Vitex agni casti fructuum extract - Vitex fruit extract is used in preparations to lengthen the short luteal phase, improve the formation of the corpus luteum, establish an irregular cycle, eliminate infertility and even return missing menstruation, reduce the symptoms of PMS, menopause and postmenopause. It is considered a proven fact that the herb Vitex (sacred vitex, Abraham's tree, common twig, Fructus agni casti) helps to establish the second phase of the menstrual cycle and improves progesterone production in women with PCOS. Nevertheless, vitex can bring not only benefits to the female body, but also harm.
ORDINARY ROD IN GYNECOLOGY TO REDUCE PROLACTIN
There are scientific medical studies on the Internet about the effect of Vitex on hyperprolactemia in women. Their conclusion boils down to the following:
phytopreparations based on rods reduce the level of prolactin in the blood by 2 times, if the initial value of this hormone did not exceed 700 mIU / L, and reduce it by 40%, if, before taking Vitex, prolactin was increased significantly more than 700 mIU / L.
It is believed to normalize the second phase of the menstrual cycle and increase decreased progesterone. The results of scientific experiments ascribe good results to Vitex for high prolactin, low progesterone, PMS and hot flashes in women.
DRUGS WITH PRUTNYAK
In Russia, you can buy at almost any pharmacy:
- “Cyclodinone” (tablets, drops), Germany, vitex content - 3.2-4.8 mg of dry fruit extract;
- Agnucaston is less common (tablets, drops), Germany, the content of vitex is 3.2–4.8 mg of dry fruit extract;
- Mastodinon, Germany, (tablets, drops), 1 tablet contains: Agnus castus (Holy Vitex, or Abraham's tree) 162.0 mg + Stalkleaf, Cyclamen, Chilibukha, Iris, Lily;
- AlvoPMS, India, (capsules), sacred vitex extract 100 mg (also contains fenugreek, apple juice, ginger);
- "Mastokaps", Evalar, (capsules), contains the extract of sacred vitex (fruit of the prutnyak) 20 mg in 1 capsule (+ peony);
- "Mastofit", Evalar, tablets contain 4.8 mg sacred vitex extract (in a daily dose - 6 tablets) + Indole-3-carbinol and fucus extract;
- « Femikaps. EasyLife», 120 caps., Finland, 25 mg rod and other ingredients.
IHerb sells many supplements with this plant. These are both monopreparations and complexes. Some of them ( analogs of "Cyclodinone"):
- Nature's Answer, 90 capsules, 40 mg, price ~ 350 rubles;
- Nature's Way, 400 mg, 100 capsules, from 350 p .;
- Gaia Herbs, 60 phytocapsules, 1,000 mg, cost ~ 865 rubles;
- Now Foods, 300 mg, 90 capsules + (Angelica sinensis) (Root) 150 mg, price from 745 rub.
In fact, there are even more preparations with vitex in the Ayherb online store. Their main difference is the minimum of excipients, that is, most of them are suitable even for vegetarians and allergy sufferers, as well as economy (b aboutmore active substance and number of tablets).
VITEX SACRED: HEALING PROPERTIES AND CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR WOMEN
Often, the use of a stick for PMS is compared to taking caffeine to get rid of fatigue, that is, vitex can simply worsen the course of the underlying problem by masking the symptoms. Cases have been recorded when prutnyak helped women with bleeding and adjusted the menstrual cycle. However, there are other observations where such treatment with Vitex herb only worsened the cycle disorders.
The increase in progesterone that occurs with Vitex supplementation can also lead to another common side effect, depression. There is evidence of the use of Vitex in women with premenstrual depression. Their condition worsened greatly during her herbal treatment and required antidepressant medication. Refusal to use Vitex had a positive impact on their mental and mental state.
Chronically low dopamine leads to depression in many cases, and Vitex has been shown to make the situation often worse. The reason for this is that progesterone is a “calming hormone,” so when the rod stimulates progesterone levels to rise in women who are already depressed, it can cause even more strong feeling despair.
Reception and administration of the herb Vitex (tablets or tincture) are very common in gynecology. There are many available herbal preparations based on it, which can be bought at pharmacies. But unfortunately this natural remedy does not work miracles. If you choose to accept it, weigh the pros and cons and consider side effectsthat may arise. Perhaps a course intake of minerals and vitamins (zinc, magnesium, B6) will help, no less effectively than vitex, to lower prolactin to normal values.
Vitex and polycystic ovary
The most important warning girls and women with polycystic ovary disease (PCOS) should remember: Vitex must be used very carefully when LH (luteinizing hormone) is high!
If you have elevated blood LH levels, then vitex (prutnyak) is likely to be contraindicated! Some studies have found that this herb increases the hormone LH, as a result, the condition of patients with polycystic ovaries only worsens.
Vitex has the potential to raise LH levels, which may not be desirable for women with PCOS who already have high level luteinizing hormone. If LH is consistently high in the first phase, then, as a rule, there is no subsequent increase in the middle of the cycle and, therefore, there is no ovulation. Therefore, many doctors do not recommend Vitex for women with polycystic ovary disease.
Vitex sacred (English Chaste Berry Vitex, Latin Vítex ágnus-cástus) is a tree-like shrub from the genus Vitex of the Lamb family. There are also other plant names: Vitex ordinary, Prutnyak ordinary, Abraham's tree, Chaste or Monk pepper. The word "Vitex" itself has a Latin origin and is translated as "knit" due to the fact that the flexible branches of the bush were used for weaving baskets and other products.
The medicinal plant has antiseptic and analgesic properties, disinfects and produces a sedative effect. It is useful for both male and female health, therefore it is indispensable for many gynecological diseases. The list of properties is not limited to those listed, but only increases every year, because research over vitex continue.
Vitex sacred: plant
Vitex sacred represents shrub plant, the height of which reaches 4-8 m. Its branches have a sharp aroma and are colored brown, and large leaves are bright green. A large number of lavender flowers are collected in inflorescences at the tops of the branches. This plant blooms all summer and until mid-autumn, and bears fruit only in November.
Distributed in North Africa, southern Europe and temperate zones. The area mainly affects such states as Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Spain, as well as the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia. Due to the fact that the plant is undemanding to the soil, it can be found both in grass thickets and along river banks.
Leaves, flowers and fruits are used as plant materials vitex sacred... The bark is much less common in exceptional cases.
Interesting! Already in ancient times they knew about useful properties vitex sacred... Many scientists wrote about this in their works, including Dioscorides, Theophrastus, Pliny and Hippocrates. The latter believed that a mixture of the crushed leaves of the plant with wine was beneficial for pregnant women, especially in recent weeks. This will help avoid postpartum complications, reduce bleeding and speed up placental abruption.
Vitex sacred: composition
Enlarge pictureComposition vitex sacred rich in various components. In each plant organ, they are different, which determines the variety of options for its use. Moreover, in all parts vitex contains:
- iridoids - products of metabolic processes; in the plant are represented by aucubin and agnoside;
- flavonoids - plant compounds that can neutralize (orientin, casticin, isoorientin, isovitexin);
- vitamins and chemical elements (,);
- tannins;
- vitamins A and group B;
- essential oils (limonene, cineole, pinene and sabinene).
The fruits are the richest in nutrients. About 4% are tannins. Also found here:
- organic acids (acetic, valeric, formic, butyric);
- alkaloids - nitrogen-containing compounds;
- coumarins.
In the leaves in large quantities contains glycosides and fatty oils. The essential oil from fruits or leaves also has a rich composition:
- palmitic acid;
- terpenes: pinene, sabinene, cineole;
- terpenoids: camphor and bornyl acetate;
- quinone.
It is worth noting that pharmachologic effect vitex sacred is associated primarily with the presence of iridoids in the composition. They have wide range biological activity, in particular, have antioxidant, choleretic and antiviral properties. Also, these compounds have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, relieve pain, relieve spasms, inflammation and much more.
Vitex sacred: medicinal properties
Enlarge picture Almost all medicinal properties vitex sacred were discovered by German scientists. So, studies have shown that the benefits of the plant are as follows:
- regulates the production of sex hormones and gonadotropins;
- relieves inflammation and eliminates spasms;
- relieves pain;
- calms the nervous system;
- destroys pathogenic microbes;
- has antifungal properties;
- natural diuretic;
- is an estrogen-like plant;
- has a positive effect on the "yellow body" of the ovary - a temporary gland in the female body;
- normalizes digestion processes;
- strengthens the body.
Important! Vitex sacred is not an official medicinal plant, however, it is approved for use in dietary supplements and vitamin-mineral complexes. In the Register of Medicines of the Russian Federation it is indicated that the fruit extract vitex normalizes the functioning of the gonads and the balance of sex hormones, therefore it is included in the composition of such medicines: Mastodinon and Agnucaston. Its other properties have also been proven.
Vitex sacred: application
Application area vitex sacred extensive. In medicine, the plant is used in such cases:
- gynecological disorders;
- pathological changes in the mammary glands;
- age-related changes in women (menopause);
- chronic liver and spleen diseases;
- to ease the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome;
- female infertility;
- insufficient lactation;
- diseases of the male reproductive system: spermatorrhea, impotence;
- and neuroses;
- insomnia;
- headaches;
- malaria (in folk medicine);
- oncological diseases.
In addition to medicinal purposes, vitex is of economic importance. Due to the pungent aroma, the fruits and seeds of the plant are used in cooking. They are added to the first courses, sausages, canned fish and meat products. It harmonizes well with other herbs.
Due to its elasticity, the branches vitex are used for making wicker baskets and garden furniture... Also the plant is part sports nutrition bodybuilders, because it allows you to control the level of testosterone necessary for gaining muscle mass.
Vitex sacred: for women
Enlarge picture Vitex sacred for women - an assistant in eliminating unpleasant premenstrual sensations and treating diseases of the genital area. It is believed that it can solve problems associated with infertility, but this information has not been officially confirmed. But treatment plant necessary in such cases:
- mastopathy;
- gynecological diseases;
- age-related changes;
- premenstrual mental disorders;
- hormonal disorders;
- for pregnant.
To be healthy, it is not enough for a woman to treat diseases that have already appeared. You need to constantly monitor your health. For the purpose of prophylaxis, they take such additives:
Vitex sacred: with mastopathy
Mastopathy represents benign changes in the mammary glands. It can manifest itself ambiguously and have different shapes, therefore, there is no single treatment regimen. The main thing that the therapy is aimed at is to reduce pain in the chest, swelling and induration. Copes with these tasks. It lowers the level of prolactin (a pituitary hormone), which affects the development of pathological changes in the mammary glands. An increase in this hormone is especially dangerous in fibrous and fibrocystic mastopathy.
Important! The danger is that this disease can develop into a cancerous tumor. Therefore, it is necessary to diagnose the disease and begin its treatment as soon as possible.
Vitex sacred: in gynecology
In gynecology it is used most actively, especially in PMS. The plant relieves the unpleasant symptoms that absolutely every woman of reproductive age has encountered. Basically, pain, weakness, depression and other symptoms appear due to insufficient production of the hormone progesterone in the period preceding menstruation. Therefore, the concentration of the other hormone estrogen increases, and the discomfort only increases. The plant regulates the ratio of both hormones and relieves premenstrual conditions.
Also vitex helps to restore the disturbed menstrual cycle (lack of ovulation, scarcity, irregularity). It lowers prolactin levels, which causes these problems and can lead to prolonged absence of menstruation.
Apply exotic plant and for other disorders of the reproductive system:
- polycystic ovary;
- myoma and fibroma;
- endometriosis;
- infertility;
- the consequences of taking contraceptives.
It is also useful for women's health, and. These supplements improve overall health during menopause.
Vitex sacred: during pregnancy
Enlarge picture It can be equally beneficial for pregnant women or those who have recently given birth to a child. By increasing progesterone levels, medicinal plant reduces the risk of miscarriage in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It also stimulates milk production during lactation. In this case, the reception vitex lasts up to 1.5 weeks, starting from the day of delivery.
Important! Women in position need to use vitex extremely carefully and only under medical supervision. It strongly affects the reproductive system and can harm the fetus.
Vitex sacred: with endometriosis
Endometriosis is one of those gynecological diseases that you can get rid of with the help of vitex sacred... It is characterized by pathological proliferation of the walls of the uterus. In this case, a sick woman experiences profuse monthly bleeding, inflammation in the surrounding tissues and pain.
Vitex sacred: fruits in capsules
Enlarge picture - A company with a worldwide reputation Gaia herbs offers a dietary supplement sacred vitex berries Vitex Berry (500 mg). 60 Vegetarian Vegetable Liquid Capsules Contains Plant Fruit Extract. They support a woman's hormonal balance, and normal levels of biologically active substances are essential for mental and physical well-being.
Vitex Berry advantages:
- the capsules are in a liquid form, so they are easily absorbed and do not cause difficulties when taken;
- the supplement does not contain gluten and dairy ingredients;
- non-toxic: it contains no heavy metals and other hazardous components.
Recommendations for use: drink 2 capsules in the morning. The duration of use is individual, but long-term use guarantees the effect. Pregnant and lactating women should skip the supplement. Also, be sure to consult a doctor before using it if you are taking other medications or have serious medical conditions.
Vitex sacred: soy isoflavones
Enlarge picture - It is known to help with menopause. An example is the Vitex Fruit supplement, which is produced by the company Nature's Way (400 mg, 100 vegetarian capsules). Taking dietary supplements, a person literally receives the power of nature.
- To enhance the effect, combine with other dietary supplements. You need to pay attention to the dietary supplement "Soy Isoflavones" from the company Natrol (50 mg, 60 capsules). Its main task is to ease the symptoms of menopause. The supplement naturally eliminates hot flashes, excessive sweating and other unpleasant signs of menopause.
Both drugs with a vengeance strengthen the health of women and support during the period of extinction of reproductive function.
Vitex sacred: extract of dietary supplements
Enlarge picture - The leading positions in the lists of the most effective dietary supplements are sacred vitex berry extract Chaste Berry Vitex Extract from worldwide famous company Now Foods (300 mg, 90 vegetable capsules). A vegetarian dietary supplement supports women's health and normalizes the endocrine system. It meets all quality standards.
Vitex sacred: in the pharmacy
Almost all drugs and dietary supplements in pharmacies are too expensive. Vitex sacred - not an exception. High price does not confirm that the product will be of high quality, its effectiveness meets expectations. In addition, counterfeits may be on sale. They do not pass quality control and often contain toxic substances.
While it is convenient for many people to go to a nearby pharmacy, it is easier for residents of large cities, for example, Moscow, to order goods online. To do this, you don't even need to leave the house, but only select the required product on the site. A link to the largest online store for organic supplements is given at the end of the article.
Vitex sacred: instruction
Instructions for sacred vitex contains the following requirements:
- do not exceed the recommended dosage;
- after taking the supplement in capsule form, drink plenty of water; other liquid is not suitable;
- dried plant is suitable for making tea.
It is worth noting that it can be combined with other medicinal herbs. The common one, which has similar medicinal properties, is especially suitable.
Vitex sacred: how to take
There are several reception options vitex sacred depending on the dosage form. But in any case, experts recommend taking it in the morning on an empty stomach to increase absorption and get maximum benefit. If the dosage is designed for several doses, then this should be done on an empty stomach 2-3 hours before a meal. You need to consume from 500 mg to 1500 mg of a pure drug per day, depending on the purpose of treatment. It is recommended to take 1-3 capsules per day, each of which is 500 mg. The minimum dosage (1 capsule per day) is prescribed for long-term use so as not to cause side effects.
It should be noted that the result from vitex not fast but reliable. Therefore, the course of treatment usually lasts 2-3 months, and it will take six months to treat severe gynecological diseases.
Vitex sacred: contraindications
Prevent use vitex sacred some factors may. The plant is contraindicated:
- with individual intolerance;
- if you are allergic to the components of the drug or additives;
- in childhood;
- pregnant and lactating women.
When treating breast cancer from vitex also need to be discarded, because the plant affects the concentration of the hormone estrogen. According to statistics, estrogen-dependent cancers appear most often.
Vitex sacred: harm
Enlarge picture Harm from use vitex sacred can only be if you do not adhere to the instructions and contraindications. Long-term use of the plant for many months leads to liver dysfunctions. An allergic rash may also appear, and in case of an overdose, hallucinations, agitation nervous system and confusion, but such complications are extremely rare.
Stop taking and immediately consult a doctor if the patient is worried about the following changes in the body:
- chest pain;
- depressed psycho-emotional state;
- menstrual irregularities;
- lack of strength.
Although such symptoms are unsafe for human health, they appear in isolated cases and are associated with individual characteristics organism.
Vitex sacred: reviews
Based on customer reviews, one can judge whether the product is really of high quality and deserves attention. People's opinions about sacred vitex only positive. They are mostly left by the female half of the users. They note that the medicinal plant has a positive effect on the female reproductive system. With its help, you can not only get rid of menstrual irregularities, but also cure serious irregularities. Also vitex useful for men, and even for the treatment of cancer.
Vitex sacred: price
Buy by affordable price not so easy. Almost everywhere the prices are overpriced, so the goods are not available to everyone. At the online pharmacy linked below, vitex and other supplements are 2-5 times cheaper, and even use to get a discount. All products are supplied by leading pharmaceutical companies and are subject to mandatory quality control. The effectiveness of dietary supplements is guaranteed. Besides vitex!
3. The first time you order, you will be given the iHerb code and you will save $ 5 on the cost of the entire package the first time! We definitely recommend using it, because with the second order, you can also count on discounts or return part of the funds through who will try to return the interest on the purchase at already low prices!
4. Detailed articles on the intricacies of delivery and payment: and!
How does it help you? Your feedback or advice is very important for beginners and people suffering from similar ailments!
Vitex sacred or Abrahamic tree is a shrub that reaches a height of 3-54 meters and grows in areas with a subtropical climate from the Mediterranean to India.
In the upper part of the grass, Vitex sacred shoots are branched, has large green palmate leaves and fruits - red drupes with 4 seeds.
Young shoots of Vitex end in lilac color with dense brushes.
Scientists have proven that Vitex preparations are very useful in cases of lack of corpus luteum due to lack of corpus luteum.
So, in 1988, a group of women with a history of amenorrhea and infertility received a course of treatment with Vitex extract.
As a result of the treatment, 15 out of 66 of these women were able to become pregnant. This is 59.55% more than in the control group, where the treatment was carried out by other means.
USED \u200b\u200bVitex PARTS
Fruits, which have a characteristic taste with a peppery flavor, are harvested after ripening - in September-October, after which they are dried and from them liquid and dry extracts containing at least 0.2% of active substances are produced.
ACTIVE SUBSTANCES of the medicinal plant
The fruits of the plant contain 0.45% essential oil, diterpene compounds, iridoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, plant steroids (ketosteroids) and fatty acids.
HEALING PROPERTIES of sacred vitex
In animals, vitex inhibits the separation of milk, as it lowers the level of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates milk production.
INDICATIONS FOR USE
Vitex is used mainly with insufficient function of the corpus luteum or with an excess of prolactin - with premenstrual syndrome with fluid retention, with scanty or no menstruation, anovulatory cycles, cycle irregularities after the use of contraceptives chemicals, with some forms of infertility, chest pain during puberty or during menopause.
PRECAUTIONS and contraindications to the use of sacred vitex
Before today the toxic effect of Vitex preparations on the human body has not been established, however, for a complete treatment, you should consult with your doctor.
“Did you know that female infertility can defeat sacred vitex. Numerous medical studies different countries, showed that in many cases, after the daily intake of the preparations of this medicinal plant, a long-awaited pregnancy occurred. In ancient times, monks used vitex instead of pepper to improve their health. Tradition has brought to us that people who wanted to preserve their chastity slept on a heap of Vitex branches. In Morocco, this plant is still credited with the ability to enhance sexual desire, as well as in men and women. "
Traditional medicine recommends
application vitex sacred
with insufficient functioning of the corpus luteum, expressed in premenstrual syndrome, infertility, chest pain:
- gelatin capsules containing 250 mg of dry extract: 2 capsules in the morning and in the evening with a glass of water;
- liquid extract: 100 drops in a glass of water once a day;
- alcoholic extract in a ratio of 1: 5 - 50 drops each before bedtime.
Prostate abnormality treatment
● 2 capsules twice a day, gelatin capsules (250 mg. Dry extract).
Treatment of female infertility
● Take Vitex, Sparrow and Cuff medications that affect progesterone production.
Treatment of climacteric syndrome, menopause
● Take decoctions and infusions from fruits and flowering tops of sacred vitex.
For suppressing lactation while breastfeeding
● Vitex fruit preparations (decoctions, infusions, capsules)
If symptoms persist, a doctor should be consulted.
Sacred Vitex is a tree-like shrub of the Vitex genus, belonging to the Lamb family. Its medicinal properties have been known since ancient times. They are mentioned in the writings of Pliny, Theophrastus and Dioscorides. The famous ancient Greek physician Hippocrates noted the effectiveness of Vitex leaves in combination with wine to prevent postpartum complications in women. Currently, the plant is used in folk and traditional medicine for the treatment of female diseases caused by hormonal disorders, and for other problems. In nature, sacred vitex is found in countries North Africa, Southern Europe, Central and Western Asia, in the Caucasus. The plant is also known under other names: common vitex, purity tree, Abraham's tree, monastic pepper, common twig.
Botanical description
Common prutnyak is perennial plant, whose life expectancy is about 60 years. It is not picky about soils, is resistant to drought and the lack of bright lighting, it grows mainly on the banks of rivers and sea coasts, along ravines, on mountain slopes, sometimes forming small thickets. Reproduction is carried out by seeds and cuttings.
The root system is tap root, the root has branches with numerous adventitious roots.
The height of the shrub can reach 4 - 6 m. The branches are erect, brown in color, tetrahedral in cross section. They have a specific pungent aroma. Top covered with dense tomentose, soft to the touch pubescence.
Interesting: The branches of the plant are flexible and resilient, so they are used for the manufacture of decorative wickerwork and garden furniture.
The foliage is opposite. Compound leaves, big size, are on long petioles, dull green above, and grayish below, as they have dense short pubescence. Finger-shaped in shape, they consist of five sharp narrow-lanceolate whole-edged or sparsely toothed leaves up to 10 cm long.
Bloom lasts from June to September. The flowers are numerous, form paniculate-spike inflorescences up to 20 cm long at the tops of young shoots. They can be lavender, pink, purple or lilac in color. The calyx is foliated with five teeth, tubular, three times the height of the corolla.
There are four stamens inside the flower, which protrude significantly beyond the corolla.
The fruits appear in September-October. They are spherical drupes up to 4 mm in diameter, collected on the cob. Initially, it has a red color, and then, as it dries, it darkens and in appearance begins to resemble a pea of \u200b\u200bblack pepper.
Chemical composition
Sacred Vitex is rich in various substances useful for human health, some of which are present in the entire plant, while others are only in its individual organs. So, in all parts of the plant, the following groups of compounds were found:
- iridoids;
- essential oils;
- tannins;
- flavonoids (casticin, kaempferol, orientin, isovitexin, isoorientin, etc.);
- vitamins and minerals;
- alkaloids.
The leaves of the plant additionally contain glycosides, and the seeds contain fatty oil. The fruits of Vitex sacred contain the maximum amount of alkaloids, tannins and essential oils compared to other parts of the plant. They also contained organic acids (formic, propionic, acetic, butyric, nylon, valeric), fatty oil and coumarins.
Healing properties
Common prutnyak has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, sedative and antifungal effects. Funds from its fruits normalize work digestive system, have a tonic and tonic effect. They are used in the complex treatment of chronic liver and spleen diseases.
The Abrahamic tree has a hormone-like effect similar to progesterone. It stimulates the secretion of gonadotropic sex hormones of the anterior pituitary gland - LH and FSH, which are necessary for normal work female reproductive system. Vitex sacred is effective in endometriosis and polycystic ovary disease, resulting from hormonal disruption in the body of a woman.
It is used for some gynecological and endocrine disorders:
- cycle disorders due to taking birth control pills;
- fibroids, uterine fibroids;
- lack of ovulation;
- scanty or lack of menstruation;
- mastitis, mastopathy;
- infertility.
Means from sacred vitex are used in gynecology to relieve the manifestations of premenstrual and climacteric syndrome in women. They help men with spermatorrhea, increased sexual excitability, premature ejaculation, impotence and prostatitis.
For the treatment of mastopathy, mastalgia, menstrual irregularities and infertility caused by insufficiency of the corpus luteum of the ovaries, premenstrual syndrome, common twig is also used in traditional medicine. Vitex sacred fruit extract is a part of such drugslike Mastodinon, Cyclodinon, Pregnoton, Agnucaston.
Interesting: The fruits and seeds of the common rod are used in cooking as a spicy seasoning for meat dishes, soups, canned fish and smoked meats. They can be substitutes for allspice.
Vitex sacred is used in bodybuilding, it helps to accelerate the synthesis of protein in the body and an intensive set of muscle mass.
The plant produces oil from the seeds, which helps in the treatment of cancer. Alcohol tincture fruits are used for depression, neurosis, insomnia, headache and other pathologies of the nervous system. Freshly prepared juice from the plant helps with mood swings, has a sedative effect. Abraham's tree is used for pain in the heart. Outwardly, the infusion of the plant is processed skin with dermatitis, urticaria, various wounds.
Procurement of raw materials
As a medicinal raw material, fruits, leaves, branches, flowers and sometimes bark are harvested. Depending on which part of the plant needs to be assembled, the workpiece is produced at different times:
- flowers - in summer, during flowering;
- fruits - in autumn, when they reach full maturity;
- leaves and shoots - in spring and summer, during the period of bud and flowering;
- bark - in early spring, before the start of sap flow.
When harvesting raw materials, the leaves and leafy shoots are cut with shears, the bark is carefully removed with a knife.
The fruits are dried in dryers at a temperature of no more than 40 ° C, and the rest of the raw materials are dried outside, in the shade, in natural conditions... The finished raw materials are placed in cloth bags and stored in a dry place. The fruits can be folded into glass jar and seal it with a lid.
Important: Vitex sacred on the territory of Russia is listed in the Red Book as a vulnerable species.
Application methods
Decoctions, infusions and tinctures on alcohol are prepared from the leaves, flowers and fruits of the common rod, which are used for ingestion or externally in the form of trays, lotions and compresses.
Infusion for insomnia and neuroses
Prepare a mixture of vitex leaves, lemon balm, 10 pieces each, 10 hop cones and 10 g of peppermint leaves. To 3 st. l. the resulting collection add 200 ml of boiling water and leave the infusion for 1 hour. Then the grass is filtered and the product is taken in 50 ml 4 - 5 times a day between meals.
Tincture for diseases of the liver and spleen
Ripe fresh fruits (50 g) pour ½ l of vodka and leave for 2 weeks. Take the remedy in 10 drops, diluted in 50 ml of water, 20-30 minutes before meals three times a day for 2 to 3 months, a week after a week. When taking this tincture of sacred Vitex, a bitter taste in the mouth is possible.
Infusion of flowers for urticaria
By 1 tsp. flowers of the Abraham tree add 200 ml of boiling water and insist, preferably in a thermos for 1 - 2 hours. From the resulting infusion, lotions are made for problem areas.
Tincture for menstrual irregularities
Handful dried leaves Vitex is poured into 0.5 l of vodka and insisted, shaking occasionally, for one month in a sealed container in a dark place. Take within six months, diluting 15 drops of tincture in 20 ml of water, three times a day.Precautions
Before starting the use of means from sacred vitex, take into account the medicinal properties and contraindications of the plant. They are contraindicated in case of allergy or individual intolerance to this plant. It is not recommended for its use in childhood, women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as taking any hormonal drugs, including birth control pills.
When treating with Vitex-based products, side reactions are possible, among which may be mental overexcitation, hallucinations, confusion, headaches, allergic reactions on the skin. In this case, they should be discontinued. Liver damage may occur with continuous use of adamous root products for more than 6 months.
The common twig normalizes the menstrual cycle, but in some women it can provoke increased menstruation or bleeding between periods.
The sacred vitex (lat. Vítex ágnus-cástus) has been known to mankind since antiquity. Many philosophers and medicine men have written about its healing power. Hippocrates mixed crushed Vitex leaves with wine and gave to women in labor. This tool helped prevent the development of complications, reduce bleeding and accelerate placental rejection.
Abraham's tree is another name. So the plant was named after the prophet Abraham, known for his longevity and chastity. The monks were seen interesting factthat the finely chopped vitex fruit they used in place of pepper significantly reduced libido. In ancient times, people scattered sheets of paper on the bed in order to curb the craving for carnal pleasures. He put the same sheets in shoes when they went on a pilgrimage. Thanks to them, painful sensations in the legs subsided.
Vitex sacred is perennial tree shrub the vervain family, reaching a height of five or more meters. Equipped with smooth, long, erect tetrahedral stems with the presence of densely felt soft and silky pressed cannon, emitting a pronounced spicy aroma when broken, with complex rounded gray-green lanceolate leaves, bare from above and pubescent from below, small purple-purple five-petal flowers.
The fruit is a juicy drupe. At first, the fruits are red, and then, as they dry, they turn black or gray-black. Flowering occurs in almost all summer period, and the fruits ripen in the middle of the autumn period.
The Abraham tree is found in Europe, Asia, Africa, Indonesia, China, Turkey, Crimea. Loamy, sandy and stony soils are habitats.
How to procure raw materials
Almost the entire terrestrial part of the plant is used for the manufacture of medicines. Bark is recommended to be harvested in early spring, before the period of juice movement. Then it is dried in a well-ventilated room or outdoors, in the shade.
A little later, when leaves begin to appear and the first buds, it is necessary to harvest leafy shoots. They need to be cut with a secateurs. Raw materials can be dried both outdoors, in the shade, and in a room with good ventilation.
The fruits are harvested during the period of intense flowering. After picking, the berries are sorted out and dried either on the street or in a special dryer. It is necessary to store raw materials in glass containers.
Chemical composition, pharmacological properties
The plant contains a significant amount:
- tannins;
- alkaloids;
- flavonoids;
- vitamins;
- micro and macro elements;
- essential oils;
- organic acids: propionic, palmitic, butyric, acetic, nylon, valeric, formic;
- ascorbic acid.
Vitex sacred has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, disinfecting, hemostatic effect.
Plant preparations contribute to:
- regulation of hormonal activity;
- normalization of the menstrual cycle;
- minimization of manifestations;
- normalization of the functioning of the digestive tract;
- treatment: infertility, malaria, gonorrhea, neuroses, insomnia, skin pathologies, migraines.
The use of Abraham's tree preparations in alternative medicine
1. Normalization of the menstrual cycle. Take a handful of seeds mixed with dried crushed leaves, put in a large bottle and fill with medical alcohol - half a liter. Insist the drug in a dark place for 30 days. Remember to shake the contents daily. It is recommended to consume 20 drops of the agent diluted with 20 ml of water, three times a day. The duration of the course is six months.
5. Ailments of the spleen and liver: treatment with tincture. Pour half a glass of fresh berries with vodka and set aside in a cool place for a couple of weeks. Take 15 drops diluted in half a glass of water before each meal. The treatment course is a week, then a seven-day break. After a week, repeat the course again.
6. Preparation of the sedative. Combine the dried flowers or leaves of the plant with hop cones and peppermint in equal proportions. Finely chop the ingredients and mix. Steam 30 grams of the mixture in 200 ml of boiling water. Insist the product warm for two hours. Consume a quarter cup four times a day.
Contraindications
It is strictly forbidden to take plant preparations with individual intolerance. If you experience hallucinations, severe agitation, loss of orientation in time and space, skin rashes, stop taking Vitex-based products immediately.
Do not forget before taking this or that drug of Vitex sacred, consult a specialist.