Characteristics/ description: Deciduous bush of the family of the vervain family up to 6 m when it is cultivated, although in wild state it doesn't attain more than 3. Scented leaves with very long petioles till 10 cm , palmate-compound with 5-7 leaflets, green above, gray pubescent below. Flowers in spikes, violet or purple that grow in summer on the new branches developed during spring. Eatable fruits, black or reddish.
It is thought that its name comes from the fact that people in the past considered this tree to posses anaphrodisiac properties since it inhibited the sexual desire. In fact its fruits were used by the medieval religious men to eliminate sexual desire. Although in other moments it has also been used for the opposed purpose . Its scientific name refers to the symbol of chastity since agnus-castus in Latin means "chaste lamb"
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Components:
- Iridoid Glycosides : Agnuside and aucubin (Fruits and leaves)
- Fat ( fruits)
- Casticin (Leaves)
- Progesterone (Leaves)
- Testosterone (Leaves)
-Essential oils : Alpha-terpineol, cineol, camphene, beta-pinene, beta-caryophyllene, beta - farnesene, beta-phellandrene, limonene, myrcene, sabinene (Leaves)
Women disorders: The main uses of this plant are related with problems of the menstruation and the consequences that they produce in woman's health. No hormones that could justify the role that this plant plays in balancing the hormonal disorders related with the menstruation have been found so far. Most of the studies carried out up to now seem to determine that the agnuside contained in the fruits is responsible for the neutralization of the exceeding oestrogens, due to Premenstrual Syndrome, and for the increase in progesterone which is interesting to palliate the negative effects that menopause imposes. This happens because this plant acts on the hypophysis helping it to produce the luteinizaning hormone and to diminish the follicle stimulating hormone . Definitely , its use is very positive to balance the female hormonal system. All these properties are possible whenever they are done with a continuous prolonged treatment. The effects produce after 6 months of treatment are permanent although this may be given up completely.
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Premenstrual syndrome: This plant was already used by the old people from Greece or Rome to calm the pains of the menstruation. It diminishes the prolactin production, the hormone in charge of the the production of maternal milk and one of the main responsible factors for breast swelling and pain during menstruation. Besides, it has been demonstrated that the constant use of this plant during a prolonged period alleviated many symptoms of PMS: bad mood, swelling , headaches, sweet craving , lack of concentration, etc. (Infusion of a spoonful of berries for cup of water. Three cups a day)
(Administration of powder pills of chaste tree in a daily intake of 450 mg distributed in two doses) (Do not to take if high levels of depression are presented because the use of this plant could increase them)
- Menopause: It exercises a oestrogenic balance in the body, so that it is appropriate for the treatment of menopause. It has been proved that administering it produces a regularization of menstruation especially in relation to quantity or timing. It also helps to reduce hot flashes or other symptoms (The habitual intake is about 450 extract mg a day distributed in two doses ) It can be taken in form of capsules or pills. It is considered that the first improvements take place in 2 months time and that the regulation of the menstruation takes place after half a year of treatment.
- Amenorrhoea: (Temporal ceasing of menstruation) The use of the tincture of this plant is effective to combat amenorrhoea, produced by a too high level of prolactin that this plant helps to diminish. (The habitual dose is of 20 daily mg)
- Postoperative vomits: Ginger seems to reduce the negative effects that accompany medications used in surgery, especially the need for vomiting . This remedy must be taken one day before an operation takes place on the condition that it has been consulted consulted and approved by the doctor.
- Infertility: Chaste tree, according to some studies, is very appropriate to increase female fertility because it regulates the woman's hormones, reducing oestrogens, and, at the same time, increasing breast milk production. It is very helpful for those women that take birth control pills and decide to abandon them and become pregnant. After a period of treatment, they may become fertile again. (40 drops of extract liquid) (Do not to take if you are already pregnant or if you believe you might be)
- Fibromas: Its action on the fibrous cysts is quite effective. (The habitual dose is about 450 extract mg a day distributed in two takings)
- Endometriosis: By stabilizing the hormones, it diminishes the painful pains of endometriosis. The habitual dose is about 600 extract mg a day distributed in three takings.
Juvenile acne: The use of this plant has been positive in the treatment of juvenile acne so much in boys as in girls. (Infusion of a spoonful of dry fruits for a cup of water during 10 minutes. Take two cups a day)
Other uses
Spice: The fruits of this plant have been used as spice to season foods. They possess a slight spicy flavour and they are lightly bitter. Its essential oils also give food a slight aroma.
Contraindications and toxicity
This plant should not be administered together with any other hormonal medication as birth-control pills or any medication that is taken to counteract the symptoms of the menopause (Treatment with oestrogen)
Although some experts consider the use of chaste tree is quite safe during the first 90 days of pregnancy, it is wiser not to take if someone is sure or suspicious to be pregnant. In any case it is better to consult with the doctor before taking it.
Do not take if you are already under treatment of dopamine antagonists not to interfering with them.
In the event of gastric problems it is better to take it in more times , always with your stomach plenty. In the event of cutaneous eruptions, reduce the dosage.
 More information about natural medicine in the listing above.
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