By ghilvar on Skatehive
Vitex agnus castus - Lamiaceae (ENG) Vitex agnus-castus, also known as chaste tree, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Verbenaceae family. It grows wild in Mediterranean regions, preferring well-drained soil and sunny locations. It is a hardy plant, capable of tolerating temperatures as low as -10°C, a characteristic that facilitates its cultivation even in non-Mediterranean environments. image created with canva.com In summer, it produces fragrant inflorescences and dark fruits, the so-called "mature capsules," which are the most commonly used medicinal part. The chaste tree's phytocomplex is rich in flavonoids, iridoids, glucosides, and bitter principles, substances that contribute to its biological activity. The plant is considered a phytoestrogen, a natural modulator of female hormonal balance. Its balsamic period is September, when the fruits reach their maximum concentration of active ingredients. The action of chaste tree has been extensively studied in gynecology. According