Vitex angnus-castus, L (agnus castus/chaste tree) - Verbenaceace family
I thought this might interest some of the women here - a herb to alleviate ladies problems. It hasn't been proof read yet and I haven't taken out the references:
Vitex has been used throughout history and as the name “chaste tree” implies, to reduce sexual desire (Chevallier, 2007). The monks of the Roman Empire used it as such and in ancient Athens, it was associated with the priestesses of the goddess Demeter, who vowed celibacy (Holmes, 2007). It was later thought that it's bitter nature could clear heat, whereas its pungency generates warmth and menstruation through stimulation (Holmes, 2007). It is now considered to have a regulating hormonal action, as an amphoteric remedy, producing opposite effects but is essentially normalizing (Hoffmann, 2003).
It acts on the pituitary gland indicating an effect on progesterone levels in the body (Hoffmann, 2003), helping to regulate the balance of oestrogen and progesterone (Chevallier, 2007). However, despite the clear hormonal effect, the constituents responsible have not been established but what is understood, is that vitex has an indirect effect on progesterone levels, instead works by creating endocrine homeostatis (Hoffmann, 2003). Over time, it helps to regulate an irregular/absent menstrual cycle and alleviate associated hormonal problems such as premenstrual tension, bloating, irritability, depression and acne (Chevallier, 2007).
Whilst this herbs main primary use has been documented above, its ability as a balancer of opposites can be displayed as both a relaxant and stimulant (Holmes, 2007). It helps with liver stagnation easing nausea, promotes digestion, muscle relaxation and nervous sedation (Holmes, 2007).
I have to write these little monographs each week for clinic if anyone's interested in reading them. However, they are tailored to the particular patient I'm reporting on so it won't include all the uses but I could probably stick on their main actions :o)
Vitex has been used throughout history and as the name “chaste tree” implies, to reduce sexual desire (Chevallier, 2007). The monks of the Roman Empire used it as such and in ancient Athens, it was associated with the priestesses of the goddess Demeter, who vowed celibacy (Holmes, 2007). It was later thought that it's bitter nature could clear heat, whereas its pungency generates warmth and menstruation through stimulation (Holmes, 2007). It is now considered to have a regulating hormonal action, as an amphoteric remedy, producing opposite effects but is essentially normalizing (Hoffmann, 2003).
It acts on the pituitary gland indicating an effect on progesterone levels in the body (Hoffmann, 2003), helping to regulate the balance of oestrogen and progesterone (Chevallier, 2007). However, despite the clear hormonal effect, the constituents responsible have not been established but what is understood, is that vitex has an indirect effect on progesterone levels, instead works by creating endocrine homeostatis (Hoffmann, 2003). Over time, it helps to regulate an irregular/absent menstrual cycle and alleviate associated hormonal problems such as premenstrual tension, bloating, irritability, depression and acne (Chevallier, 2007).
Whilst this herbs main primary use has been documented above, its ability as a balancer of opposites can be displayed as both a relaxant and stimulant (Holmes, 2007). It helps with liver stagnation easing nausea, promotes digestion, muscle relaxation and nervous sedation (Holmes, 2007).
I have to write these little monographs each week for clinic if anyone's interested in reading them. However, they are tailored to the particular patient I'm reporting on so it won't include all the uses but I could probably stick on their main actions :o)