PARTS USED: Berries
ACTIONS: Emmenagogue, hormonal regulator, female reproductive tonic, pituitary stimulant, expectorant, diuretic, digestive stimulant and lactagogue.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Regulates all menstrual conditions. Balances irregular, painful, or troublesome menses. Increases progesterone and regulated the estrogen and progesterone levels during moon cycle. Helps with sleeplessness, and alleviates anxiety. Regulates mood swings. Has been known to reduce sexual desire in women females. PMS. Is good for
reversing the effects of the birth control pill and appears to improve fertility. Indigestion, bronchitis or bronchial asthma. Neutral, bitter, sweet.
COMBINATIONS: Mix with Shepherd’s purse for frequent cycles. Motherwort, wild yam and black cohosh for menopause.
GROWTH PATTERN: Vitex is an aromatic, deciduous tree, which is native to the Mediterranean. Berries are picked in autumn. It grows in most soils and up to 22 feet.
SPIRITUAL: Mentioned the Homer’s the Iliad, the berries are believed to ward off evil and symbolize chastity. Monks have chewed the berries to reduce sexual libido
COUNTERINDICATIONS: Is a hormonal amphloteric- may help avert miscarriages in first trimester and help with delivery. Caution must be used. Excess usage has caused symptoms of formication –sensation of crawling skin.
DOSAGE: In a tincture, take 1/2 tsp 3 times a day to regulate moontime. 1 cup decoction 3 times a day for menopause.
