Chaste tree berries: Vitex agnus-castus (L.)
Why chaste tree? According to Greek mythology, the Greek goddess Hera, the protectress of marriage, was born under a V. agnus-castus bush, so it stands to reason that chaste tree berries are a friend to all women. The spicy and strong chaste tree berries can provide comforting support during menopause or menstruation.
Quality Assured: Our chaste tree berries are Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth and grown in Albania without the use of genetic engineering, artificial fertilizers, or pesticides. Our experts here at the Apothecary Shoppe personally evaluate every herb through taste, touch, and smell to assure that you are receiving the best botanicals suitable for use.
This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Benefits: Chaste tree berries have a number of uses, including supporting women during both menstruation and menopause.
Cautions and Contraindications: It is possible that chaste tree berries may affect estrogen levels, and women with hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid use, such as breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer, and endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Formula:
CHASTE TREE BERRY TINCTURE:
Dried chaste tree berries Vitex agnus-castus: 1 ounce (or 2 ounces fresh berries)
Alcohol such as vodka or apple cider vinegar: 1 pint
Lightly crush the berries with a mortar and pestle or blender. Do not crush in advance, as vital constituents can be lost.
Mix herb with alcohol or cider vinegar in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, such as a canning or preserving jar.
Keep the tincture in a tightly closed jar in a warm spot (but not in the sun), for approximately two weeks.
Shake the tincture two to three times every day.
After two weeks, strain the tincture through pharmaceutical filter paper, a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or muslin. You may need to strain your tincture two or even three times to remove all of the herb solids. Leaving solids in your tincture may lead to mold and spoilage.
Store your tincture in a dark bottle or cupboard.
Half a pint of tincture should equal the potency of one ounce of the fresh herb, so approximately one teaspoon will equal the strength of one cup of infusion.
The dose is small, approximately 40-drops once daily with liquid.
Dilute in approximately one-quarter cup of water to take.
*Note that the consensus is that the minimum time to extract herbs into a tincture is two weeks, and the maximum time is three months. Extraction time also depends on the plant material and the percentage of alcohol needed. Most above ground plant parts only need about 40% alcohol and will extract very quickly. Tougher roots and rhizomes typically need a higher percentage of alcohol and longer time to extract.
