Home
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is a Chaste Tree?

Lumara Lee
Lumara Lee

The chaste tree, which may also be grown as a shrub, is native to parts of Asia and Europe. Sometimes known by its genus name Vitex, the chaste tree reaches a height at maturity between 15 feet and 30 feet (4.6 meters and 9.1 meters), depending on the climate, with an equally wide spread. It is a deciduous shrub with striking, bluish-purple flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Chaste tree leaves are dark green on the top, and silvery gray underneath. The plant can be grown as an attractive addition to the landscape and has also been used medicinally for many years, principally to relieve issues unique to women.

When planted in a garden, a single chaste tree in bloom is stunning. Several can also be planted in a row to make a spectacular, flowering border. The blooming season may be extended by deadheading the flowers as they fade.

Vitex can alleviate hot flashes suffered during menopause.
Vitex can alleviate hot flashes suffered during menopause.

In its native habitat, the chaste tree grows in moist areas. A chaste tree can grow in a variety of soils as long as the ground is fertile, with good drainage, and the plant receives enough water while it is becoming established in its new home. It requires full sun, and when grown under the right conditions is considered a hardy plant that is easy to maintain.

Vitex supplements are purported to help regulate hormones by stabilizing the pituitary gland.
Vitex supplements are purported to help regulate hormones by stabilizing the pituitary gland.

Along with attractive flowers, Vitex produces a fruit called the chaste berry, which has a fragrance similar to pepper. This fruit was used by monks at one time to inhibit their sex drives, earning Vitex the nicknames chaste tree and monk’s pepper. The chaste berry also contains the medicinal properties that have made Vitex a popular remedy for disorders of the female reproductive system.

The chaste berry may be used to treat disorders of the female reproductive system.
The chaste berry may be used to treat disorders of the female reproductive system.

Vitex can be used alone or in combination with other herbs to relieve the hot flashes that many women experience when they go through menopause. It is also used to treat premenstrual syndrome. Chaste tree contains constituents that can balance female hormones to treat menstrual problems such as irregularity and heavy bleeding. These constituents stimulate the pituitary gland to increase production of the hormones required for proper functioning of the female reproductive tract.

The chaste tree is native to Europe.
The chaste tree is native to Europe.

Chaste berry is usually sold in capsule form by health food stores, since it has a bitter flavor that makes it unsuitable to drink as tea. A tincture is also available that is more potent than capsules and may offer quicker results. It generally takes several months of daily use before any results can be seen, even when using the tincture.

Discussion Comments

Sporkasia

Though it may not be as popular as some supplements, the chaste tree berry has been used for its medicinal benefits for thousands of years. Most of the benefits of the chaste tree relate to women's health issues. As this article mentions, chaste tree can be beneficial in treating premenstrual syndrome and menopause symptoms.

While there are no major side effects associated the use of chaste tree, it should be noted that some people who use the product have complained about feeling light headed and having headaches. The supplement can also cause stomach problems and rashes for some users.

Animandel

The chaste tree's leaves give off a distinctive smell that reminds you of sage. Thus the tree is sometimes called the sage tree. The tree's foliage is also responsible for another of its nicknames. To the uninformed eye, the leaves of the tree look a bit like the leaves of a marijuana plant. For this reason the chaste tree is also sometimes referred to as the hemp tree.

mobilian33

I agree with this article that the chaste tree can be stunning when it is in bloom. The colorful flower spikes, which can be white, purple, lavender or blue, are great for attracting humming birds. The little birds seem to love the plants.

To get the best and greatest number of flowers on the chaste tree you should plant it in a place where it will receive a lot of sunlight. The tree is capable of surviving in partially shaded spots, but it doesn't usually produce as many flowers without full sunlight.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Vitex can alleviate hot flashes suffered during menopause.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Vitex can alleviate hot flashes suffered during menopause.
    • Vitex supplements are purported to help regulate hormones by stabilizing the pituitary gland.
      By: 7activestudio
      Vitex supplements are purported to help regulate hormones by stabilizing the pituitary gland.
    • The chaste berry may be used to treat disorders of the female reproductive system.
      By: blueringmedia
      The chaste berry may be used to treat disorders of the female reproductive system.
    • The chaste tree is native to Europe.
      By: Ekler
      The chaste tree is native to Europe.
    • Chasteberry seeds were once used to reduce the human sex drive.
      By: Asia Yakushevich
      Chasteberry seeds were once used to reduce the human sex drive.