevo) |
| Moderate Cariprazine Hydrochloride , also known as (Vraylar) |
| Moderate Carphenazine , also known as (Proketazin) |
| Moderate Chlorpromazine , also known as (Thorazine, Thorazine Spansules) |
| Moderate Chlorprothixene , also known as (Taractan) |
| Moderate Clozapine , also known as (Clozaril, Versacloz) |
| Moderate Conjugated Estrogens , also known as (Cenestin, Enjuvia, Premarin, Premarin Vaginal Cream) |
| Moderate Conjugated Estrogens, Medroxyprogesterone Acetate , also known as (Premplus, Prempro) |
| Moderate Conjugated Estrogens, Meprobamate , also known as (PMB 200, PMB 400) |
| Moderate Conjugated Estrogens, Methyltestosterone , also known as (Premarin with Methyltestosterone) |
| Moderate Cyamemazine , also known as (Tercian) |
| Moderate Cyproterone Acetate, Ethinyl Estradiol , also known as (Diane-35, Dianette) |
| Moderate Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol , also known as (Desogen, Marvelon, Marvelon 21, Marvelon 28, Mircette, Ortho-Cept, Ortho-Cept 21, Ortho-Cept 28) |
| Moderate Dopamine , also known as (Intropin) |
| Moderate Drospirenone , also known as (Drospirenone) |
| Moderate Drospirenone, Estetrol , also known as (Nextstellis) |
| Moderate Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol , also known as (Angeliq, Gianvi, Yasmin) |
| Moderate Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol, Levomefolate , also known as (Beyaz) |
| Moderate Entacapone , also known as (Comtan) |
| Moderate Esterified Estrogens , also known as (Estratab, Menest) |
| Moderate Esterified Estrogens, Methyltestosterone , also known as (Estratest) |
| Moderate Estradiol , also known as (Divigel, Elestrin, Estrace, Estraderm, Estring, Evamist, Gynodiol, Imvexxy, Minivelle, Oestrogel, Vagifem, Vivelle) |
| Moderate Estradiol, Medroxyprogesterone , also known as (Divitren) |
| Moderate Estradiol, Norethindrone Acetate , also known as (Activella) |
| Moderate Estradiol, Norgestimate , also known as (Ortho-Prefest) |
| Moderate Estradiol, Progesterone , also known as (Bijuvanda) |
| Moderate Estrogen , also known as (Estrogen) |
| Moderate Estrone , also known as (Ortho-Est) |
| Moderate Estropipate , also known as (Ogen, Ortho EST) |
| Moderate Ethiny Estradiol, Levonorgestrel , also known as (Logynon, Microgynon 30 ED) |
| Moderate Ethinyl Estradiol , also known as (Estinyl) |
| Moderate Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel , also known as (Apri, Cesia, Cyclessa, Gedarel, Kariva, Linessa, Mercilon, Reclipsen, Solia, Velivet) |
| Moderate Ethinyl Estradiol, Drospirenone , also known as (Yaz) |
| Moderate Ethinyl Estradiol, Ethynodiol Diacetate , also known as (Demulen 1/35, Demulen 1/50, Demulen Compack, Kelnor 1/35, Zovia, Zovia 1/35, Zovia 1/50) |
| Moderate Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonogestrel , also known as (Lybrel) |
| Moderate Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonorgestrel , also known as (Alesse, Alesse 21, Alesse 28, Aviane, Enpresse, Jolessa, Lessina, Levlen, Levlen 21, Levlite, Levlite 28, Levora, Lutera, Portia, Preven, Quasense, Seasonale, Seasonique, Tri-Levlen, Tri-Levlen 21, Tri-Levlen 28, Triphasil, Trivora, Trivora-28) |
| Moderate Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone , also known as (Aranelle, Brevicon, Brevicon .5/35 21 day, Brevicon .5/35 28 day, Brevicon 1/35 21 day, Brevicon 1/35 28 day, Brevicon 21 Day, Demulen, Femhrt, Gencept 10/11, Jenest-28, Junel 1.5/30, Junel 1/20, Junel Fe 1/20, Leena, Loestrin 20, Loestrin 21, Loestrin 21 1.5/30, Loestrin 21 1/20, Microgestin 1.5/30, Microgestin 1/20, Modicon, Necon 0.5 35 21, Necon 0.5/35, Necon 1 35 21, Necon 1/35, Necon 10/11, Necon 7/7/7, Nelova 0.5/35 E, Nelova 1/35, Nelova 10/11, Norethin 1/35, Norethin 1/35E, Norinyl 1 35 21 Day, Norinyl 1+35, Norlestrin, Nortrel 0.5/35, Nortrel 1/35, Nortrel 7/7/7, Ortho Novum 1 Plus 35, Ortho-Novum, Ortho-Novum 1/35, Ortho-Novum 10/11, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 28, Ovcon 35 21, Ovcon 50 28, Ovcon-35, Ovcon-35 Chewable, Ovcon-50, Select 1/35 21 day, Select 1/35 28 day, Synphasic 21 day, Synphasic 28 day, Tri Norinyl 21 Day, Tri-Norinyl) |
| Moderate Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone, Ferrous Fumarate , also known as (Estrostep Fe, Femcon FE, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Loestrin Fe, Loestrin Fe 1.5/30, Loestrin Fe 1/20, Loestrin-24 FE, Microgestin FE, Microgestin Fe 1.5/30) |
| Moderate Ethinyl Estradiol, Norgestimate , also known as (Cilest, Mononessa, Ortho Tri-Cyclen 28, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, Ortho Tri-Cylcen, Ortho-Cyclen, Previfem, Sprintec, Tri-Previfem, Tri-Sprintec, Trinessa) |
| Moderate Ethinyl Estradiol, Norgestrel , also known as (Cryselle, Lo/Ovral, Low-Ogestrel, Ogestrel 0.5/50, Ovral) |
| Moderate Ethynodiol Diacetate, Mestranol , also known as (Ovulen) |
| Moderate Etonogestrel , also known as (Implanon) |
| Moderate Etonogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol , also known as (NuvaRing) |
| Moderate Flupenthixol , also known as (Fluanxol) |
| Moderate Fluphenazine , also known as (Fluphenazine, Permitil, Prolixin) |
| Moderate Gestodene , also known as (Minesse) |
| Moderate Haloperidol , also known as (Haldol) |
| Moderate Isopropamide Iodide , also known as (Darbid) |
| Moderate Isopropamide, Prochlorperazine , also known as (Combid) |
| Moderate Isopropamide, Trifluoperazine , also known as (Stelabid Forte, Stelabid No 1, Stelabid No 2) |
| Moderate Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Potassium Bitartrate , also known as (Phexxi) |
| Moderate Levodopa , also known as (Inbrija, Larodopa) |
| Moderate Levodopa, Carbidopa , also known as (Duodopa) |
| Moderate Levonorgestrel , also known as (Kyleena, Levonelle 1500, Levonelle One Step, Liletta, Mirena, Norgeston, Plan B, Skyla) |
| Moderate Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol , also known as (Logynon ED, Microgynon 30, Nordette, Ovranette, Quartette, Trinordiol, Twirla) |
| Moderate Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug) , also known as (Eskalith, Lithium Carbonate) |
| Moderate Loxapine , also known as (Adasuve, Loxitane) |
| Moderate Lurasidone , also known as (Latuda) |
| Moderate Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, Oestrogens, Conjugated , also known as (Premique) |
| Moderate Mesoridazine Besylate , also known as (Serentil) |
| Moderate Mestranol, Norethindrone , also known as (Necon 1/50, Nelova 1/50M, Norethin 1/50, Norethin 1/50M, Norinyl 1 50 21 Day, Ortho Novum 1 Plus 50, Ortho Novum 21, Ortho-Novum 1/50-28) |
| Moderate Mestranol, Norethynodrel , also known as (Enovid-E) |
| Moderate Methotrimeprazine Maleate , also known as (Methoprazine) |
| Moderate Metoclopramide , also known as (Metoclopramide Injection, Octamide, Reglan) |
| Moderate Metoclopramide Hydrochloride , also known as (Gimoti) |
| Moderate Modafinil , also known as (Alertec, Provigil, Sparlon) |
| Moderate Molindone , also known as (Moban) |
| Moderate Norelgestromin, Ethinyl Estradiol , also known as (Evra, Ortho Evra) |
| Moderate Norethindrone Acetate, Ethinyl Estradiol, Ferrous Fumarate , also known as (LoMinastrin FE, Minastrin 24 FE) |
| Moderate Norgestrel , also known as (Orval 21, Ovrette) |
| Moderate Oestrogen , also known as (Oestrogen) |
| Moderate Olanzapine , also known as (Zyprexa) |
| Moderate Opicapone , also known as (Ongentys) |
| Moderate Paliperidone , also known as (Invega) |
| Moderate Paliperidone Palmitate , also known as (Invega Trinza) |
| Moderate Pergolide Mesylate , also known as (Epermax, Permax) |
| Moderate Pericyazine , also known as (Pericyazine) |
| Moderate Perphenazine , also known as (Trilafon) |
| Moderate Pimavanserin Tartrate , also known as (Nuplazid) |
| Moderate Pimozide , also known as (Orap) |
| Moderate Piperacetazine , also known as (Quide) |
| Moderate Pramipexole , also known as (Mirapex) |
| Moderate Prasterone (prescription Drug) , also known as (Intrarosa) |
| Moderate Prochlorperazine , also known as (Compazine, Prochlor) |
| Moderate Promazine , also known as (Sparine) |
| Moderate Quetiapine , also known as (Dopaquel, Seroquel) |
| Moderate Rasagiline , also known as (Azilect) |
| Moderate Relugolix, Estradiol, Norethindrone Acetate , also known as (Myfembree) |
| Moderate Risperidone , also known as (Perseris, Risperdal) |
| Moderate Ropinirole , also known as (Adartrel, Requip) |
| Moderate Rotigotine , also known as (Neupro) |
| Moderate Safinamide Mesylate , also known as (Xadago) |
| Moderate Segesterone Acetate, Ethinyl Estradiol , also known as (Annovera) |
| Moderate Selegiline , also known as (Carbex, Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) |
| Moderate Sertindole , also known as (Serlect) |
| Moderate Thioridazine , also known as (Mellaril) |
| Moderate Thiothixene , also known as (Navane) |
| Moderate Tibolone , also known as (Livial) |
| Moderate Tolcapone , also known as (Tasmar) |
| Moderate Trifluoperazine , also known as (Stelazine) |
| Moderate Triflupromazine , also known as (Vesprin) |
| Moderate Ulipristal Acetate , also known as (Ella) |
| Moderate Ziprasidone , also known as (Geodon) |
| Moderate Zonisamide , also known as (Zonegran, Zonisade) |
| Moderate Zuclopenthizol , also known as (Clopixol) |
This medication list is taken from www.hellopharmacist.com and is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional. It does not reflect all of the possible interactions and instead, intends to give a flavour of the importance of checking with professionals prior to the use of herbal remedies.
If you have a diagnosed health condition or are taking any medications, please speak with a qualified herbalist using the webchat function prior to purchase.
*This information refers to the plant type in general and not any specific product made from or with it. It is based on folk lore and historical, traditional use only and does not contain scientifically proven health claims. It is for historic informative and entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as a suggestion that the products can treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness. They are not a substitute for professional, medical advice. Always see your doctor.*
(Sources: “The Modern Herbal Dispensary” - Thomas Easley and Steven Horne, “The New Holistic Herbal” - David Hoffman, nuorganic.com, Indigo Herbs, sungodmedicinals.com, hellopharmacist.com)
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