Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a member of the Verbenaceae family, native to Mediterranean Region, Southwest Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its fruits, bark, and leaves have been used for infusions, decoctions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and ayurvedic medicine.

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Chaste Tree
Scientific Name	Vitex agnus-castus
Plant Family	Verbenaceae
Genus	Vitex
Species	agnus-castus
Native Range	Mediterranean Region, Southwest Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Bark, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Antispasmodic, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Ayurvedic Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Vitex agnus-castus
Common Name: Chaste Tree
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Vitex, Agnus Castus, Chasteberry
Plant Family: Verbenaceae
Genus: Vitex

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 2 to 5 meters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with upper surface glabrous and dark green, lower surface pale green and pubescent with stomatal bands.
Flowers: Bilaterally symmetrical flowers with five fused petals forming a tubular corolla, two lobes at the mouth, and a distinct hooded structure, arranged in dense spikes, typically lavender to purple in color.
Stems: Cylindrical, woody, branching in a dichotomous pattern, with smooth, glabrous surfaces and opposite leaf scars.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Antispasmodic: Historically regarded as a mild antispasmodic, in muscle-related contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a warming anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Sedative: In herbal texts, considered a soothing sedative, in stress-related herbal practices.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Essential Oil: Naturally occurring plant oils composed primarily of volatile constituents.
Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Contraindications related to this herb have been noted in traditional use and available sources.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications have been noted in traditional use and literature.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.
Extract: Extracts are created by dissolving plant material in a suitable non-alcoholic medium.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.