Agnus Castus (Vitex agnus-castus)

Agnus Castus (Vitex agnus-castus)

Botanical Description

  • Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
  • Common Names: Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Monk’s Pepper
  • Parts Used: Berries (dried or powdered)

Agnus Castus is a deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean region, though it has been cultivated in warmer parts of Europe, including the UK. It produces fragrant purple flowers followed by small, dark berries. The plant is best known for its hormone-modulating properties, traditionally used in both humans and animals to support reproductive and endocrine health.

Constituents

  • Iridoids (agnuside, aucubin) – Regulate hormonal balance.
  • Flavonoids (apigenin, casticin) – Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
  • Essential Oils (limonene, cineole) – Mildly calming and antimicrobial.
  • Diterpenes – Influence dopamine and prolactin levels.

Traditional & Medicinal Uses

Agnus Castus has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly for hormonal regulation in both men and women.

General Medicinal Actions
  • Hormonal Balancer – Regulates estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin levels.
  • Dopamine Agonist – Reduces excess prolactin, helping to balance the endocrine system.
  • Anti-inflammatory – Useful for joint pain and reproductive health.
  • Mild Sedative – Can help with anxiety and mood swings.

Equine Use of Agnus Castus

Benefits for Horses

Agnus Castus is widely used in equine herbal medicine, especially for its effects on hormonal balance, mood, and metabolic health.

  1. Hormonal Regulation in Mares – Helps with mood swings, hormonal aggression, and irregular cycles (especially useful for mares with "mareish" behavior).
  2. Support for Cushing’s Disease – Helps regulate pituitary function in horses with PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction).
  3. Calming Effects – Can help reduce stallion-like behavior in geldings or highly excitable horses.
  4. Anti-inflammatory for Joints – Supports aging horses with stiffness or metabolic disorders.
⚠ Precautions
  • Not for pregnant or lactating mares (may disrupt hormones).
  • May interact with hormonal medications or drugs affecting dopamine levels.
  • Effects may take several weeks to become noticeable.

Canine Use of Agnus Castus

Benefits for Dogs

Agnus Castus is less commonly used in dogs but has benefits for hormonal balance and behavioral issues.

  1. Hormonal Support in Female Dogs – Helps regulate irregular heat cycles or false pregnancies.
  2. Support for Cushing’s Disease – May aid in managing adrenal dysfunction.
  3. Calming Effects – Helps reduce hormone-driven aggression or anxiety.
  4. Skin & Coat Health – Supports dogs with hormonal hair loss or dry skin.
⚠ Precautions
  • Not for pregnant or lactating dogs.
  • May take weeks to months for full effects.
  • Avoid if on hormone therapy or medications affecting dopamine levels.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Agnus Castus

Agnus Castus is not native to the UK or Isle of Man, but it has been historically linked to monastic life and medieval herbalism.

UK Folklore
  • "Chasteberry" & Monastic Use – Used by monks in medieval Britain to reduce libido and maintain celibacy.
  • Protection Against Evil Spirits – Dried Agnus Castus berries were believed to ward off negative energies.
  • Women’s Herb – Used in folk remedies for female fertility and menstrual health.
Isle of Man Folklore
  • Rarely referenced in traditional Manx herbalism, but similar to Rowan (Mountain Ash) in its protective qualities.
  • Used in Love & Protection Spells – Believed to encourage faithfulness in relationships.

Conclusion

Agnus Castus is a powerful herbal remedy for hormonal balance, mood regulation, and metabolic health in horses and dogs. While not traditionally found in British or Manx folklore, it has a long history in European herbal medicine.

Calming

Well-being

Common Herbs A-L Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)