Description: The chaste tree is a flowering shrub that grows to a height of 1 to 5 meters. The tree produces a spray of beautiful flowers ranging from lilac to blue and white. The flowers bloom in late summer or early fall. The plant has a pleasing aromatic quality.
Properties and Uses: This plant has been used for menstrual difficulties for over 2500 years, with its earliest uses documented during early Roman and Greek history. The berries contain various alkaloids and flavonoids, as well as substances that are precursors of steroidal hormones.Â
Studies have indicated that the health properties of the herb are not due to only one substance in particular but to several compounds interacting together.
Modern uses of chaste tree berry include reduction of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual cramps and other pre-menopausal symptoms.
Studies have shown a reduction in breast tenderness and pressure, headaches, bloating and fatigue in women who took the herb regularly and over some time.
This plant may also be beneficial in combating breast cancer.
Chaste tree berry has been shown to help balance the progesterone and estrogen levels. This is why it has been referred to as a “female” herb.
