[agnus castus|Vitex agnus castus] - the chaste tree or Monk's Pepper

A member of the [Verbenaceae] family, the chaste tree is a small [deciduous] [tree] or [shrub] native to central and Eastern [Europe] valued for its use in [herbal medicine]. It is multi-stemmed, grows to around 9 feet tall and has spikes of pretty mauve, pink or white flowers in the summer. The [leaves] are palmate; their resemblance to [hemp] leaves has lead to it being known as the [hemp tree] in [England]. The tree itself is aromatic, the leaves were used to perfume bedding in the Middle Ages, and the berries taste mildly peppery.

Reported by herbalists as having the ability to curb [sexual desire], the chaste tree is still known in some parts of Europe as [Monk's Pepper] - historically the [berry|berries] were frequently used in monastaries to help the [monk|monks] adhere to their [vow] of [celibacy]. Strangely enough, many herbalists also used agnus castus as an [aphrodisiac] so you have to wonder what kind of a state those poor monks were in after dosing themselves up with it! (In actual fact, it is said that chaste tree preparations normalise sexual desire, whatever 'normal' means!)

Since the [Ancient Greeks] medicines made from agnus castus have also been prescribed for other things, including cures for [epilepsy], 'conditions of the [spleen]', [snake] and [spider] bites (it has some anti paralytic properties) and most importantly problems with [lactation], [menstruation] and the symptoms of the [menopause]. Modern interest in this herb is mainly concerned with the latter.

How does it work?
Although the herb has no direct hormonal action, research has shown that it does have an effect on the [pituitary gland] and the [corpus luteum] (the body which remains in the [ovary] after ovulation), and therefore affects the amount of [progesterone] secreted into the blood stream. Many [adolescent] and [perimenopause|perimenopausal] conditions are related to irregularity of ovulation, leading in turn to irregular production of progesterone by the corpus luteum; mood swings and abnormal bleeding are often the result. Studies have shown that long term use of extracts of Vitex agnus castus can be very beneficial, but it does have to be taken for at least 3 cycles before the benefits can be seen.

How to use it.
Tinctures and tablets are available from most Health Shops. It needs to be taken regularly and for at least 3 months before deciding whether or not it is working. Always take according to the instructions on the label - a common side effect from taking too high a dose is [formication], the sensation of crawling [insect|insects] on the skin; as this is sometimes a symptom of the menopause you need to be aware of your own body should you decide to use this [herb].

Alternatively you can use [the real thing]. [Harvest] the berries in late [autumn] when dark and ripe, and dry them. Make a [tincture] by pouring a [cup] of boiling water onto a teaspoon of dried berries. Drink 3 times a day.

Caution:

Do not exceed the dose (number of tablets or capsules) or dose schedule (number of doses/day) recommended on the product [label].
If you experience any ill effects, stop taking the medication. If adverse effects are serious or it they persist, contact your [physician] or [pharmacist].
Do not take [herbal remedies] during pregnancy or while nursing a newborn unless advised by your physician.
Do not use chaste tree berries if you are currently taking [oral contraceptives] unless advised by your physician or pharmacist.
The safety of chaste tree preparations in children has not been evaluated; they should not be used in children unless advised by your physician or pharmacist.

Sources include:
http://www.health-pages.com/ct/
http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=Article&ID=430
http://www.geocities.com/nutriflip/Naturopathy/AgnusCastus.html

chaste tree (thing)