Vitex agnus castus
Vitex agnus-castus, commonly referred to as the "chaste tree," "chasteberry," or "monk's
pepper," is a flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It's native to the
Mediterranean region, including parts of Albania.
Vitex agnus-castus is a shrub that can grow up to 1-5 meters in height. It has
finger-like compound leaves, and its foliage is aromatic.In Albania, like other parts of
the Mediterranean, Vitex agnus-castus would typically grow in riparian areas, nearby
riverbanks, and in sunny, well-drained soils.
The dried ripe berries are used in modern herbal remedies. They are believed to help
with menstrual cycle irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and symptoms of
menopause. It's also been used for fertility issues in women.
