Human Flower Project

Friday, May 26, 2006

The Vitex Queen

Gardener and herbalist Ellen Zimmermann shares the glories of the “chaste tree.”

Vitex agnus-castus (with Turk’s cap)

Photo: Human Flower Project

Does the chaste tree enhance or suppress libido?

Now coming into bloom here in Austin, Vitex agnus-castus is also known as “chaste tree” and “monk’s pepper.” We’ve heard it was once planted around monasteries and “touted as an herb capable of helping Monks maintain their vows of chastity.”  But if that’s true, wouldn’t it be called “monk’s balm” not “monk’s pepper”?

Herbalist Ellen Zimmermann discreetly recommends, “You be the judge.”

Ellen is known around these parts as “The Vitex Queen.” Through classes, demonstrations, her beautiful garden and her own glowing good health, she’s been spreading the news about this plant’s benefits for “women of all ages.”  She names the chaste tree among her Top Ten Herbs: “The medicinal berries are used to treat PMS and menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and excessive bleeding.  As a hormonal balancer, Vitex regulates progesterone and estrogen, treats fibroids and re-establishes normal ovulation and menstruation.” Hear me roar!

Ellen Zimmermann teaches in her garden southwest of Austin, TX, July 2004

Photo: Human Flower Project

Ellen makes a simple tincture of vitex berries, usually harvested in July; they’re also a key ingredient in her “Menopause Made Easy” tincture. Find out lots more on Ellen’s website. Our favorite corner there is the monthly herbal newsletter, one of the very first dedicated, of course, to vitex. Ellen affirms that it “helps the body retain its natural balance after using the birth control pill.  Vitex can also treat fibroids, inflammation of the womb lining and will enhance the flow of mother’s milk.”

If you’d like a second opinion, how about Hippocrates? He set down in the 4th Century B.C., “If blood flows from the womb, let the woman drink dark red wine in which the leaves of the chaste tree have been steeped. A draft of chaste leaves in wine also serves to expel a chorion (afterbirth) held fast in the womb.”

Interiors aside, we most appreciate lilac chaste tree for its beauty and hardiness here in the scorching South. Ellen suggests, “plant a small tree, in the sun, nurture it at first and then just about let it be.  Vitex loves our summer heat and will thrive for years.” Bill Hopkins, a North Texas gardener and terrific blogger at prairie point, likewise paid tribute to vitex.

Its effects on libido? When Bill writes, “I can’�t imagine living without (a chaste tree) now,” and Ellen calls vitex “my husband’s favorite herb,” we get the picture, a mighty pretty one.