chasteberry

The name "Vitex" is derived from the Latin word "viere" (to braid) and refers to the branches' earlier use in basket weaving. "Agnus-castus" means "chaste lamb" and reflects its historical use as a means of suppressing sexual urges. (In Francis de Sales's guide to preserving chastity, Philothea, it states: "Whoever rests on the herb Agnus castus becomes chaste and modest. So too will your heart be cleansed of every stain and evil desire when it rests in the Savior, the truly pure and spotless Lamb.")

Fruits (dried berries)

Monk’s pepper comes from the Mediterranean region and Western Asia.

From September to October, when the fruits are fully ripe.

The shrub prefers to grow on river banks and on moist soils in sunny regions.

Iridoid glycosides (e.g. aucubin, agnuside), flavonoids, essential oils, diterpenes

The fruits of the chasteberry are processed into tea, capsules, or drops. Typical applications include hormonal complaints such as PMS, menstrual irregularities, and breast pain (mastodynia).

PMS and the desire to have children: Treatment with femidoc® (Ze 440), a special extract from chasteberry fruit, leads to a significant improvement in menstrual cycle disorders and is well tolerated. An astonishing side effect: A Swiss study shows that femidoc® supports women with previously unfulfilled desire to have children on their path to pregnancy.

Literature:

1. Eltbogen R, Litschgi M, Gasser UE, Flüeli A, Nebel S, Zahner C, Vitex agnus castus extract (Ze 440) for
   Symptom treatment in women with menstrual cycle disorders, Journal of Gynecological Endocrinology 2015;9(2), 10-15.

The plant has a hormone-regulating effect by inhibiting the release of prolactin, thus supporting hormonal balance. It also has a relaxing effect on the body and can relieve irritability and feelings of tension.