What are adaptogenic plants?

Native Plant of the Mediterranean

Vitex agnus-castus, also known as Chaste Tree, Sauzgatillo, or false pepper tree, is a native plant of the Mediterranean region. It thrives in cool woodlands and along rivers, ravines, and even near the sea.

Distinctive Features:

• Appearance: Vitex agnus-castus grows as a shrub that reaches heights of 2 to 4 meters. It is deciduous and has a branched structure from its base, emitting a pleasant aroma.
  
• Leaves: The plant's leaves are palmate, with 5-7 distinctly shaped lobes. They are green on the upper surface and grayish on the underside.
  
• Inflorescences: Vitex agnus-castus produces inflorescences that extend up to 30 centimeters. These spikes are adorned with clusters of blue, violet, pinkish-white, or white flowers, typically blooming during the summer months (June-November). The flowers resemble arrows pointing towards the sky.
  
• Family and Flower Colors: Vitex agnus-castus was previously classified under the Verbenaceae family but was recently reclassified under the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family. The symbolic colors of the flowers, blue and white, represent purity and transformation, which is why both colors are incorporated into the floral essence used in the dye (see photo).
  
• Fruiting: Fruiting occurs between September and November. The fruits are globose drupes that ripen to a blackish hue. They are largely enveloped by the persistent calyx.

Vitex is the genus name of the chaste tree, derived from the Latin word "viere," meaning "to braid" or "to weave," alluding to the plant's pliable branches, which were traditionally used to make baskets.

The specific epithet, "agnus-castus," is a Latinization of the Greek words "agnos" (meaning "lamb") and "castus" (meaning "chaste"), reflecting the plant's historic usage by monks to aid in maintaining chastity and controlling sexual desire.

This etymological connection highlights the patriarchal underpinnings of our society, as the plant's primary usage was documented by monks who had the literacy and knowledge to write treatises on herbs. For these monks, chaste tree was seen as a means of suppressing libido and facilitating celibacy.

However, the primary and more widespread use of chaste tree has been to address hormonal imbalances and related issues in women. This broader application underscores the plant's potential therapeutic benefits for a wider range of individuals.

• The fruits of this plant have been used since ancient times for a wide variety of gynecological disorders.
• In “The Iliad,” Homer mentions the plant as a “symbol of honesty.” Pliny, Dioscorides, and Galen also describe the use of its fruits. Already in the 4th century BC, Hippocrates wrote about the properties of Vitex, recommending its use in sitz baths for uterine disorders.
• For the ancient Greeks it was the auspicious symbol in their celebrations of the goddess Demeter, linked to agriculture, fertility, and maternal love. The goddess Demeter represents Mother Earth, celebrating the abundance of fruits and nutrition. The archetype of the Mother, the Caregiver, is predominant in the Vitex. It coincides with spagyria, where the plant corresponds to the Moon, with maternal qualities. Many women recognize taking it as a guardian to set limits and support with unconditional love.
• At the same time, Vitex promotes regular menstrual cycles, the optimal production and maturation of eggs, and increases the levels of progesterone, the hormone of nesting and gestation. Progesterone, so scarce nowadays, is the female hormone par excellence: it is relaxing and sharpens sensitivity, intuition, communion, and love with Life. Also called “truth hormone”.
• The fertility of women and the earth are linked, a reflection of health and abundance.
• The priestesses celebrated eight days of festivals in honor of the goddess Demeter, who retired in the field without men. During these festivals, they decorated themselves with Vitex flowers and slept on beds of its leaves. In this way, they received and appreciated the well-being provided by this beautiful plant, now corroborated by science. We know that the active ingredients connect with the neurotransmitter dopamine and promote the secretion of endogenous endorphins. I have found literature arguing for the use of Vitex in these retreats to be able to control her sexual desire by not being with men who could satisfy her. A phallocentric vision, since it was surely the opposite.
• It has been scientifically proven that women, simply by accompanying themselves, secrete serotonin and oxytocin, thus having a whole symphony of hormones of relaxation, pleasure, and love at their disposal.
• In Ancient Greece it was normal for men to have bisexual relationships, and although nothing is known about women, we can assume that this was the case, too. The history of women is not officially documented and the use that women gave it in the Middle Ages is lost, the idea that women are inferior to men is still maintained. Wise women who knew the powers of plants were accused of being witches and most were executed by the “holy inquisition.” It is estimated that in Europe 9 million women were exterminated. It doesn't seem important that we women feel complete, happy, and powerful, the history of Vítex is the history of women.

• Iridoid glycosides: aucubin and agnuside
• Essential oils: cineole, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and limonene
• Flavonoids: casticin (main active ingredient), kaempferol, quercetin
• Vitecin: improves thyroid function

• The European Medicines Agency includes Vitex in the Therapeutic Guide to Medicinal Plants. Germany was the first to approve its use for menstrual cycle irregularities and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and its prescription is widely spread among German family doctors and gynecologists.
• The tincture is collected as a traditional way of taking Vitex AC, in a 1:5 plant to alcohol ratio.
• The modern use of this plant dates back to the 1950s, when its scientific study began in Europe, highlighting the research of Dr. Gerhard Madaus who produced for the first time a standardized extract of the dried fruits of Vitex.
• Since then, its use has become widespread to treat various female disorders, including: amenorrhea, infertility, lactation problems, fibrocystic breast, breast pain, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, premenstrual syndrome, menopause hot flashes, menstrual disorders, acne. …
• It has been used for thousands of years, both in traditional Mediterranean Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda Medicine. This is what best supports its benefits.
• According to the naturopathic doctor Mark Stengler in his book “The Healing Treatments of Naturopathic Doctors”, it is one of the best plants for the treatment of female disorders due to its versatility, he quotes “it is women's best plant friend”.
• In reference to the effects on libido, the anaphrodisiac effects of the plant have not been demonstrated in women. The approach that indicates that it acts as a hormonal regulator is more understandable: In monks, sexual desire decreased because it was very high, and in people who are low, it increased.

Vitex exerts its effects on the pituitary gland, the master controller of hormones in the body. It mimics the action of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates the production of hormones that stimulate the sexual organs, known as gonadotrophins.

Vitex binds to dopamine D2 receptors, inhibiting prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland. This leads to an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) production, which in turn promotes the release of progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This helps restore the balance between estrogen and progesterone levels, which can be beneficial for women with low progesterone levels.

In addition, certain components of Vitex bind to μ-opioid and β-estrogenic receptors. This interaction stimulates the production of natural painkillers called endorphins and enhances the plant's phytoestrogenic activity, which mimics the effects of estrogen in the body.