Chaste Tree (Vitex) Essential Oil

Chaste Tree Vitex
Vitex agnus-castus

Source: Leaves & Berries
Origin: Turkey
Energetics: Yin
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Scent: Spicy, woody, slightly sweet aroma
Blends Well With: Floral oils like Rose, Geranium and Lavender.

About

• Clinical trials support possible benefits;
• Premenstrual syndrome – PMS: This includes: premenstrual mastalgia (breast pain) and fluid retention. Emotional complaints, such as weepiness, loss of self-esteem and mood swings appear to benefit as well.  
• Menstruation disorders including secondary amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), irregular menstrual bleeding from functional causes (metrorrhagia), lengthened or shortened menstrual cycle.
• Infertility due to decreased progesterone levels or excessive prolactin levels.
• Insufficient milk production.
• Menopausal symptoms and helping withdrawal from hormone replacement therapy.  
• Conditions where excessive oestrogen/low progesterone are implicated, such as endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts. 
• Conditions caused by excessive prolactin levels, such as erectile dysfunction in men, galactorrhea (breast milk production in women outside of pregnancy or in men), male acne, breast cysts, fibrocystic breast disease and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Comments from Barbara Chopin Lucks who wrote The Vitex Anthology:

“Essential oil Vitex is exhibiting a remarkable ability to reduce or eliminate hot flashes and night sweats. Many women also report that vaginal tone and lubrication is markedly improved with use of the oil. A majority of test subjects who reported irregular periods before using the oil reported regulation of periods after a few months of use. However, the effect that elicits the most grateful comments is the apparent ability of Vitex to calm emotional swings and help with some of the cognitive changes during menopause. Response to the oil can take 4-6 weeks of regular use, or response can be almost instant. I have witnessed very rapid release from hormonal headaches and hot flashes by women who use the oil by inhalation. Symptoms such as irregular periods and flooding generally start showing improvement after 6-12 weeks of regular use. People who expect an essential oil to work with the speed of a synthetic drug may give up too soon on Vitex.”

Historical Snippets

Chaste Tree (Vitex) leaves according to Pliny (the ancient physician) were used by Greek women and placed onto their beds to preserve chastity. This was attributed to the leaves strong odour which perhaps kept amorous men at bay. Chaste Tree (Vitex) essential oil I can assure you smells quite nice however.

How To Use

Diffuse: Add a few drops to a diffuser to disperse around the room

Topically: Dilute essential oil with any carrier oil at a 2.5% ratio. This equates to 2.5ml essential oil/oils in total mixed with 100ml of chosen carrier oil. 1ml of essential oil is approximately 20-22 drops of oil.  Decant into a roller or glass bottle with eye dropper to apply easily or a larger bottle if using for massage. Please note this dilution rate is for adults and children over the age of 6. More information on children and essential oils is on our blog page. Essential Oils should not be used directly on the skin without mixing first with a carrier oil

Inhalation: Add 1-2 drops essential oil to a tissue and inhale at a distance while ensuring that the oil does not come into direct contact with the skin. Alternatively, you can smell the oil directly from the bottle.

Shelf Life 

Our freshly decanted Chaste Tree essential oil will last for 2-3 years minimum from when you open your amber glass bottle if stored correctly.

Primary Storage Considerations: Keep away from direct light (U.V. radiation). Keep in the amber glass bottle with lid tightly closed. Only open when you need to and decant into a smaller "working" amber glass bottle if possible (and label so you know what is in it). This is to reduce oxidation.
Secondary Storage Considerations: Keep in a refrigerator at around 4 degrees celsius.

Safety

General
Some essential oils may cause photosensitivity to the skin - Use diluted in Jojoba or other complete carrier oil.
Do not ingest essential oils.
Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment or mitigation of any physical or mental illness. Ahimsa Oils offer no advice or recommendations only general information. No therapeutic claims are made within.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner.

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the TGA. David Bosley however worked for a long period in consultation with the TGA to ensure correct labelling with reference to the Ahimsa Oil product range.

Specific
Hazards: Drug interaction; reproductive hormone modulation; may contain methyleugenol.
Contraindications: Progesterone therapy, pregnancy, breastfeeding, prepubertal children.
Cautions: May cause unpleasant side effects in some women. 

References

Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: Second edition.