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Agnus Castus

Common Name:

Agnus Castus

Vitex agnus castus

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Genus / Species:
Vitex agnus castus
Part Used:
Berry
Energetics:
Acrid, warm, spicy.
Meridians:
Liver, spleen
Active Constituents
Alkaloids including viticine.
Flavonoids including casticin.
Iridoids including aucubin, agnoside, eurostoside.
Diterpenes with prolactin lowering effects.
Medical Use:
Female tonic
Regulates hormones
Balances pituitary gland
Anaphrodisiac in males
Anxiousness, nervousness and insomnia related to pre-menstrual tension. Agnus castus lowers prolactin and heights progesterone. (P.M.T. is caused by high levels of prolactin due to response by the pituitary).
Menopause (combined with Dong quai).
Dose:
Internally as tea and as tincture.

S.F. ADULT 2.5mls or 3 to 5 times daily.
TEENAGE 1.25mls (0.25 tsp) or 10 drops 3 to 5 times daily. For 3 months only. Longer under the supervision of a herbalist

GEM 1:5 (g/ml) 50-70% alcohol - 0.15 to 0.2ml daily.

AC Tincture 5mls daily for 3 months.

For best results, to coincide with natural hormone production a single dose of 5 to 10mls during early morning produces better results, but it will still be active any time of the day.

Agnus castus can be taken during menstruation or one to two days after menstruation has begun until completion, then taken again 10 days prior to next menstruation.
Some women take this herb through their complete cycle.

Contraindications

1) Caution is appropriate with some age groups and conditions due to the hormonal regulating effects of this herb.
2) There is speculation that this herb may interfere with the efficiency of the birth control pill due to its hormonal regulating activity, however empirical knowledge does not confirm this.
3) There is speculation that this herb should not be used during pregnancy and lactation due to its hormonal activity.
4) There have been occasional reports of itching when using this herb.
5) The use of dopamine receptor antagonists may weaken the effects of agnus castus.

The information contained in these pages is an indication of possible contraindications, but if you are at all concerned about any herb and its suitability for personal use please contact a herbal practitioner in your area or contact us.

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