Vitex Berries

Vitex Berries, WholeBotanical name: Vitex angus-castusFamily Name: VerbenaceaeVitex is a perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean that grows 5-25 feet tall, with opposite, compound, lance-shaped leaves and a whitish bark. At the top of the stem forms a plume of purple or lavender flowers that mature into grayish-purple fruits in the form of drupes. It has slightly hairy stems and pointed leaves arranged alternately along the stem. Its peppery fruit has been used for over two thousand years. Vitex is often referred to as a chaste tree, taking its name from Greek legends associating the tree with chastity and faithfulness.The fruits of Vitex have been used for a variety of endocrine and regenerative symptoms, including cycle irregularity, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, PMS, post-partum depression, menstrual cramps, and menopause. Its actions are attributed to its effect on the pituitary gland, and it is known to d balance estrogen and progesterone levels. Many modern herbalis