Family:

Verbenaceae

 

Part Used:

Berry

 

Energetics & Taste:

Pungent, warming, drying.

 

Habitat:

Native to the Mediterranean and western Asia, it prefers subtropical and temperate climates and is naturalized in many regions.

 

Key Benefits:

Vitex is one of the best herbs for managing PMS and hormonal imbalances. It serves as a female reproductive tract regulator, particularly beneficial for women who have recently stopped using birth control. The berries of Vitex stimulate the pituitary gland and inhibit prolactin activity by binding to dopamine receptors, making it effective for issues related to high prolactin levels, such as luteal phase defect.

Additionally, the berries have been shown to increase the secretion of luteinizing hormone, which inhibits the release of follicle-stimulating hormone. This, in turn, increases progesterone levels while normalizing estrogen. As a result, Vitex is beneficial for conditions related to estrogen dominance, such as endometriosis, fibroids, and PCOS. It can also alleviate PMS and menopausal symptoms like tender breasts, hot flashes, edema, and mood swings. 

For optimal benefits, Vitex is best taken over a long period.

 

Contraindications:

 Not for use in pregnancy and may aggravate estrogen-deficient conditions.