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Chastetree

Family:
Verbenaceae
Latin Name:
Vitex agnus-castus



Description

A deciduous, aromatic tree that blooms from July to August. The entire plant is aromatic, especially the flowers and fruits.




Common Uses

Chastetree berries can help regulate periods when there is excessive or too frequent bleeding. It also reestablishes normal ovulation after contraceptive pills have been used. Women with PMS with significant depression should probably steer clear of chasteberry. Some research suggests that PMS with depression is caused by excess progesterone, and chasteberry is said to raise progesterone levels. Chasteberry may help some women trying to conceive if infertility is due to low progesterone levels.




History

Greeks and Romans used this plant to encourage chastity and thought it capable of warding off evil. Medieval monks used the dried berries in their food to keep them chaste, resulting in the name "monk's pepper." Hippocrates used chaste tree to treat injuries and inflammation.




Products Containing this Ingredient

Chastetree Berry Complete Concentrate®




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