© Nouveau Duhamel / Traité des arbres (figures nach P.-J. Redouté & P. Bessa, 1801); NYPL-Scan · Public domain · Commons
Chaste tree
CautionMönchspfeffer · (Vitex agnus-castus)
Mint family (Lamiaceae)
Description
The chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), also called monk's pepper, is a deciduous, aromatically scented shrub of the Mediterranean and western Asia, growing 1–5 m tall and favouring riverbanks. Its palmately divided leaves and long slender wands recall willow and hemp. From summer into autumn it bears terminal spike-like panicles of small blue-violet flowers, which ripen into peppercorn-sized reddish-black drupes with a sharp, peppery taste — the medicinal drug (Agni casti fructus). The genus is now placed in the mint family (formerly the verbena family).
CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy
No indication during pregnancy; hormonal action — use not recommended.
CONTRAINDICATED during breastfeeding
May affect lactation; a risk to the suckling child cannot be excluded — do not use.
CONTRAINDICATED for children
No indication; not for children and adolescents under 18 years.
- TinctureFruitInternalEMA well-established
Standardised extract for premenstrual syndrome (well-established use) — only after consulting a doctor.
Preparation & dosage
STANDARDISED DRY EXTRACT (clinically supported): Chaste tree does not work as a tea but as a standardised dry extract. For the treatment of premenstrual syndrome only one specific extract is supported: dry extract DER 6–12:1 (ethanol 60 % m/m), 20 mg once daily, as a licensed medicinal product. For an optimal effect, continued use over three months is recommended; if symptoms persist afterwards, consult a doctor. Traditionally also as a powder (2 × 400 mg/day) or tincture (1:5, ethanol 68–70 %, 165 mg/day). Because of the hormonal action, discuss dosing and use with a doctor.
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Adult women only — not for children and adolescents under 18 years.
Classical quotes
"It is called chaste because the women, at the Thesmophoria — the yearly festivals in honour of Demeter, goddess of fertility — used it as their bedding in order to preserve their chastity."
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