Chaste Tree, Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) –
God’s Gift to Mankind
The plant is believed to promote chas-
tity, hence its name. The Sanskrit word
for Vitex negundo,
is“ Nirgundi,”
which literally
means “that which
protects the body
from diseases.”
True to its meaning, it is used to treat a
plethora of ailments, ranging from
headache to migraine, from skin affec-
tions to wounds, and swelling, asth-
matic pains, male and female sexual
and reproductive problems. It is one of
the important plants which treats a va-
riety of diseases.
In India, the plant has multifarious
uses: basketry, dyeing, fuel, food,
stored-grain protectant, field pesticide,
growth promoter, manure, as medicine
for poultry, livestock, and humans. It
is used in all systems of treatment—
Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopa-
thy, and Allopathy.
Other Names are: Vitex agnus-castus,
Vitex negundo, Vitex, Chaste tree,
Chasteberry, Abraham's balm, Lilac
chastetree, Five leaved chaste tree,
Monk's pepper (medieval monks
chewed the leaves to suppress sexual
desires), Menopause tree, Female-
friendly tree, Fomentation herb (in
Europe), and in India, Sindhuvara,
Samhalu (in Ayurveda), Nirgundi,
Nochi, Karunocci, Vavili, etc. In this
article, I have used the names Chaste
tree, Nirgundi and Vitex interchange-
ably.
Chaste tree belongs to the Lamiaceae
or mint family. The Lamiaceae are a
family of flowering plants commonly
known as the mint or deadnettle or sage
family. Many of the plants are aromatic
in all parts and include widely used cu-
linary herbs, such as basil, mint, rose-
mary, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano,
hyssop, thyme, lavender, and perilla.
It has two varieties: white flowered
called Nirgundi and blue and purple
flowered called Vitex agnus-castus.
There are about 270 species.
All parts of the plant, from root to fruit,
have medicinal uses. This single plant
finds use for treatment of a variety of
health disorders. Many commercial
products have this plant in them. A
quote in Western Himalayas says: “A
man cannot die of disease in an area
where Vitex Negundo, Adhatoda
vasica (Malabar nut) and Acorus ca-
lamus (Calamus or Sweet Flag) are
found. Where ever this plant grows, the
surrounding environment becomes free
from any viruses and bacteria. It cleans
the air and makes it healthy. Vitex is
called ‘Sarvaroganivarini’, the rem-
edy for all diseases. Please grow your
own plant. It is propagated through
stem cuttings.
In detox or panchakarma therapy,
Nirgundi is added to steam bath to pro-
mote sweating to eliminate toxins.
Nirgundi oil is used for massage.
It is not yet fully understood how
Chaste tree works, but it is thought that
it has an impact on hormone-produc-
ing areas of the brain, such as the pitu-
itary gland, which then leads to a re-
duction in prolactin, a hormone that
may be involved in PMS. Vitex is a
hormone regulator and tonic for the
nervous system. Vitex is often taken
for PMS, but it is also helpful for other
hormonal conditions. Vitex can rebal-
ance hormones and lengthen menstrual
cycles, regulate periods and even lead
to successful pregnancies.
Biological Activities
Anti-allergenic activity
Anti-amnesic activity (improves
memory)
Anti-anxiety activity
Anti-asthma activity
Antibacterial Activity - The essential
oil in the plant is active against all
bacteria: five strains of Gram-posi-
tive and seven strains of Gram-nega-
tive human pathogenic bacterial
strains. In a study of 16 species of
Vitex, Vitex negundo, was shown to
have the most potent “antibacterial
activity, antifeedant activity, potent
inhibitory activity against
lipoxygenase enzyme and potent
antioxidative activity.
Anti-cancer activity - It perturbs many
cancer-signalling pathways involv-
ing p-p38, p-ERK1/2, and p-JNK.
Anticonvulsant activity - It can help to
reduce the side effects of standard
anticonvulsants.
Anti-diabetic activity - Aqueous and
ethanol leaf extract of Vitex negundo
was studied for its antidiabetic ac-
tivity using alloxan induced diabetic
model in rats. The aqueous extract
showed (P<0.01) significant activ-
ity than the ethanol extract at the
tested dose level, which were com-
parable to glibenclamide, a standard
antidiabetic drug.
Anti-feedant activity (a naturally oc-
curring substance in certain plants
which adversely affects insects or
other animals which eat them) -
Vitex is not attacked by insects in
its habitat.
Anti-filarial - A study recorded signifi-
cant antifilarial effect of Vitex
negundo plant extract and contrib-
uted toward the development of da-
tabase for novel drug candidates for
lymphatic filariasis.
Antifungal Activity - It prevents fun-
2 3
gal growth and protects crop plants.
Antihelmintic activity (expels parasitic
worms [helminths] and other internal
parasites from the body by either stun-
ning or killing them and without caus-
ing significant damage to the host.
Anti-hyperglycemic activity - These re-
sults have shown that the Vitex
negundo Linn. leaves extract possess
blood glucose lowering effect in
STZ- induced hyperglycemic mice.
Thus, the use of leaves extract for
the control of diabetes may be vali-
dated by this study.
Anti-hypertensive activity - It is used
in Nigerian Herbal Medicine to treat,
dysentery, diarrhoea and produced
significant and dose dependent di-
uretic and hypotensive activities.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic/Pain
relieving Activity - Any time when
the word describing a disease ends
with ‘itis’, it’s an inflammatory dis-
ease. Dermatitis means an inflam-
mation of the skin, arthritis means
an inflammation of joints, an othitis
is an inflammation of the ear. Thus
anti-inflammatory activity of a com-
pound is considered to be a valuable
feature. The leaves of Vitex negundo
possess anti-inflammatory activity.
They have dose-dependent activity
against inflammation. They have
membrane stabilising and antihista-
mine activities.
Anti-microbial activity - It is active
against microbes.
Anti-parasitic/Vermifuge activity
Antipiretic/Febrifuge Activity (reduces
fever).
Antisnake Venom Activity - The plant
possesses potent snake venom neu-
tralizing capacity.
Anxiolytic Activity - It reduces anxi-
ety.
Antioxidant Activity - Vitex contains
flavonoids and phenolic compounds
which scavenge free radicals. Free
radicals play a role in heart disease,
cancer and other diseases. Vitex re-
verses oxidative stress.
Anti-larval/Larvicidal Activity - Mos-
quitos are becoming resistant to syn-
thetic insecticides. The plant is an
eco-friendly approach to control
mosquito larvicidal activity. A lar-
vacide is an insecticide that is spe-
cifically targeted against the larval
life stage of an insect. Larvicides
may be contact poisons, stomach
poisons, growth regulators, or (in-
creasingly) biological control agents.
Antitussive Activity - Vitex prevents
or relieves a cough.
Appetizer
Bactericide - The Chaste tree kills all
bacteria and viruses in the air.
Cytotoxic agent Activity - Vitex kills
40 human cancer cells. Ripe fruit of
Vitex exhibits cytotoxic activities
against various types of solid tumor
cells.
Diuretic activity - It increases the
amount of water and salt expelled
from the body.
Enzyme-inhibitory Activity - An en-
zyme inhibitor is a molecule that
binds to an enzyme and decreases its
activity. Vitex inhibits [prevents] ac-
tivity against enzymes such as
lipoxygenase and butyryl-cholinest-
erase, a-chymotrypsin,xanthine-oxi-
dase and tyrosinase. HIV type 1 re-
verses with Vitex tea.
Hepatoprotective Activity - It prevents
damage to the liver. The hepato-
protective activity of ethanolic ex-
tract from the leaves of Vitex
negundo was conducted against
thioacetamide- induced hepatic in-
jury in Sprague Dawley rats. After
12 weeks, the rats administered with
Vitex showed a significantly lower
liver to body weight ratio.
Insecticidal and Pesticidal activity -
The plant possesses insecticidal ac-
tivity against stored product pests,
mosquito larvae, house flies, and to-
bacco eating larvae.
Muscle Relaxant activity
Phlegm Reducing activity
Commercial products
Antiseptic cream, dental cream,
Himcolin gel, Relief cream, Rheuma-
naad tablet and cream, Ostranil gel,
Amgesic arthritis tablets, capsules,
massage oil, acne and pimple cream,
jointcare, muscle and joint rub,
Rumalaya gel and tablets, Jigrine, and
eye drops.
Recommended dosage
All its parts like leaves, roots, bark,
fruits, flowers and seeds are employed
for medicinal purpose and can be used
medicinally in the form of powder, de-
coction/tea, juice, oil, tincture, sugar/
water/honey paste, dry extract. Doses
recommended, in adults are: juice, 10-
20 ml; decoction/tea, 50-100 ml; leaves
powder, 1.5-3g; dry leaves extract,
300-600mg. (Choudhary, 1996.) Leaf
powder can be put in capsules, added
to smoothies or mixed with water and
taken daily. Berries are dried, pow-
dered, and taken as capsules or as a
tincture. It can also be used as an es-
sential oil. Chaste tree is not fast act-
ing and must be taken consistently for
some time (6 months). It is usually rec-
ommended to be taken first thing in the
morning. Add 1 tbsp. molasses to your
cup of chaste tree tea to conceive, to
shrink fibroids, during menopause, and
to boost your health.
Others recommend: Dried herb: 3-10g
(Yarnell); 20g (German Commission).
Infusions and decoctions/tea: 5-30g per
cup of water, 2-3 cups daily. Tincture:
45:60% ethanol; 1:2 or 1:3, 1-12ml
daily. The cornorstone of therapy for
all species is appropriate diet and ex-
ercise. Vitex has outperformed placebo
in numerous trials.
NOTE: My recommendation is to get
used to drinking this bitter and pep-
pery-tasting tea. Capsules and tinctures
add to the cost. Capsules are not good
for health and tinctures have unhealthy
alcohol or glycerine which has chemi-
cals in it. Dosage for the below list of
diseases requires mostly a herbal tea,
unless otherwise indicated.
Toxicology and Adverse Effects
No known medication interactions ex-
ist. However, it may counteract birth
control pills in women. May interact
with dopaminergic modulators. It binds
to opioid receptors and may potentiate
medications that effect these receptors.
CAUTION: It should not be used dur-
ing pregnancy and lactation. It can de-
crease breast milk production in high
dosage while it can also increase it if
used in low dosage. It is a hormone
regulating herb so it can reduce the ef-
fect of oral contraception and hormone
replacement therapy.
Diseases Vitex is Used for
Diseases Vitex is used for in India and
in other countries are listed in alpha-
betical order:
Abcesses
Asthma
Backache
Bath for women in puerperal state and
for new born children
Bio-control agent - It is lethal in kill-
ing 30 kinds of bacteria, virus, para-
sites, moth (grain and vegetable
field), beetle, pests, and mosquitoes.
Black fever
Body ache
Cancer - Nirgundi suppresses mela-
noma cell growth through DNA
damage by increasing ROS levels.
In one study, Vitex negundo essen-
tial oil was shown to boost antioxi-
dant potential “while simultaneously
4 5
inhibiting melanin synthesis in
B16F10 melanoma cells.
Carbuncles
Carminative
Catarrhal fever - tea with black pep-
per
Cellulitis
Chest-pain
Circulatory system - The leaves ease
any kind of edema in the circulatory
system.
Common cold
Cough
Digestive health - It increases diges-
tive fire and increases appetite. It re-
lieves stomach ache, gas, bloating
and swelling of stomach, and indi-
gestion. Since it kills worms, it can
be used as a digestive system cleans-
ing agent.
Dopaminergic (acting on dopamine)
actions - For women going through
menopause with PMS like symp-
toms, the combination of St. John’s
Wort and Vitex may be used.
Dysentery - roots
Dyspepsia - roots
Eczema
Encephalitis
Expectorant
Eye disorders - Pain and eye disease -
use seeds.
Fever/Febrifuge - Tea made from the
roots reduces high fever, especially
in case of non-breaking fevers.
Fungal Ear Infection - Put 1-2 drops
of Nirgundi oil in ears to help clear
the infection and pus.
Goitre/Tonsils - leaves are very useful
in treating cases of goitre and ton-
sils. Drink tea. Gargle with tea in the
mornings, apply paste of leaves or
bark powder outside the affected
area every day till the pain disap-
pears.
Gonorrhoeal infections - Nirgundi
helps in smooth urination during
gonorrhoeal infections. Nirgundi is
a very useful herb in morbid condi-
tions like epilepsy, insomnia and ver-
tigo since it works as a brain tonic.
Gum disease
***
Gynecological problems:
Chaste tree is an adaptogenic herb. It
is an aid to the various maladies that
can befall women as part of their
monthly cycles. Nirgundi leaves tea is
excellent remedy for women’s
gynaecological health.
Acne - It eases acne outbursts dur-
ing the premenstrual period -
drink Nirgundi tea, apply oil, and
wash with the tea.
Amenorrhea (an abnormal absence
of menstruation)
Anti-Fertility disorders
Cancers of the breast, ovaries, or
prostate
Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps,
which are caused by uterine con-
tractions) - The analgesic and
anti-inflammatory properties of
these leaves help in easing the pain
and cramps experienced in dys-
menorrhea. An ayurvedic product
Kayakalpa has leaves of Vitex,
neem, bhringraj, East Indian
globe thistle, and Ajwain in it.
Endometriosis - is a condition re-
sulting from the appearance of
endometrial tissue outside the
uterus and causing pelvic pain,
especially associated with men-
struation. Vitex and molasses
may normalize hormonal imbal-
ances, which could reduce symp-
toms of endometriosis. Take two
cups of tea per day for six weeks.
Fibrocystic breast disease
Fibroids - Women who used Vitex
and molasses, dissolved their fi-
broids naturally. Watch their
videos online.
Headaches associated with PMS -
40mg a day of extract for 3
months showed 66% reductions
in headaches.
Heavy menstrual periods
Hyperprolactinemia (Prolactin is a
hormone that is most known for
stimulating lactation (breast milk
production), but it’s also in-
volved in functions including
ovulation, reproduction, immu-
nity, and blood cell formation.
Hyperprolactinemia is a condi-
tion where there is an abnormally
high amount of prolactin in the
body. People with hyper-
prolactinemia may experience ir-
regular or absent menstrual pe-
riods, abnormal breast milk dis-
charge, infertility, and sexual
side effects.
Infertility in women - Since pro-
gesterone plays a crucial role in
conception and sustaining preg-
nancy, Vitex may also be a first
step before trying infertility treat-
ments. Progesterone is needed to
thicken the uterine lining, and
help with luteal phase defects—
the period between ovulation and
menstruation during a woman’s
menstrual cycle which is typi-
cally 10-17 days long. When
there is an insufficient luteal
phase, it can lead to problems
with conception and miscarriage.
In one clinical trial, 48 women
(ages 23 to 39) who were diag-
nosed with infertility took
Chasteberry once daily for 3
 months. During the three month
period, seven women became
pregnant and 25 women experi-
enced normalized progesterone
levels, which can increase the
chances for pregnancy.
Vitex tea and molasses have been
shown to improve fertility. There
are several testimonies on the
internet from the women who
have conceived. A group of
women given Vitex tea, mineral
and vitamin supplements for five
weeks, conceived.
Lactation - Though Chaste tree is
a slow acting herb, except in
cases of lactation, which often
improves within a few weeks.
Mastalgia (breast tenderness) -
Vitex has anti-estrogenic effects.
Menopausal symptoms - Meno-
pause is defined by permanent
cessation of the primary func-
tions of the human ovaries. Hor-
monal fluctuations that occur
during menopause, may affect on
the mood and cognitive pro-
cesses. Emotional disorders such
as postpartum and postmeno-
pausal depression are the most
common forms of mental illness
associated with decreased serum
levels of ovarian hormones.
Many studies have shown that
estrogen deficiency after meno-
pause may impair learning and
memory function in women.
Moreover, there is a strong rela-
tionship between reduced estro-
gen levels and incidence of
Alzheimer ’s disease. On the
other hand, estrogen replacement
therapy is effective for improv-
ing or preventing depression and
AD, respectively. In fact, it has
been shown that estrogen by re-
6 7
duction in ß amyloid accumula-
tion and oxidative damage as
well as amplification of cerebral
blood flow and neurotransmitter
release or action, improves brain
functions. Nevertheless, the ben-
efits of estrogen replacement
therapy in postmenopausal
women are usually overshad-
owed by serious side effects of
estrogen. Particularly, the long-
term use of estrogen in women
may increase the risk of breast
and endometrial cancers.
Nowadays, there are several
propositions for the relief of
mood disorders in postmeno-
pausal women, which mainly
consists of estrogenic agents,
combination therapy and plant-
derived natural products.
Phytoestrogens and many other
estrogen-like compounds in
plants, due to fewer side effects,
have been massively proposed to
prevent menopause-related cog-
nitive decline.
Phytoestrogens are non-steroidal
compounds that can behave as
estrogen receptor against or an-
tagonist. For example, in cell
culture, it was observed that
these compounds inhibited the
growth of estrogen-dependent tu-
mor cells. In contrast, it has been
reported that phytoestrogens may
have beneficial effects on cogni-
tive performance in postmeno-
pausal women.
Chaste tree berries enhance
progesterone levels which helps
in easing and alieviating meno-
pausal symptoms such as mood
swings, vaginal dryness and hot
flashes. One needs to wait for 8-
10 weeks to notice this. It sup-
ports female reproductive health cluding natural conception.
and plays a normalizing role on Premenstrual mastodynia (pain in
the hormones. Both chaste tree the breast, called also mastalgia)
berry and black cohosh support
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
menopausal symptoms. Drink
(Premenstrual dysphoric disor-
the berry tea.
der (PMD and PMDD) is a con-
Menstrual Irregularities - Pliny the dition in which a woman has se-
Elder said about Vitex, “the trees vere depression symptoms, irri-
furnish medicines that promote tability, and tension before men-
urine and menstruation.” It regu- struation. The symptoms of
lates the female reproductive hor- PMDD are more severe than
mone oestrogen and regularises those seen with premenstrual
the menstrual cycle. In addition, syndrome (PMS).
take Blackstrap molasses which
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - In
is known to trigger periods al-
a German study, 1,542 women
most immediately. Rich in iron,
diagnosed with PMS took the
potassium, phosphorus and cal-
preparation for 166 days, with
cium, blackstrap molasses will
90% relief of symptoms after an
not only restart your periods but
average of 25 days. In another
will also prevent cramps and
three month trial, 40 drops of
menstrual pain that comes before
tincture per day per person pro-
menstruation.
duced a reduction in headaches,
Menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) -
breast tenderness, bloating and
Women were given 15 drops of
fatigue. Improvement in anxiety,
a tincture thrice daily.
mood swings and other psycho-
Menstrual Pains logical symptoms were also re-
Migraines ported. Chasteberry is a natural
source of progesterone that can
Miscarriage, helps in preventing
help to balance the ratio of
Natural Remedy for Hormonal
oestrogen to progesteron. 20mg
Balance
a day of Vitex is safe to take to
Ovarian Cysts, reduces
treat PMS.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Promotes Lactation in new moth-
(PCOS) - is a condition that af-
ers
fects a woman's hormone levels.
Supports a Healthy Luteal Phase -
Women with PCOS produce
Vitex has been shown to reduce
higher-than-normal amounts of
levels of follicle-stimulating hor-
male hormones. This hormone
mone and increase luteinizing
imbalance causes them to skip
hormone, thereby reducing estro-
menstrual periods and makes it
gen and increasing progesterone
harder for them to get pregnant.
levels. At higher doses, Vitex in-
Nirgundi supports PCOS and
hibits prolactin production.
regulates menstrual cycle in
Thus, it can be particularly help-
women. Extracts of papaya, cot-
ful in women who have luteal
tonseed and chaste tree are used
phase disorders.
for reproductive purposes, in-
 Uterine fibroids - Vitex or
chasteberry tincture, 25-30 drops
two to four times daily, often
shrinks small fibroids within two
months. But results come from
long-term use - up to two years.
The use of progesterone to treat
women with uterine fibroids is
hotly debated. One side holds
that fibroids are created by lack
of progesterone.
Vaginal discharge - The Ayurvedic
and Unani Pharmacopoeia of
India has documented the use of
the leaf, seed and the root to treat
excessive vaginal discharge
***
Hair tonic - Regular use of Nirgundi
tea improves hair quality. Nirgundi
oil can be mixed with coconut oil,
and castor oil to get stronger and
thicker hair. It stops premature
greying of hair, hair fall and may
help baldness. It wards off scalp in-
fections, dandruff, lice.
Headache -
Hepatitis -
Inflammatory Health conditions -
Packed with Vitamin C, Nirgundi is
one of the best natural antibiotic and
anti-inflammatory agents found in
nature. It strengthens immunity and
thwarts frequent recurrences of fe-
ver, orchitis, tonsilitis, and pharyn-
gitis. Drink this tea three times a day
and use as gargle to get relief from
tonsilitis and pharyngitis.
Increases Immunity - Applying
Nirgundi oil on a regular basis, any
time of the day, increases immunity
of the body. It improves blood cir-
culation. May use it as massage oil.
Jaundice
Joint pains, swelling and inflammation
of muscles and joints - Nirgundi oil
reduces joint and muscular pain.
Gently massage the pain area with
8 9
Nirgundi oil. It relieves muscular,
joint and arthritic pain.
Learning and memory - Vitex improves
them. Lower level of estrogen hor-
mone is considered as an important
factor for loss of learning and
memory in postmenopausal women.
Although estrogen replacement
therapy is used for compensation, but
long-term usage of estrogen is asso-
ciated with a higher risk of hormone-
dependent cancers. Phytoestrogens,
due to fewer side effects, have been
proposed to prevent menopause-re-
lated cognitive decline.
Leprosy -
Liver disorders - Nirgundi is found
highly useful in liver enlargement.
It is hepatoprotective and prevents
liver damage. Combined with Kutki
(a herb for liver health), it flushes
out toxins from liver and repairs
damage. It protects liver damage
from d-galactosamine, tubercular
drugs, carbon tetrachloride,
Villasenor and Lamadrid. To 2gm
Nirgundi powder, add 500g black
Kutki powder and 500g rasot
(raswanti, a biproduct of Daruhaldi
[Barberry] tree). Have this mixture
twice a day.
Malaria
***
Men’s Health:
Aphrodisiac activity - Chasteberry is
able to both dampen and heighten
sexual desire because it is an
adoptogen. This means it works
to normolize hormone imbalance
through its effect on the adrenal
gralds, in this case the pituitary.
In other words, it restricts hor-
monal excesses.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia -
The brain neurotransmitter
dopamine helps regulate lutein-
izing hormone from the anterior
pituitary gland, and opiates, in
turn, affect dopaminergic path-
ways. Radiolabeling of Vitex
constituents has shown binding
affinity at dopamine and opiate
receptors, thereby influencing the
release of pituitary hormones.
This is an important proposed
mechanism whereby this classic
women’s herb may also stabilize
testosterone levels and LH stimu-
lation of the prostate gland.
Improves and lowers male libido -
Sexually frustrated men, after the
birth of a child, are trying to
lower their libidos by using
Vitex. Soy for men - Soy protein
is full of compounds known as
isoflavones, known to have es-
trogen-like effects. So a diet rich
in soy may help lower a man’s
testosterone levels. On the other
hand, foods high in saturated fats
and animal protein have been
linked to higher libidos.
Male acne - Vitex may improve
symptoms of high testosterone
levels in men, including exces-
sive libido, acne, and prostatic
disease. Normalization of el-
evated testosterone levels should
help reduce proliferative effects
on the prostate. Researchers
tested Vitex extracts on three dif-
ferent human prostate cancer cell
lines and reported numerous
positive effects, including induc-
tion of apoptosis and inhibitory
effects on all three cell lines.
Osteoporosis - It is well known
that low testosterone levels and
orchidectomy will promote os-
teoporosis in men or among male
animals in research situations.
Vitex has been shown to prevent
loss of bone density in
orchidectomized rats close to
what is accomplished by estro-
gen supplementation. Thus,
Vitex might be as appropriate for
men with osteoporosis or as pre-
ventive at adrenopause as it is for
women at menopause.
An Indian species of Vitex, Vitex
negundo, has shown antifertility
effects in male animals without
exerting organ damage or other
toxic effects.
Testicular Cancer - Men with tes-
ticular cancer who undergo or-
chidectomy commonly experi-
ence loss of bone density. This
osteoporotic effect can be pre-
vented by the administration of
estradiol and/or testosterone;
however, prostatic hypertrophy
and increased prostate cancer
risk are common consequences
of these hormonal therapies. Ac-
taea prevents bone loss that typi-
cally follows orchidectomy, with-
out exerting excessive estrogenic
effects. men undergoing or-
chidectomy or androgen suppres-
sion therapies for testicular can-
cer may report having hot
flashes, similar to those experi-
enced by women during meno-
pause. Actaea can help alleviate
male hot flashes in these situa-
tions.
Melatonin secretion - In men, Vitex
appears to have dose-dependent
effects on inducing melatonin se-
cretion. 120mg and 480mg of a
5:1 extract increased melatonin
in serum, with more significance
in sleep in a trial.
Phytosterols Against Cancer -
Among the most studied natural
compounds affecting reproduc-
tive hormones in the body are the
phytosterols. They are most con-
centrated in nuts and seeds of
plants and are present in the oils
expressed from these. Pumpkin,
sesame, flax, and sunflower
seeds and oils are high in phy-
tosterols, and cereal grains and
legumes such as rice, wheat
germ, soy, peas, and other beans
also contain phytosterols. Pro-
cessing and hydrogenating the
oils expressed from these foods
destroy the phytosterols, and in-
gesting margarine produced from
these otherwise healthy oils does
not possess the same hormonal
benefits as does eating whole
nuts and seeds or consuming
high-quality cold-expressed
natural oils. In fact, phytoster-
ols are common in plants and ev-
eryday foods. Taraxacum, Cal-
endula, and many other herbs
contain phytosterols, as do most
vegetables such as carrots and
broccoli in at least trace
amounts. Phytosterols in whole
grains, nuts, legumes, and veg-
etables may contribute to the
anticancer effects of these foods
when consumed over a lifetime.
Two of the most researched and
most popular herbs for the treat-
ment of prostatic disease are
nettle root (Urtica dioica-urens)
and saw palmetto (S repens),
both of which contain significant
amounts of phytosterols.
In the 1920s, ergosterol was
found to undergo transformation
into vitamin D under UV light.
Vitamin D has numerous anti-
cancer effects, particularly for
reproductive cancers. It inhibits
the proliferation of normal and
malignant prostate cells via ac-
10
tivity at cellular vitamin D recep-
tors. Urtica (Nettle) Root May
Improve Prostate Health.
Prostate gland - One hypothesis is
that reduced LH allows follicle-
stimulating hormone to dominate
and can lead to decreased estro-
gen and testosterone and a rela-
tive increase in progesterone.
Male chimpanzees consume
these fruits in quantities similar
to those ingested by females, and
no feminization or reproductive
disturbances have been reported
to date. Promotion of progester-
one may help mitigate the pro-
liferative effects of estrogen and
testosterone on the prostate gland
and is another proposed mecha-
nism by which the health of the
prostate gland is benefited.
Furthermore, Vitex contains
lignans, collectively called
vitexins, which (like other
lignans) can be metabolized in
the human body into hormone-
like compounds that selectively
bind hormone receptors in vari-
ous tissues, including the pros-
tate. Researchers have reported
antitumor and cytotoxic effects
on cancer cells from Vitex lignan
metabolites in animals, as well
as an ability to induce apoptosis
via caspase activation.
Prostate Cancer - Approximately
half of all men experience some
symptoms of prostatic hypertro-
phy in the latter decades of life,
and American men have an 18%
chance of developing prostate
cancer. Herbal medicine is both
therapeutic to and preventive of
the development and progression
of this common disorder. Most
readers will be familiar with the
value of nettle root (Urtica spe-
cies), phytosterols such as the
liposterols in saw palmetto (Ser-
enoa repens), and seed oils such
as pumpkin (Curcubita pepo) for
the treatment of prostatic disease.
However, many herbs tradition-
ally classified as “women’s
herbs” because of their useful-
ness for treating menstrual dis-
orders, infertility, and meno-
pausal symptoms are also impor-
tant tools in the management of
reproductive and prostatic dis-
eases in men. For example, clas-
sic menopausal and gynecologic
herbs such as Vitex and
Cimicifuga are effective in treat-
ing prostatic disease and cancer.
There is current evidence on the
efficacy of phytosterols and
Urtica for the treatment of pros-
tate disease and explores re-
search on several popular
women’s herbs that may affect
reproductive health in men.
Spermatorrhoea (the involuntary
loss of semen) - powdered seeds
are taken with sugar cane vinigar
and ginger.
***
Migraine
Mouth ulcers -
Neck gland sores - Apply leaf paste and
leave it all night.
Nervous system - Eases painful con-
ditions affecting the nervous system
such as headaches, rheumatoid ar-
thritis, sciatica and synovitis.
Pain and Inflammation relief: Vitex is
hot in nature and suppresses aggra-
vated phlegm. Its effects on all kinds
of pains and inflammations are ex-
cellent. It is used in osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis, knees and
shoulder pain, lower back pain re-
11
lated to bulging disc and slip disc,
and all sorts of back pains, sciatica
pain and pains occurred due to inju-
ries. Method: Boil a bunch of leaves
with 1 litre of water. Use this water
to do hot fomentation. Or bandage
the leaves on the painful area with
plastic wrap and put hot water bag
on it. In Europe they call it fomenta-
tion herb. Make tea with leaves or
root bark and drink.
Paralysis - massage with Nirgundi oil.
Piles - roots
Respiratory disorders - Asthma, Si-
nusitis, Cough and Cold are cured
by Nirgundi tea. It ventilates the res-
piratory passage. It is a remedy for
bronchitis, asthma, pleurisy and
pneumonia.
Rheumatoid arthritis - Tincture of root
bark or massage with Nirgundi oil.
Sinusitis and Headaches - Burn dry
Nirgundi leaves and inhale the
smoke.
Spleen, enlargement of
Syphilic skin disorders - oil
Sinusitis
Skin disease, skin ulcers - It is useful
in the treatment of extremely dry
skin, chapped lips, eczema,
ringworms (kustha), urticaria and
erruptions. Applying Nirgundi oil on
affected area gives relief in a few
days.
Snake bite, antidote for
Teething in children, painful -
Thyroid - Treat thyroid naturally. The
thyroid is a gland found at the base
of the neck. The shape of the thyroid
gland resembles that of the butter-
fly. It's responsible for all the impor-
tant functions of the body. The thy-
roid gland secretes a hormone called;
thyroxine. Thyroxine is responsible
for various functions of the body like
the regulation of the heartbeat,
proper functioning of the metabo-
 lism, growth and development of the
body and the maintaining the correct
amount of the insulin in the body. If
there are any imbalances of the thy-
roid and the secretion of the thyrox-
ine, the body will suffer. Vitex is
known to be an excellent treatment
for dysfunctional thyroid. Vitex helps
to regulate the thyroid glands and
monitor the secretion of the thyrox-
ine. It can be included in the foods
we eat everyday, and used in the form
of tea.
Toothache
Toothbrush
Tubercular neck swellings - leaf paste
Urticaria
Veneral diseases - essential oil
Vitiligo - Vitiligo, leuchoderma and
leprosy are treated using this plant
and its products. Apply Nirgundi oil.
Vomiting
Weakness
Whooping cough
Wounds/ fractures - Nirgundi prevents
the wound from being attacked by
infections. A poultice made with its
leaves can be placed over the af-
fected region for faster recovery. Use
the oil to clean the wounds and to
keep away infections and foul smell.
Vermifuge - The juice of leaves of
Nirgundi is Vermifuge. It destroys in-
testinal worms, bacteria and
micoorganisms. Nirgundi is known
Vitex leaf tea pouches, oil, and tablets are available with us.
Contact: Cell: 91+99866 53256, Email: wakeup77@gmail.com
Natural Remedies Cleanse & Heal the System! Look up January 2020 Health Reformer
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12
to relieve 20 types of diseases related
to worms as well as disorder gener-
ated by them. It also eliminates
worms from ulcers and foetid dis-
charges. Grind leaves with water and
drink the juice or make tea and drink.
Nirgundi juice is available in the
market.
In Veterinary Herbal Medicine
Buffaloes in colic, for
Cushing’s disease in horses -
Refrigerant for cattlle
References
Agnus castus: benefits, dosage, side-effects,
by Rosalind Ryan on December 28, 2018,
Reviewed by Gabriella Clarke on Janu-
ary 8, 2019.
Herbs to Treat the Thyroid by Visihow.
Increase Fertility Naturally: Tips to Get
Pregnant. https://www.mamanatural.com.
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochem-
istry, Dharmendra Kumar, et al.
Nirgundi Uses, Benefits, Actions, Ayurvedic
Applications Of Nirgundi. https://www.
theayurveda-experience.com.
Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) – Nature’s Gift
to Mankind by Subhash Chander Ahuja,
Researchgate.
Vitex Agnus-Castus: Which Benefits of
Chasteberry Are Backed by Science?
https://www. healthline.com.
Vitex Agnus Castus Extract Improves Learn-
ing and Memory and Increases the Tran-
scription of Estrogen Receptor a in Hip-
pocampus of Ovariectomized Rats. NCBI,
2015.
“WOMEN’S HERBS” FOR MEN by Dr
Jillian Stansbury, 2010. 