Lamiaceae
Chaste Tree
Vitex agnus-castus
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Mediterranean, Central Asia
Also known as: Chasteberry, Monk's Pepper, Abraham's Balm, Vitex
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Berry
Therapeutic Uses
PMS (multiple RCTs — reduces irritability, breast tenderness, headaches), PMDD, hyperprolactinemia, luteal phase defect, secondary amenorrhea, menopausal symptoms, fibrocystic breast disease. Unique dopamine mechanism normalizes prolactin.
Herbal Actions
Dopaminergic (D2 agonist), prolactin inhibitor, progesterogenic (indirect), hormonal modulator
Active Constituents
Iridoids (aucubin, agnuside), flavonoids (casticin, vitexin, luteolin), diterpenes, volatile oil, alkaloids
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp dried berries per 250ml, steep 15 min, 1x daily in morning |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 60% ethanol), once daily in morning |
| Notes | Take ONCE DAILY in the morning (mimics natural prolactin rhythm). Effects require 3–6 menstrual cycles. Standardized extract (0.5% agnuside): 20–40mg daily. Do not take with hormonal contraceptives without guidance. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding (reduces milk if taking for prolactin). Avoid with dopamine antagonists (antipsychotics). Avoid with HRT and oral contraceptives.
Side Effects: Mild GI upset, headache, acne. Menstrual irregularity initially. Rare allergic reactions. Do not stop abruptly if using for amenorrhea.