Description
Chaste Tree
Botanical Name: Vitex agnus-castus
Chaste Tree also known as chaste berry or Monks pepper is a deciduous shrub or small tree which grows to about 4 meters. It has aromatic palmate leaves which are divided into five or seven elliptic pointed leaflets to 10cm. The leaves are grey-green in colour with downy undersides and the scented lilac flowers are formed on new wood in upright spikes. These are followed by purple to black berries.
Medicinally the ripe berries are used as a relaxant herb that regulates hormonal functions. It is used internally for menstrual and menopausal problems, infertility and involuntary ejaculation. Chaste berries are used to decrease the symptoms of PMS such as breast tenderness, irritability, fluid retention and bloating, and headache. They can also be used by both sexes for hormone related acne.
The dried berries are used as a substitute for pepper and in Middle Eastern spice mixes.
Growing Conditions
Chaste tree will grow in a wide range of soils and climates and is frost hardy. A prune during winter will keep tree in compact bushy shape. Vitex is grown as a garden ornamental and has naturalized in tropical and sub-tropical areas.
