chaste
chaste
This is “the plant for women”, recognized by it’s “horny”phalic purple vertical flower cluster and 5 finger pointy leaves slightly resembling marijuana. The berries, young leaves, stems and flowers can be used raw right off the tree, or as tea, for menstrual pain and problems, breast pain and problems, hormone issues, menopause, fertility, acne, PMS. Stimulates the pituitary to raise progesterone levels. Progesterone stimulates bone growth. This hormone also converts to estrogen which prevents bone loss. Source of bioflavonoids. Berries are considered a tonic for both male and female reproductive systems. Do not take while pregnant. Also used for inflammation issues like sore throat, tonsils, stomach pain, intestinal inflammation, joint inflammation, arthritis, rheumatism etc. Just grab some leaves, berries and make tea.
Edible Plant Guide © 2012 Markus Rothkranz
The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.
Vitex
a genus of deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs of the family Verbenaceae. There are more than 250 species, found mainly in the tropics and subtropics of both hemispheres. In the USSR there is one species, agnus castus (V’. agnus-castus}, also known as sacred vitex, or Abraham tree (since ancient times it has been considered a symbol of chastity). It grows wild in the Black Sea region, the Crimea, the Caucasus, and Middle Asia and is grown mainly as an ornamental in other southern countries as well. Vitex is a small tree (up to 10 m), growing more often in shrub form 1.5-4.0 m tall. The numerous small fragrant flowers are gathered in spiked-paniculate inflorescences. The shrub is a nectar plant. Woven goods are made from the young branches. The fruits contain volatile oils and are used as a spice. Some other Vitex species are grown as ornamentals, and many yield valuable wood.
The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979). © 2010 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
