VITEX (Vitex agnus castus) Also known as chaste berry

Steam distilled from the leaves or berries of the plant, in Crete, Turkey, other Mediterranean countries.

Steam distilled from the berries (considered the finest) and the leaves.

SAFETY: Avoid during last two trimesters of pregnancy and with small children. Very safe, can be taken orally for several years without adverse effects. To recieve full benefits with a chronic condition, vitex may need to be taken orally for 6 months or longer.

USAGE HISTORY: Very little is currently known about vitex essential oil, it is fairly new to the aromatherapy market. Much of the information is based on medicinal use of the plant. The berries have been used medicinally for over 2,000 years in Egypt and Mediterranean cultures.

PROPERTIES:

• Internal-oral, suppository; topical
• Known as a female hormone balancer, vitex balances estrogen and progesterone levels
• Increases fertility, helps regulate ovulation
• Regulates, stimulates, and enhances pituitary function
• Alleviates painful menstruation, irregular periods, PMS symptoms, water retention, menopause symptoms
• Acne treatment when related to hormonal imbalance
• Aids the body in recovering natural hormone balance after use of birth control pills
• Can be used safely through the third month of pregnancy to prevent miscarriage, after that it may cause premature milk production (Galactogogue)
• Should not be taken internally while taking birth control pills-may interfere with the drug
• Treats fibrocystic disease, heart pains, edema, constipation, endometriosis
• Systems: Cardio-vascular, endocrine, reproductive, nervous

PERFUME NOTE: Heart note

EMOTIONAL/SPIRITUAL:

• Relieves menopausal anxiety and emotion swings
• Reduces emotional symptoms connected with hormonal imbalance
• Steadies the emotional body
• Moves stagnant energy in root and pelvic chakras, relieves blood stagnation
• Chakra: