Your shopping cart is empty!
FREE SHIPPING OVER 35€
WELCOME COUPON €5 "CIAO5"
Chaste tree, scientifically known as Vitex agnus-castus and also known as "chaste berry," "monk's pepper," or "monk's pepper," is a plant of Mediterranean origin, whose name means "pure" (from agnus and castus, meaning "lamb" and "chaste"), an allusion to its anaphrodisiac properties.
In reality, chaste tree has numerous properties and benefits, which is why it is particularly appreciated in herbal medicine: its leaves, flowers, and fruits are used to produce supplements and medicinal products, as this plant has proven effective in regulating the menstrual cycle and promoting hormonal balance. But the benefits of chaste tree do not end there: let's further explore the properties of this plant and how to take it.
Chaste tree is a shrubby plant belonging to the Verbenaceae family that can reach heights ranging from two to four meters. Characterized by palmate and deeply incised leaves, it stands out for its clusters of blue-violet flowers, which bloom between summer and autumn. Its small, shiny black fruits resemble pepper, hence its common names "chaste berry" and "monk's pepper." Its natural habitat is the Mediterranean region, but it also adapts well to other temperate zones. Chaste tree prefers light, well-drained soils and sunny or semi-shaded positions.
Chaste tree has deep roots in history, with uses dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. It is mentioned in several ancient texts for its therapeutic properties and is also called the "tree of chastity," a name derived from the monastic tradition (hence the botanical name Vitex agnus-castus). In fact, it was believed that chewing its berries could suppress libido, and in ancient Greece, Athenian women would sprinkle it on their beds to wish for their husbands' fidelity when they went to war. Medieval nuns, on the other hand, often used chaste tree to maintain their vows of chastity. The name Vitex, on the other hand, comes from vitilium, meaning "intertwining," as Homer called it the "vine for weaving."
Beyond folklore, over the centuries, chaste tree has been effectively used to treat a variety of female disorders, especially those related to the menstrual cycle. Its use has continued to this day, consolidating its reputation as a valuable natural resource for women's health.
Chaste tree is known in herbal medicine and phytotherapy for the treatment of a range of disorders, especially those related to reproductive health in women. Its mechanism of action appears to be primarily hormonal. Let's look at some of its most common applications:
Buy the Chaste Tree Mother Tincture on Terzaluna
The chaste tree uses the flowering tops and fruits: the latter, in particular, are very rich in active principles that give the plant its numerous therapeutic properties.
The main chemical components present in the chaste tree are:
These naturally occurring substances in the plant give the chaste tree a series of beneficial properties, including:
As we have seen, consuming chaste tree offers numerous benefits, especially for women. This plant acts at different levels, interacting with the endocrine system and influencing the levels of various hormones.
But what are the mechanisms that make it so beneficial for the female reproductive system? Chaste tree is effective in:
These effects of chaste tree can bring a series of benefits for women, especially those suffering from menstrual cycle-related disorders.
Agnus castus can help regulate the menstrual cycle, alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome such as bloating, irritability, and headaches, and can also be of great help during menopause, helping to manage symptoms like hot flashes. Additionally, it can be useful for women suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome that can cause depressive symptoms.
If you want to learn about other beneficial herbs during menopause, read our article on natural remedies for menopause.
Buy Agnus Castus mother tincture for the menstrual cycle on Terzaluna
Agnus castus can have, thanks to its properties and active ingredients, a significant impact on various aspects of the menstrual cycle. It can help manage a series of symptoms and disorders often associated with this period:
This is a very common question: although Agnus castus can help manage water retention and control increased appetite, it is important to emphasize that it is not a weight loss product. There is no scientific evidence to prove a direct link between taking Agnus castus and weight loss. So, while it can help manage some symptoms that affect body weight, such as water retention, it should not be considered a remedy for weight loss. As always, a balanced diet and regular exercise are key to a healthy weight.
There are different ways to take Agnus castus based on individual needs. Here are the most common:
To determine the most suitable method and dose for your needs, especially if you have decided to take chaste tree for menstrual cycle issues or menopausal symptoms, we always recommend consulting a healthcare professional.
Buy Chaste Tree Mother Tincture for Menstrual Cycle on Terzaluna
How much chaste tree should you take per day? The answer may vary depending on the form in which you choose to take chaste tree and your individual needs.
If you opt for the herbal tea, it is usually recommended to have 1-2 cups a day. As for the mother tincture, the recommended dose is around 30-40 drops per day, to be diluted in water.
In the case of supplements, the recommended dose may vary depending on the product, but generally, it is advisable to take 1-2 capsules or tablets a day, always following the instructions on the packaging.
Remember, it is always important to consult a healthcare professional before starting to take chaste tree, in order to determine the most suitable dose for your needs.
Although chaste tree is a natural remedy, it is not without contraindications. In particular, chaste tree should not be used in combination with birth control pills, as both act on hormones and could interfere with each other.
Furthermore, chaste tree may affect the activity of the thyroid, so individuals with thyroid disorders should consult a doctor before starting to take it.
Although chaste tree is generally well-tolerated, like all natural remedies, it may cause some side effects. These may include:
It is important to remember that these side effects do not occur in everyone and may vary in intensity. If any of these side effects or other unusual symptoms occur, it is recommended to discontinue the use of chaste tree and consult a doctor.
Despite its potential benefits, there are some situations in which taking chaste tree should be avoided. In particular, it should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding (instead, find out what are the best breastfeeding herbal teas) due to its action on hormones, unless otherwise advised by a doctor.
Individuals with hormone-sensitive tumors, such as breast cancer, should avoid taking chaste tree, as it could potentially interfere with hormonal therapies.
Finally, those taking medications for Parkinson's disease or other nervous system disorders should discuss the use of chaste tree with a doctor, as this plant may interfere with the effectiveness of these medications.
