Posted by INGRID BAUER, MD on Mar 2nd 2025
Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) has long been prized for supporting women’s health. From ancient folklore across Europe to an extensive body of contemporary scientific research, chaste tree berry is known for supporting regular menstrual cycles, breast health, and pre-menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms.
Key Takeaways
Hormonal Harmony:
Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) supports women’s health by modulating the endocrine system, promoting a balanced release of reproductive hormones.
Historical & Modern Validation:
With a rich tradition in European and Middle Eastern folklore, and centuries of use by herbalists, chaste tree berry is now backed by clinical research. It’s commonly used for premenstrual symptoms, cyclical breast discomfort, menstrual irregularities, and fertility support.
Versatile Applications:
The herb is effective not only in addressing premenstrual issues but also in supporting perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Its use in combination with other herbal formulas (like Xiao Yao San, black cohosh, and dong quai) enhances its benefits.
Phytochemical Power:
Chaste tree berries contain a diverse range of bioactive compounds including essential oils, flavonoids, and steroidal substances that contribute to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormone-regulating effects.
Complementary Roles in Herbal Medicine:
While Vitex targets women’s hormonal health, other Vitex species (e.g., Vitex trifolia or man jing zi) are employed in East Asian medicine to address “wind heat” and related conditions, showcasing the herb’s broad medicinal versatility.
Vitex species are large shrubs native to southern Europe, north Africa and Central Asia, and now grown in warmer climates from Mediterranean-type to tropical regions. A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), Vitex shrubs can grow up to 15 feet high and produce beautiful panicles of purple flowers in late spring that mature into robust clusters of grey-brown seeds 2-4 mm in diameter in early fall. These shrubs make an excellent hedgerow and attract many beneficial insects and pollinators. Vitex appreciates well-drained soil, is drought and even salt-tolerant, and grows very well in our Sierra Foothills region of California!
History and Folklore About Chaste Tree
The genus name for Vitex is derived from the Latin word for weaving, referring to its use in basketry. The species name agnus-castus is a repetition of the Greek and Latin words for “chaste.” The name “chaste tree” was born of the plant’s traditional use for suppressing sexual urges, especially among men. It was also referred to as monk’s pepper for the same reason. Greek women were reported to use the strong-scented leaves in their bedclothes to ward off unwanted sexual advances and in honor of Demeter and Hera. Egyptian, Persian, and Arabic scholars also recorded medicinal applications of chaste tree.
By the late middle-ages, European herbalists and physicians were documenting the use of chaste tree berry for menstrual complaints, pregnancy complications, and lactation support. They also applied the berries for digestive upset and liver disorders as well as painful musculoskeletal conditions.
By Unknown author - Dioscorides manuscript Codex Vindobonensis Med. Gr. I, or Codex AniciaeJulianae, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23877166
Phytochemistry Of Chaste Tree Berry
The berries of chaste tree are a treasure trove of phytochemicals. They are rich in essential oils, flavonoids, progestins and steroidal compounds. A plethora of compounds have been studied for their anti-microbial, antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory potential, and more specific work has been done on the hormonal and gynecological applications of Vitex compounds.
Scientists think that chaste tree berry works on the endocrine system primarily by acting like (agonizing) dopamine’s actions on the anterior pituitary gland. This in turn reduces the release of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates breast tissue growth and milk release. Lower prolactin means more release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), which drives the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These are the primary sex hormones that regulate gonadal function!
Contemporary Uses for Chaste Tree Berry
Given its long history of traditional use for women’s health, it’s no surprise that many practicing Western herbalists today use chaste tree berry for many purposes. At least 35 human clinical trials on chaste tree berry in relationship to women’s health can be found published in English, and many more have been conducted worldwide.
Premenstrual Symptoms
Multiple clinical trials have shown that extracts of chaste tree berry ease PMS symptoms, especially after the third month of regular use. We often recommend using chaste tree berry extract from post-ovulation to the start of menses, often in combination with other herbs, to support premenstrual wellness. Chaste tree berry is especially helpful in those with premenstrual mood swings, acne, abdominal cramping, and breast tenderness. Some of these benefits may be derived from the anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids and iridoids in chaste tree berry. We frequently combine chaste tree berry with the traditional East Asian formula Xiao Yao San, as can be found in our New Moon formula.
Breast Comfort:
Chaste tree berry has been shown in scientific studies to improve cyclical breast discomfort. In one meta-analysis, Chaste tree berry significantly reduced breast tenderness compared to other supplements and placebo and was noninferior to NSAIDs. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to increase progesterone, as well as inhibiting pituitary dopamine receptors to reduce the release of prolactin.
Menstrual Regularity and Fertility
Many factors influence menstrual regularity, ovulation and the success of implantation of an ovum in the uterine lining after fertilization The appropriate release and levels of progesterone prior to the luteal phase is particularly important for both ovulation and the buildup of a healthy uterine lining, resulting in an timely, smooth menstruation OR the successful implantation and growth of an ovum in said lining. Luteal phase defectsare responsible for shorter cycles and thinner linings, which can be due to central or peripheral endocrine problems like PCOS, stress, over-exercise, anorexia, thyroid disorders, and other health conditions. Chaste tree berry is thought to modulate the HPA axis to reduce prolactin levels and to increase luteinizing hormone (LH), thereby triggering ovulation and increasing ovarian production of progesterone.
For women experiencing irregular menses and/or difficulty conceiving, often after stopping hormonal contraceptives or in so-called “advanced maternal age,” we often recommend 2 mL (60 drops) of chaste tree berry tincture taken at the same time every day for 2-3 months, or until periods are back on track (or pregnancy occurs).
(Peri) Menopause
Since so many symptoms can occur during the years before and after the cessation of menstruation, it would be hard to find one herb that provides each woman with the support she needs. When menstrual discomfort, irregularity, mood swings, and breast tenderness predominate, as is common in perimenopausal years, chaste tree berry can be a helpful ally. When hot flashes, insomnia and anxiety predominate, chaste tree berry has been shown to significantly reduce vasomotor and anxiety symptoms in menopausal women. Chaste tree berry combines well with other well-known herbs like black cohosh and dong quai, as well as with traditional East Asian formulas such as Jia Wei Xiao Yao San or Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.
Why Chaste Tree Berry Tincture is Good
Discover our premium Chaste Tree Berry Tincture, crafted from high-quality Vitex agnus-castus to support natural hormonal balance. Its potent extract helps ease menstrual discomfort and nurtures overall women's wellness. Every drop delivers nature’s bioactive compounds for gentle, effective relief. Backed by centuries of tradition and modern research, it's your holistic ally for a balanced, thriving life.
Other Vitex Species
In East Asian Medicine, man jing zi –the fruit of Vitex trifolia–is used quite differently. Manjing zi is recognized to have a cool temperature and acrid & bitter flavors. It is classified as an herb that “releases the exterior wind heat.” Manjing zi enters the LIver, as well as the Bladder and Stomach.
“Wind heat” is a pattern in the body that often manifests with fever, headache, sore throat, rashes, and red, painful eye conditions. Wind itself, like the natural phenomenon, is associated with abnormal body movements such as twitching or seizures, as well as neurological imbalances like dizziness, ringing in the ears, and a sensation of heaviness or numbness in the limbs.
Red, painful eye conditions are often associated in TCM with a pattern called “Liver yang rising.” The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi in the body. If the Liver becomes congested, Liver qi stagnation may develop. Stagnation can lead to heat, which burns up the cooling oist principle of yin, leading to an excess of yang. So, in extreme states of agitation and imbalance, the Liver yang is unchecked and it manifests to the eyes (red, irritated), head (painful, tight), as well as the Heart (palpitations, elevated blood pressure). Manjing zi can be combined with other cooling, yin-nourishing and Liver qi-regulating herbs to support the cooling and retraction of Yang.
Manjing zi can be found in larger herbal formulas to release tension and the head and eyes, support the resolution of red or painful eye conditions, as well as in relaxation of cramping, stiffness, or numbness in the extremities. A common patent formula for headache support containingman jing zi is Pian Tou Tong Wan.
Final Thoughts
The chaste tree berry represents a powerful convergence of ancient herbal wisdom and contemporary scientific insight. Its ability to naturally regulate hormonal balance makes it a trusted ally for addressing menstrual irregularities, PMS symptoms, and even menopausal discomfort. Whether used alone or in combination with other traditional formulas, Vitex continues to empower women by supporting overall reproductive wellness. As with all herbal therapies, personalized guidance from a healthcare professional is advised to ensure the best outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How does chaste tree berry support women’s health?
A1: It works primarily by influencing the endocrine system—specifically by reducing prolactin release and boosting the production of key reproductive hormones, which helps regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate symptoms like breast tenderness and mood swings.
Q2: How long does it take to notice the benefits?
A2: Clinical trials and traditional usage suggest that consistent use for about 2-3 months is typically required to experience significant improvements.
Q3: Can chaste tree berry be beneficial during menopause?
A3: Yes, it can help alleviate perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms—especially when combined with other supportive herbs that address hot flashes, insomnia, and anxiety.
Q4: How safe is chaste tree berry?
Side effects are rare, but may include headache, nausea, or GI upset. As with any substance, allergic reactions are possible. Not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.Avoid in hormone-receptive cancers of the breasts & reproductive organs. Chaste tree berry may interact with certain medications including hormonal therapies, certain antipsychotic and Parkinson medications. If you have a medical condition and/or are taking prescription medications, please check with a qualified health practitioner before consuming chaste tree berry.