Chaste Tree / Vitex – Health Benefits, Uses, Research, Preparation, Precautions

How to Prepare Chaste Tree for Medicinal Use

Commercial preparations of chaste tree are readily available as single herbs or as part of herbal blends. While several forms are available, I recommend the use of tinctures for maximum bioavailability. Capsules, teas, and pills are available as well. Herbalists may recommend that chaste tree be taken continuously; however, some recommend that it not be consumed while menses is present.

An equivalent of 30-40 mg of Vitex taken daily is recommended by the German Commission E. If you prefer to make an infusion, pour 3 cups of boiling water over one tablespoonful of dried chaste tree berries. Cover the blend with a lid. Let the tea infuse for twenty minutes. Strain out, and compost the spent herb. Drink one cup of the tea three times daily.

Vitex must be taken consistently to obtain results. Symptoms generally begin to subside within 3 to six weeks.

Precautions

Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the safety of chaste tree. Chaste tree is generally well tolerated. Most side effects are mild and temporary. The most common side effects are nausea and headache. Other adverse reactions include acne, rashes, and changes in bowel habits.

No serious drug interactions have been reported; however, theoretically the herb could potentially interact with several types of medications. Medications which impact the neurotransmitter, dopamine, could potentially interact with chaste tree consumption. In theory, hormonal therapies, including contraceptives, may interact with the herb. Medications such as antidepressants and other psychiatric medications may potentially interact with chaste tree.

Keep in mind that these drug interactions have not actually occurred; these are only theoretical possibilities.

Pregnant women should not use chaste tree. More studies are needed. I would not personally recommend the use of chaste tree for nursing mothers as more information is needed about the herb’s effects.

Main References

Daniele C, Coon J, Pittler M, Ernst E. Vitex agnus castus – a systematic review of adverse events Drug Safety. 2005; 28(4):319-332.

Wuttke W, Jarry H, Christoffel V, Spengler B, Seidlova-Wutke D. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) – Pharmacology and clinical indications Phytomedicine. 2003; 10:348-357

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com in 2015 by Patricia Bratianu RN PhD RH-AHG. Patricia has been a Registered Nurse for almost forty years in a wide variety of settings. As a Registered Nurse, she realized that conventional healthcare was not meeting the needs of all patients. She became an herbalist and obtained a PhD in Natural Health. Patricia is a professional member of the American Herbalist’s Guild, passing the stringent peer reviewed process to become a Registered Herbalist.

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