Vitex Berry (Vitex agnus-castus)
The chaste tree is a large shrub with lance-shaped leaves and clusters of delicate purple flowers. Its small, hard fruits—known as vitex berries or chaste berries—have been valued for centuries. Our organic vitex powder is carefully ground from the dried fruits of Vitex agnus-castus and can be used in infusions, tinctures, or encapsulations.
Traditional Uses & History
- Native to the eastern Mediterranean, vitex has been cultivated in temperate regions worldwide.
- The peppery fruit has a long history of use dating back over two thousand years, recommended by Dioscorides, a Greek physician, to help soldiers’ wives maintain chastity while their husbands were at war.
- Used by both men and women in ancient Greece and Rome, it later became known as “monk’s pepper”, as medieval monks consumed it to suppress sexual desire.
- During the Athenian festival of Thesmophoria, maidens would place vitex leaves under their beds as a symbol of purity.
Uses & Preparation
- Traditionally taken as a tincture.
- Can be cracked and sprinkled on food, adding a mild peppery taste.
- Often prepared as a tea infusion or included in herbal formulations to support women’s health during the menstrual cycle and menopause.
Vitex belongs to the Verbenaceae family and continues to be a staple in traditional herbal practices.
Precautions
Vitex berry is not recommended for use alongside hormonal contraceptives. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
