Chaste Berry Vitex angus castus

Chaste Berry Vitex angus castus

Vitex agnus-castus L., commonly known as chaste tree, is the sole species to occur in Europe. Native to West Asia and southwestern Europe, the shrub was introduced throughout Europe at an early date. It was known in English gardens as early a 1570, and now occurs throughout the European continent

Chaste tree is a shrub that bears violet flowers and berries. The medicinal parts are the dried fruit and leaves. The plant comes from the Mediterranean and western Asia. It can now be found in southeastern parts of North America.

The German Commission E has approved the use of Chaste Tree extract for the treatment of PMS. It is widely used in Germany and in Europe

The name “chasteberry” may reflect the traditional belief that the plant promoted chastity. Monks in the Middle Ages reportedly used it to decrease sexual desire.