By rights, this plant should be called Vitex agnos-castus, not V. agnus-castus. We can blame Pliny for the agnus part of the name, he mistranslated the agnos centuries ago. That ancient name, Agnos, gives us a clue to the properties of the plant, and lets us know that the ancient Greeks knew all about it. Agnos means infertile. It is related to hagnos, meaning chaste. Agnus castus has also been called Monk's Pepper and Cloister Pepper. This is because it helped Europeans in the middle ages with vows of chastity, especially men, to keep their solemn vows. Agnus castus was a regular table spice on the tables of monasteries during the Middle Ages because it can dampen sex drive, especially in men (in women it often increases sex drive, this is due in part to a need in the body for hormonal balance that agnus castus can provide). Other names that this tree has carried over the years express this as well: Chaste Lamb, Abraham's Balm, and the most popular common name currently, Chaste Tree . Found first in the Mediterranean, the ripe, dried fruit is used much as it was by the ancient Greeks. Back then it was sacred to Demeter and Hera. Later it became sacred to Ceres and used in her invocation. These chemicals make the seed bitter, pungent, slightly astringent, calming, and stimulating. It can cool or warm, depending on the person using it. Its uses were adopted into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) some time ago. In that system it is thought to effect the urogential organs, intestines, liver, uterus, pituitary, sinews. The TCM meridians effected by Vitex agnus-castus are liver, kidney, spleen, lung chong, Ren. V. agnus-castus plays a large role in balancing the pituitary, a part of the body that triggers the ovaries in women to ovulate, to allow a follicle to mature, to produce progesterone. In the uterus agnus castus circulates energy in a way that diminishes constriction. This can show as symptoms including painful, irregular periods, long cycle, irritability, cramps during or before menses and spasmodic dysmenorrhea. Agnus castus tonifies reproductive energies, bringing balance to reproduction, menopause, and sexuality. It can increase progesterone, inhibit prolactin, and reduce discharge. The reduction of unusually high levels of prolactin can reduce PMS and other reproductive imbalances like irregular menses. Agnus castus may also weaken dopamine receptor antagonists, enabling the functions of dopamine, a chemical produced in the body that plays a role in prolactin production, memory, motor skills, problem solving skills, feeling pleasure and self-motivation. Warning: Not to be used internally during pregnancy. Drug Interactions: Hormonal birthcontrol methods. In animal experiments there is evidence of a dopaminergic effect of the drug; therefore, a reciprocal weakening of the effect can occur in case of ingestion of dopamine-receptor antagonists. Warning: Not to be used internally during pregnancy. Drug Interactions: Hormonal birth control methods. In animal experiments there is evidence of a dopaminergic effect of the drug; therefore, a reciprocal weakening of the effect can occur in case of ingestion of dopamine-receptor antagonists. Excerpted with permission from Materia Medica by liz Johnson.

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This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

(Health needs should always be considered before taking herbs, supplements, or medications. Talk to someone qualified in the use of these herbs before using as medicine.)