In ancient times, it was called Monk’s pepper. This is because chaste tree berry (also known as Vitex and by the trade name Femaprin) was said to have an anaphrodisiac quality, that is, its ability to decrease sexual drives. Other sources indicate it was used as an aphrodisiac, in other words, for the opposite effect. How can both be true?
Chaste tree is a large shrub (up to twenty-two feet tall) native to the Mediterranean and southern Europe. Although it flourishes on moist riverbanks, it is easily grown as an ornamental plant in American gardens, where its pretty blue-violet flowers blossom in midsummer. Today it is almost exclusively used for female problems.
Its effect on sex drive is not the only seeming contradiction in its use. Some have used it to treat infertility, while others claim it, at best, has no affect. Some use it to treat post menopausal symptoms, while other say it makes them worse. It has been used to both encourage lactation and discourage excessive lactation.
The explanation for chaste berry’s contradictory results is that it is an adaptogen. This means it helps the body adapt to changes by working through the adrenal glands (in this case the pituitary) to normalize hormone imbalance. In other words, it encourages hormonal deficiencies and constrains excesses. Other herbs that are adaptogens are taheebo, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, echinacea, and goldenseal.
In order to balance the body hormones, chaste tree berry decreases the production of some hormones and increases the production of others. Some claim its success in treating infertility because it tends to shift the balance in favor of the gestagens which are hormones that condition the body for pregnancy.
Because it encourages production of progesterone, the herb is especially effective in balancing the female reproductive system. This has helped restore menstruation, regulate heavy periods, and restore fertility which is caused by hormonal imbalance. It has also relieved PMS tension and eased the changes of menopause. Some believe it is helpful for premenstrual breast tenderness, a condition linked to excess prolactin.
A tincture of the berries has also been used externally for the relief of paralysis, pains in the limbs, and neuropathic muscular weakness. Chaste berries are used to treat acne in both men and women. The berries can be used as a mild substitute for black pepper, and may even be ground in a pepper mill. The leaves and flowers are used for flavoring and have a spicy aroma.
As a tincture, use 20 drops one or two times a day. Or take 20 to 40 mg of the herb daily. Capsules or one cup of tea may be substituted as well. Some rest better when they take chaste berry shortly before bedtime. The herb is slow acting; wait at least two months or longer to know if it is helping.
Though not universally held, some say pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take chaste tree berry. A woman suffering from a hormone-sensitive cancer (e.g. uterus, breast, pituitary, etc.) should not take it. Nor should a woman taking hormone drugs such as oral contraceptives or menopausal hormone replacement therapies. Some react to it with an itchy allergic rash, some with mild nausea, and some with headaches. A few women have said that their cycle length changes.