Chaste Tree Berry, or Vitex agnus-castus, is an herb whose leaves and peppercorn-sized dried fruit have been used for thousands of years to treat gynecological disorders. Chaste Tree Berry is native to the Mediterranean and Asia, though it’s also now grown in the southeastern U.S.
In the Middle Ages, monks thought the plant could decrease sexual desire, thus giving it the name “Chaste” Tree Berry or “Monk’s Pepper.” Luckily for us (though perhaps not for the monks), it doesn’t actually reduce sexual desire.
Chaste Tree Berry contains iridoids, flavonoids, progestins, and essential oils, which help support your hormones. It stimulates progesterone and decreases prolactin, helping your body to normalize levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Chaste Tree Berry may be especially helpful for women who have a luteal phase defect, which is linked to abnormally high prolactin levels. For women struggling with an irregular period, it can help regulate periods, which can support your ability to conceive. Additionally, Chaste Tree Berry is known to support relief from symptoms of PMS, including mood-related symptoms, breast pain, constipation, and migraines.
Want to try Chaste Tree Berry out? You can find it in our Fertility Tea and Fertility Support supplement.
Sources: NIH, University of Rochester Medical Center, Healthline
