Chastetree

Vitex agnus-castus, also called Vitex, Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, or Monk's Pepper, is a native of the Mediterranean region.

Vitex agnus-castus is widely cultivated in warm temperate and subtropical regions for its aromatic foliage and flowers. It grows to a height of 1-5 meters. It requires full sun or partial shade along with well-drained soil.

The leaves and tender stem growth of the upper 10 cm (4 inches), along with the flowers and ripening seeds, are harvested for medicinal purposes. The berries are harvested by gently rubbing the berries loose from the stem. The leaves, flowers, and/or berries may be consumed as a decoction, traditional tincture, cider vinegar tincture, syrup, elixir, or simply eaten straight off the plant as a medicinal food. A popular way of taking Vitex is on awakening as a simple 1:1 fluid extract, which is said to interact with hormonal circadian rhythms most effectively. The berries are considered a tonic herb for both the male and female reproductive systems. The leaves are believed to have the same effect but to a lesser degree.

This plant is commonly called monk's pepper because it was originally used as anti-libido medicine by monks to aid their attempts to remain chaste. In ancient times it was believed to be an anaphrodisiac, hence the name chaste tree. There are disputed accounts regarding its action on libido, with some claims that it is anaphrodisiac and others that it is aphrodisiac. Because of the complex mechanism of action it can be probably both, depending on concentration of the extract and physiologic variables. In modern medicine it is almost always used in concentrations that would either act as a slight aphrodisiac or lack any effect on libido if prolactin levels are normal. It has also been used as a carminative and an anxiolytic.