Chasteberry Tree is from the fruit of the vitex Agnus-castus that grows along the Mediterranean Coastal regions and central Asia.
Part Used: Leaves, flowers and root bark.
Action: Acts on pituitary cells in the release of prolactin by binding to the dopamine receptors. Inhibits release of prolactin at higher doses. Stimulates release of prolactin at lower doses and has progesterone and hydroxyprogesterone effects. It also has anti-inflammatory, antiandrogenic, antieoplastic and antimicrobial effects.
Application:
Indications: Chasteberry has the effect of stimulating and normalizing pituitary gland functions, especially its progesterone function. It may be called an amphoteric remedy, as it can produce apparently opposite effects though in truth it is simply normalizing. It has for instance a reputation as both an aphrodisiac and an anaphrodisiac! It will usually enable what is appropriate to occur. The greatest use of Chasteberry lies in normalizing the activity of female sex hormones and it is thus indicated for dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual stress and other disorders related to hormone function. It is especially beneficial during menopausal changes. In a similar way it may be used to aid the body to regain a natural balance after the use of the birth control pill.
