Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) Chasteberry comes from the Chaste Tree, a deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean and Asia, but is now widely cultivated in warmer, temperate climates around the globe. It is a relatively large, multi trunked shrub that can grow up to 10 or 15 feet tall, with fragrant, lilac-colored blooms and silvery green leaves that look a bit like those of a cannabis plant. It has more than one common name alluding to its reputation as an anaphrodisiac - a libido suppressant for both men and women. It’s been referred to as Chasteberry for this reason for centuries, as far back as ancient Greece when it was recommended to the wives of soldiers to help them remain chaste and pure while their husbands were away at war. Later, it became known as “Monk’s Pepper” after monks in the middle ages, believed to have used it to help curb their more earthly desires. The scientific basis for this belief about Chasteberry is sorely lacking to say the least. These days, Chasteberry is more celebrated as a women’s herb - believed to support reproductive function from PMS to menopause*. It can be decocted for a lively, mildly peppery tea or even ground and added as a spice to salads, soups and stews.

*Safety: Caution is advised for using this or any herb during pregnancy.