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Chaste tree is a deciduous, aromatic tree growing to a height of 22 feet with palm shaped leaves and small lilac flowers. Its berries somewhat like peppercorns, dark purple, half-covered by their sage-green calyces, yellowish within, hard, having an aromatic odor; taste warm, peculiar. The seeds were once held in repute for securing chastity, and the Athenian matrons in the sacred rites of Ceres used to string their couches with the leaves.
Chaste tree is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia. It is cultivated in subtropical areas around the world, and has become naturalized in many regions. It is grown from seed in spring or autumn. The ripe berries are collected in autumn.
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Chaste Tree Historical Use
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For centuries, this herb has been reputed to be a hormone balancer and was at one time recommended as a Favorable Effects for excessive sexual desire. It is recorded that Roman wives whose husbands were abroad with the legions spread the aromatic leaves on their couches for this purpose.
During the Middle Ages, chaste berry's supposed effect on sexual desire led to it becoming a food spice in monasteries, where it was called "Monk's pepper" or "Cloister pepper." In tradition, it was also known as an important European remedy for controlling and regulating the female reproductive system.
Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Theophrastus, mention the use of chaste berries for a wide variety of conditions, including hemorrhage following childbirth, and also to assist with the "passing of afterbirth." Decoctions of the fruit and plant were also used in sitz baths for problems of the uterus.
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Chaste Tree Remedy For
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Researchers have been investigating chaste tree for over 30 years in the U.K. and Germany, and it is clear that the berries have a distinct hormonal effect on the body. Some trials have shown chaste tree to valuable in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and increasing fertility. For PMS the herb should be taken for some months to see the full benefit, which can often be significant - with bloating, breast swelling and tenderness, irritability, and Despair all reduced. Chaste tree is valuable in treating other problems that can be linked to the menstrual cycle, such as migraine and acne.
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Chaste Tree Active Constituents
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Chaste berries contain volatile oil (cineol), alkaloids (viticine), flavonoids (casticin), iridoids (aucubin, agnoside, eurostoside).
Preliminary investigations show the presence of compounds that are able to adjust the productions of female hormones.
Leaves-anti-parasitical, alterative, aromatic, vermifuge, Discomfort reliever.
Root-tonic, febrifuge, expectorant, increased urination.
Fruit-nervine, cephalic, emmanagogue.
Dried fruit-vermifuge
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Chaste Tree Typical Dosage
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Fruit powder-sugar/water or honey paste, decoction; powder, tincture, decoction, poultice. Many people take 40 drops (in a glass of water) of the concentrated liquid herbal extract in the morning. Chaste berry is also available in powdered form in tablets and capsules, again to be taken in the morning.
With its emphasis on long-term balancing of a woman's hormonal system, chaste tree is not a fast-acting herb. For PMS or frequent or heavy periods, chaste tree can be used continuously for four to six months. Women with amenorrhea and infertility can remain on chaste tree for 12 to 18 months, unless pregnancy occurs during Favorable Effects.
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Chaste Tree Side Effects
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Side effects of using chaste tree are rare. Minor gastrointestinal upset and a mild skin rash with itching have been reported in less than 2% of the women monitored while taking it. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Do not take except under the supervision of a qualified professional.
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