| It sure is a herb, Vitex agnus-castus. Supplements are often sold as Vitex. Also called Monk?s Pepper, Hemp Tree, Indian Spice, Sage Tree. Be sure to label it correctly when you have one, because the leaves closely resemble those of marijuana, though they have a distinctive smell of their own when rubbed. Seeds can be used as a seasoning similar to pepper. Leaves can also be added to flavour foods. A tea made from the berries is said to improve fertility levels in women, and to balance libido levels in men and women, and to improve fertility levels. A tea of the leaves and berries relieves menopausal, pre-menstrual and menstrual symptoms. Increases milk production in breastfeeding mothers. May be useful in the treatment of cysts and fibroids in the breast, ovaries and uterus, and endometriosis. It may help in cases of threatened miscarriage. Seeds can be used as a sedative. Normalises the function of the pituitary gland. Externally, a poultice of the leaves is used for the treatment of weak limbs and paralysis. Warning: Do not take Chaste-berries when pregnant or when taking hormones. Excess use may cause itching, rash, headache, or nausea. Avoid if allergic to ragweed. Usually used for no longer than 3 months. Discontinue if diarrhoea, nausea or abnormal menstrual changes occur. Large doses can cause formication, a strange symptom where one feels as if ants are crawling on the skin. It was called Monk's Pepper and Chaste-tree/berry, because eating it helped keep monks chaste/celibate - it's an anaphrodiasic, ie opposite to aphrodisiac. You could ask a specialist herb nursery to order one in for you, otherwise I don't know where you'd get one. |
