{"id":4920,"date":"2021-08-21T14:16:10","date_gmt":"2021-08-21T13:16:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=4920"},"modified":"2026-02-12T11:53:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T11:53:25","slug":"agnus-castus","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/agnus-castus\/","title":{"rendered":"Agnus castus"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":4928,"parent":0,"menu_order":-200,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"3ed3c93b-f878-4c80-aba5-45dc7bbbbe5a","beyondwords_preview_token":"dd4356e1-6bd8-45e3-b76a-8f85a0d3a00e","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[2015,409],"conditions":[693,696,698,700],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[18,16],"western_action":[1012,1000,1003,1009,1017,2068,1023],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1498,1487,1497,1492,1380,1377],"writer":[],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-4920","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-chasteberry","tag-womens-health","conditions-endocrine-system","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-skin","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-hot","western_action-galactagogue","western_action-astringent","western_action-carminative","western_action-emmenagogue","western_action-nervine","western_action-reproductive-tonic","western_action-uterine-tonic","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-pungent","energetics_action-toning","energetics_action-warm","energetics_action-western","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20210821","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Agnus castus or chasteberry is the prime women\u2019s remedy","latin_name":"Vitex agnus-castus<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Lamiaceae","herb_summary":"This is the favourite women's remedy among herbal practitioners in the European tradition with multiple uses for menstrual and premenopausal problems.","key_benefits":"Premenstrual syndrome\r\nMenstrual disturbances\r\nPerimenopausal symptoms\r\nAcne","how_does_it_feel":"The most striking feature of agnus castus in its habitat is the powerful and very evocative pungent, warm, heavy scent that emanates from the trees in the hot sun, and which is also released when crushing the fruits in your hands.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nUpon tasting, agnus castus delivers a powerful kick. There is an initial hot, peppery flavour, followed by a bitter taste that persists for some minutes and a subtle transient sweetness. The peppery flavour leaves a tingle on the tongue for a few hours following ingestion.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAgnus castus comes across as a strong sensory agent, suggesting its potency which is perhaps reflective of the relatively low doses used in clinical practice. In ancient traditions, it is considered \u2018drying\u2019, appropriate to damp conditions as characterised by congestive states including fluid retention.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":5542,"hdif_image_2":4931,"hdif_image_3":4928,"hdif_video":"","sense":[18,16],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_4928\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"515\"]\"Agnus Agnus castus (Vitex agnus-castus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThis ancient Mediterranean female reproductive remedy has become more familiar in modern herbalism, and is particularly well known in Germany, where it was popularised early in the 20th century. Its predominant application is in relieving symptoms of tension occurring either before a period or during perimenopause. However, it has been used for a range of gynaecological conditions, including premenstrual syndrome<\/a> (PMS), irregular menstruation, fluid retention, swollen breasts and to facilitate fertility through hormonal regulation (1).\r\n\r\nAgnus castus has a dopaminergic action on the anterior pituitary gland and mimics dopamine, which is the key inhibitor of prolactin. It, therefore, helps to reduce high prolactin levels, which are responsible for a range of hormonal symptoms, including menstrual irregularities and swollen breasts (1,2). Agnus castus has also been used successfully in treating acne, especially when it\u2019s caused by hormonal fluctuations (3).\r\n\r\nAgnus castus is regarded as a nervine owing to its relaxing and calming qualities. It is often included in preparations for people suffering from premenstrual and perimenopausal anxiety and low mood (4).","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_4927\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"515\"]\"Agnus Agnus castus (Vitex agnus-castus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nEnergetically, agnus castus is considered warming and drying and, therefore, can be applied to damp or cool conditions, including fluid retention.\r\n\r\nAgnus castus has long been regarded as a woman\u2019s remedy, and many of its traditional uses are now confirmed through modern research. It is indicated in a variety of menstrual disorders including PMS<\/a>, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome<\/a> (PCOS), endometriosis<\/a>, ovarian cysts and menopausal<\/a> symptoms (1,4). It is an hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) regulator and is also progesteronic, helping to increase fertility, regulate menstruation and reduce premenstrual symptoms (1,5). Agnus castus has also been shown to improve libido and sexual function in women, especially when this is related to hormonal imbalances (6).\r\n\r\nThrough supporting progesterone production, agnus castus can indirectly support the balance of oestrogen and can help to reduce oestrogen excess and associated symptoms including irregular menstruation, mood swings and fluid retention (1,7).\r\n\r\nAs a result of its effect on prolactin secretion, in low doses agnus castus has been shown to increase prolactin levels and promote milk supply acting as a galactagogue; whereas in higher doses it has been shown to decrease prolactin levels and reduce oversupply of breast milk (1). This demonstrates the importance of dose when considering the desired effect of the plant.\r\n\r\nAgnus castus also has anti-androgenic actions and can help to reduce excess androgen hormones in patients with PCOS (8).\r\n\r\nIt has a mood-balancing and nervine action, helping to regulate mood swings especially when they are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during menstruation and menopause (1,5).\r\n\r\nIt is worth reflecting on the notion of a women\u2019s remedy. Women have historically been the healers, for themselves, their children and wider community. The \u2018wise woman\u2019 is more than a turn of phrase. Women chose the remedies that women needed, and they valued and shared those that worked. From time to time, exceptional ones emerge into the wider materia medica across a whole culture \u2014 shatavari in India, dong quai in China, and helonias root in North America (unfortunately now a threatened species and no longer recommended). In southern Europe, that women\u2019s remedy is agnus castus.","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_265396\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"516\"]\"Agnus Agnus castus (Vitex agnus-castus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nAgnus castus has traditionally been associated with chastity, as is indicative of its common name \u2018chaste tree\u2019, originating from the Greek \u2018chaste\u2019, meaning pure. It was traditionally used to suppress libido in men, and was used as such by monks to suppress their sexual urges, hence its other name \u2018monk\u2019s pepper\u2019 (9\u201311). The roman physician Dioscorides describes its use to fend off wolves, indicative of its traditional and spiritual associations with protection.\r\n\r\nThe mediaeval herbalist Parkinson noted that \u201cit also procureth milke in womens breasts, it procureth their courses [menstrual flow] and the urine stopped\u2026\u201d and \u201dthe decoction of the herbe and seede is very good for women troubled with the paines of the mother, or inflammations of the parts\u201c(12). In reinforcement of its association also with chastity he also noted that it \u201crefraineth also the instigations to Venery in any manner used and taken\u201c (12).\r\n\r\nIts traditional reputation was always intriguingly paradoxical, a point that modern herbal practitioners often take to point to an amphoteric effect. Thus, Parkinson takes Galen to task: \u201calthough so famous a writer and Physician contraryeth himselfe in this one place\u2026, for having affirmed before that the seede hereof is hot and dry\u2026, he saith that the seede of Vitex doth refraine Venerous desires, and giveth little nourishment to the body, and that because it is cooling and drying\u201d (12,13). He concludes that of the two positions the temperament of agnus castus is \u201ca meane between them both\u201c (12). As noted from its organoleptic assessment, this is an appropriate conclusion for a remedy that is both hot and bitter.\r\n\r\nIn nineteenth century North America, the Eclectics, a leading group of doctors who had revived herbal approaches, did recognise the complexity of this remedy and as well as stabilising menstruation, encouraging lactation and \u201crepressing sexual passions\u201d, applied it also to impotence, sexual melancholia, sexual irritability with nervousness, melancholia or mild dementia (14\u201316). This hints at an amphoteric, tonic effect across a range of hormonal disturbances.\r\n\r\nEarlier there had been other uses recommended. In Galenic medical texts, as noted above, agnus castus is classified as \u201chot and dry in the third degree\u201d (i.e. among the strongest of this category) suggesting that it was appropriate for any cold-damp condition. Even earlier, in Hippocratic texts from the 4th century BC, as well as its use for \u201cissue of the blood\u201d and \u201chelping the afterbirth come away\u201d, agnus castus was recommended for the treatment of wounds, inflammatory conditions, and swellings of the spleen (liver disease). The latter is a classic damp-heat problem that is consistent with its bitterness.","what_practioners_say":"

\"ReproductiveReproductive system<\/h3>\r\nAgnus castus is a favoured reproductive remedy amongst Western medical herbalists. It is used in a wide range of menstrual and also perimenopausal indications, now with increasing focus on conditions of high prolactin levels and progesterone deficiency (e.g., cystic hyperplasia of the endometrium). These include PMS , especially with fluid retention and breast swelling, and other premenstrually-aggravated symptoms, like sleeplessness and mood changes (1).\r\n\r\nAgnus castus<\/i> has demonstrated an ability to regulate disturbed menstrual cycles and periods, including lengthened or shortened cycles, and loss of periods (where pregnancy and other medical conditions have been ruled out). Here, its effects seem to be greater where the menstrual disturbances are linked to corpus luteum deficiency \u2014 i.e. when the corpus luteum doesn\u2019t produce enough progesterone during the luteal phase (17). . Ovulation tracking using daily temperature checks, cycle tracking and mucus testing can be useful in identifying menstrual disturbances.\r\n\r\nAgnus castus has been shown to reduce cases of bleeding between periods (metrorrhagia) as a result of IUD (17).\u00a0 Further reproductive indications for this herb include PCOS,\u00a0 alongside other remedies to manage the insulin resistance element of this condition, such as barberry<\/a> (Berberis vulgaris<\/i>)or gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre<\/i>). It can also provide symptomatic relief for endometriosis and fibroids. Stress is a contributing factor to raised prolactin levels, which also indicates agnus castus due to its calming nervine action (17).\r\n\r\nInfertility is also a traditional indication for agnus castus. In this case, it is most appropriate if there are problems with conception linked to disrupted menstrual cycles; for example, anovulation or issues with implantation.As women go through the menopause they may find that premenstrual patterns merge into a wider and longer sometimes congestive pattern, as though the PMS is taking over. This would be an instance to consider agnus castus as part of a treatment protocol (11).\r\n\r\nThrough its dopaminergic action, agnus castus can inhibit prolactin secretion which is helpful in treating hyperprolactinaemia and in cases where prolactin is elevated \u2014 for example,pituitary tumours (2).\r\n

Skin<\/h3>\r\nAgnus castus can help to manage acne as an internal remedy, as it can help to regulate hormones that contribute to acne exacerbations, which is particularly found in individuals with PCOS (1,4).","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_265395\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"513\"]\"Agnus Agnus castus (Vitex agnus-castus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus<\/i>): Pharmacology and clinical indications<\/h3>\r\nThe research evidence suggests that agnus castus inhibits the hormone prolactin via dopaminergic activity in the anterior pituitary. A decrease of prolactin will affect the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), oestrogen in women and testosterone in men. In terms of the menstrual cycle this has the effect of enhancing corpus luteal development (thereby correcting a relative progesterone deficiency) normalising the menstrual cycle, and encouraging ovulation (18).\r\n

Vitex agnus-castus<\/i> extracts for female reproductive disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials<\/h3>\r\nA systematic review analysed twelve randomised controlled trials (RCT) on agnus castus for reproductive conditions. One trial found agnus castus to be superior to placebo for reducing TRH-stimulated prolactin levels and increasing progesterone, thereby regulating the menstrual cycle. A further RCT showed agnus castus to be comparable to bromocriptine in reducing serum prolactin and improving cyclic mastalgia. The mechanism of action was found to be dopaminergic, and by agnus castus interacting with the D2 receptors in the anterior pituitary gland (19).\r\n

Vitex agnus castus<\/i> for the treatment of cyclic mastalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis<\/h3>\r\nA meta-analysis and systematic review of 25 clinical trials was carried out to evaluate the effect of agnus castus on cyclic mastalgia in women aged between 18 and 45. The typical dosage was between 20\u201340 mg per day over a period of three months. Results showed agnus castus was significantly more effective than placebo in reducing breast pain in six RCTs and it also reduced serum prolactin levels (20).\r\n

Polycystic ovaries and herbal remedies: A systematic review<\/h3>\r\nThis review examined studies published between 1990 to 2021 on medicinal plants in the treatment of PCOS. The review found that agnus castus reduced hirsutism by lowering levels of testosterone and androgens (21).","did_you_know":"[caption id=\"attachment_265393\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"450\"]\"Agnus Agnus castus (Vitex agnus-castus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn ancient Greece, the tree was called agnos, meaning holy, pure and chaste. They dedicated it to their mother goddess Demeter. At the festival of Thesmophoria held in her honour, Greek women, who aimed to remain chaste for the occasion, strewed their beds with branches of the tree, and wore garlands of it in the day, so that the aroma might subdue the ardour of any would-be suitor (22).\r\n\r\nThe ancient Romans dedicated the vitex tree to the goddess Hera, the protector of motherhood and marriage, who was said to have been born under one. Roman wives were also said to use the leaves to reduce the libido of their husbands. Vestal virgins carried twigs of the tree as a symbol of chastity).\r\n\r\nAnother common name for agnus castus is \u2018monk\u2019s pepper\u2019. As well as referring to its peppery taste, this was said to support its reputation for suppressing \u201cthe lusts of the flesh\u201d in monastic institutions (22).","additional_information_right":{"illustration":248164},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Agnus castus or chasteberry is the fruit (drupe) of a shrubby plant, which grows to 3\u20135 m in height producing large dark green leaves radiating from a long, hairy stalk.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe shoots terminate in a slender spike and are composed of whorls of violet flowers. The black spherical berries are lignified ovaries of two carpels each containing one seed, roughly ovoid about three by four millimetres, dark-grey in colour, yielding when crushed a dark powder of characteristic aroma and fragrant, slightly acrid and bitter peppery taste (25).<\/span>","common_names":"