Chasteberry, or Vitex agnus-castus, also known as monk’s pepper or chaste tree berry, is a small shrub-like tree native to central Asia and the Mediterranean. The plant’s common name derives from the medieval belief that consuming the berries would promote chastity. Today herbalists use chasteberry most frequently for treating female hormone and menstrual problems, though the herb has several other potential benefits.
Menstrual Problems
Chasteberry may provide women with relief from menstrual problems, including uterine bleeding, PMS and menopausal symptoms. The herb is believed to regulate the ovulatory cycle and hormone production when taken on a regular basis, which may benefit women suffering from amenorrhea, or the absence of menstrual bleeding. According to a study published in the April 2000 edition of the “Journal of Women’s Health and Gender-Based Medicine,” 93 percent of women taking chasteberry extract for a period of three menstrual cycles experienced a decrease in the number of PMS symptoms or even a complete cessation of complaints. The herb was well-tolerated, and no serious adverse drug reactions were reported. Although scientific evidence is lacking, many herbalists also prescribe chasteberry for treating polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, and irregular periods.
Lactation Problems
In his book “The New Healing Herbs,” Michael Castleman recommends the use of chasteberry for increasing milk production in nursing women. Research studies are necessary to prove the efficacy of the herb for this purpose, but strong anecdotal evidence suggests it may be of some use. Although generally considered safe, it’s always recommended that you consult a qualified physician before taking any supplement while breast-feeding, including chasteberry. Very little research exists regarding the herb’s effect on breast-fed infants.
Libido Reduction
Reports of medieval monks using chasteberry to decrease sexual desire may not be far from the truth. Castleman suggests that chaste tree decreases levels of androgens, the male sex hormone, in men. Most men produce more androgens than are necessary to fuel the typical libido, so in most cases suppressing them will likely have little effect. In men with naturally low levels of androgens, however, the herb may reduce the libido significantly, though further research is necessary to confirm.
Other Uses
Chasteberry is associated with numerous folk remedies, including treating acne, infertility, breast pain and fibroid cysts, though these claims are as yet unproven. Traditional Chinese healers use the Chinese variety of the plant to treat headaches, muscle aches, pain, dizziness and eye problems and to cleanse the liver. In medieval times, the peppery-flavored fruit of chasteberry performed as a substitute for black pepper, particularly in monasteries, where the monks believed it would improve their chances of maintaining chastity.
About this Author
Willow Sidhe is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. She is a certified aromatherapist with a background in herbalism. She has extensive experience gardening, with a specialty in indoor plants and herbs. Sidhe’s work has been published on numerous Web sites, including Gardenguides.com.
