Vitex agnus-castus

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Vitex agnus-castus L.

Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

florapal.org

Verbenaceae

  • Vitex pseudo-negundo (Hausskn.) Hand.-Mazz.
  • Chaste Tree
  • Lilac Chaste Tree
  • shiakh-Avraham matzuy
  • שִׂיחַ-אַבְרָהָם מָצוּי
  • ghar غار
  • kaff maryam كف مريم

Chamaephytes, Parasite

  • Humid habitats
Click Flora of Israel Online to view distribution and other botanical details.

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Vitex agnus-castus L.

System/State Traditional
Complaint/Use
Activity / Interpretation
Traditional
Preparation/
Administration
Parts Used
Source
Musculoskeletal/ Joints

Rheumatism

Analgesic, Anti-arthritic, Anti-inflammatory

Mix leaves + rue (Ruta chalepensis)+ "harmal" (Peganum harmala) +squirting cucumber (Ecballium Elatarium) + colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis); soak in water for 3 days, grind, boil & expose affected area to steam (steam bath) for 1 hr allowing body to sweat heavily.

Leaf B

Notes

Cautions

Vitex agnus-castus adverse effects include skin allergy & gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal cramps & diarrhea. Contraindicated in pregenacy & lacatation. Hormonal action may cause it to interfere with oral contraception & endocrine therapies (hormone replacement & sex hormones).

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.