Vitex Sacred: medicinal properties and contraindications

Vitex Sacred (common thistle) is a unique medicinal herb that belongs to the tree-like shrubs of the Yasnotkov family. People have long been looking for effective healing plants, and Vitex is considered one of them. Traditional medicine also confirms its healing properties.

Chemical composition

The plant contains substances that are necessary for human health. Each of them has a specific effect on the body, so the plant is used for a number of diseases.

The main substances are:

1. Alkaloids. These are organic compounds that contain nitrogen. They are found in many plants, but in large doses can be dangerous. In moderate amounts, alkaloids are characterized by the ability to lower blood pressure and have a calming effect on the body. Therefore, they are especially useful for arrhythmias.
2. Tannins. Also widespread in plants. Can be used to treat certain bowel diseases. Due to astringent properties, they are especially effective for diarrhea. Tannins are known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
3. Flavonoids. They are not for nothing called a source of health. They differ in their ability to strengthen blood vessels and improve the protective functions of the body. In addition, they have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and have anti-allergic properties.
4. Essential oils. Their structure is similar to hormones, so they positively affect not only physical health, but also psychological. They are used to treat disorders of the nervous system and restore water-salt balance. They also differ in their ability to remove toxins from the body. They are often used in cosmetology due to their ability to improve the health of skin and hair.
5. Vitamins of group B. The plant contains riboflavin, which positively affects the state of the nervous system. It is also famous for its ability to improve bowel function, takes part in the processes of metabolism and the assimilation of other vitamins of this group by the body, strengthens vision and immunity.
6. Vitamin A Retinol is able to improve the functioning of the organs of vision, but, in addition, it is responsible for the condition of the skin and hair. Dandruff, brittle hair and skin problems are most often associated with a lack of this vitamin. It promotes collagen formation, preventing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. For this property it is greatly appreciated in cosmetology.
7. Magnesium. This is an indispensable element in the body, participates in a large number of biochemical reactions, improves glucose uptake and protein synthesis. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, is a protector in the body against infections. In addition, it plays an important role in maintaining the cardiovascular system in a healthy state.
8. Selenium. It is impossible to overestimate its role in maintaining the body healthy. Almost every organ needs it. It is distinguished by its ability to protect against viruses. It is also appreciated for its antitumor activity. Selenium is involved in the excretion of heavy metals from the body and saturates the heart tissue with oxygen. It is also useful for the pancreas, stimulating the growth of its cells.
9. Organic acids (formic, ascorbic, acetic). A person needs daily use of these elements. The daily requirement can reach 70 g. Fortunately, they are found in many plants. Vitex contains several varieties, but three are distinguished separately. They strengthen the immune system, saturate the body with vitamin C and have a positive effect on the skin and hair.
10. Coumarins. In moderate amounts, they favorably affect blood quality. However, this is a dangerous substance that in large quantities can harm the body. Therefore, take the plant carefully.

How it looks and where it grows

The plant looks like a powerful perennial shrub. Outwardly, it resembles a tree - a branching trunk below, and a lush crown above. The root system is pivotal, highly branched. This is a deciduous plant. The branches of the bush are straight, have 4 faces and are covered with dense pubescence. Leaves are both five-fingered and seven-fingered.

The height of the shrub can exceed 4 m. Its branches are very durable and flexible, so Vitex is highly regarded in the carpentry. Its rods are used for weaving baskets and garden furniture. And staves are made of long and strong branches. In addition, all parts of the shrub have a pleasant aroma, which makes it an excellent honey plant.

The flowers of the plant are small, collected in large spike-shaped inflorescences, have 5 petals and are painted in pale purple. The fruits are small in size, have a round shape. After the appearance, they are painted red, but as they mature, they change it to black, becoming like fragrant peppers.

Sacred Vitex originally appeared in the Mediterranean. Today, the bush is distributed in the territory of North Africa, Southern Europe and Asia. It is mainly found in mid-latitudes and prefers a temperate climate. The plant is completely unpretentious to the soil and can adapt to different types of soil, so it is often found on stony and saline soil. Vitex also grows well on sandy lands and near water bodies, is widespread on the banks of rivers and prone mountains.

Despite the love of the plant for a temperate climate, sometimes it is found in areas with cold winters. These are mainly artificially grown plants. At the same time, if winter is cold, the shrub completely freezes. But in spring, the root gives several shoots that can grow up to 2 m in height over the whole summer. During this time, the plant also has time to bloom, and fruits appear on it. They can have time to ripen only in case of late winter.

Kinds

The Vitex family has a large number of plants, but there are several main ones among them:

1. Puri This evergreen tree grows in New Zealand. The height can reach 20 m, the tree has a light brown bark and oblong leaves of dark green color, which do not exceed 12 cm in length. It is mainly found at an altitude of 600–700 m above sea level. The flowers are red, their diameter rarely exceeds 3.5 cm. Mostly found in the northern part of the island. The fruits of the tree are very fond of insects and birds. Aborigines prepared infusions from parts of the plant that had an analgesic effect.
2. Vitex is three-leafed. Shrub 3 m high, has a pleasant aroma. Young shoots have dense fluff, which falls during their aging. The sheets are oval, can reach 18 cm in length. The flowers are bluish in color, have 5 leaves and are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences. The flowering period falls in July. In the wild it is found off the coast of water bodies. The Chinese have long used it to treat many diseases. The leaves of the plant are used to combat worms, they also have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.

Collection and storage

For medicinal purposes, all parts of the plant are used, with the exception of the roots. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly collect them and when.

Each part of the plant is harvested at different times of the year.For example, flowers need to be collected directly during flowering, and leaves and stems - in early spring, when snow melts. At this time of the year they contain the most nutrients. Fruits are harvested only after full ripening, that is, in late autumn. Also, some recipes require the addition of shrub bark. It is harvested in early spring, when there is more juice in the tree.

Leaves and flowers are collected intact, branches must be cut into small pieces after a cut. Then the raw materials need to be dried. This is best done outdoors, spreading a thin layer on any canvas in the shade of a tree. If this is not possible, you can dry Vitex in the attic or in another dry room away from direct sunlight, stirring the raw materials from time to time. It is also important to provide fresh air. For harvesting fruits, you need to use special dryers, since it is important to pump moisture out of them in a quality manner. It is recommended to dry the fruit at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees.

All parts of the plant should be stored in dense bags of fabric, in which case it will be stored longer. Typically, the shelf life of harvested raw materials is 1–2 years. It is also important to remember that each part must be placed in a separate bag.

The healing properties of the sacred Vitex

Useful properties of the plant were found not only by folk healers, but also by doctors. German scientists conducted a series of studies to determine its positive qualities and contraindications. As a result, they found that barbell has the property of enhancing the secretion of sex hormones.

It also turned out that drugs based on this plant are able to replace most antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs. The plant has shown its sedative, antifungal and analgesic properties. In folk medicine, it is often used to relieve pain in wounds that do not heal for a long time.

The rod is able to lower the level of prolactin in the body. It is considered a stress hormone. The plant improves the overall emotional state of a person and negatively affects sex hormones.

In traditional medicine, infusions are prepared that differ in tonic. They are able to strengthen the immune system, protect the body from viruses and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The plant is also used in therapy to treat diseases of the liver, spleen and pancreas.

For women

Vitex is also useful for the beautiful half of humanity. The plant is widespread in gynecology. They use rod-based drugs to improve the secretion of hormones responsible for the normal functioning of the reproductive system. It is also used to treat diseases caused by hormonal failure, such as polycystic and endometriosis. Drugs based on it are prescribed in the absence of menstruation, mastopathy and even infertility.

Vitex-based medicines work well with menopause and menopause. The plant is able to alleviate the condition of a woman during these periods.

For men

The rod was also used to treat male problems. Even in ancient times, the rich, who had herbalists at the court, turned to them for help in case of some male problems. They knew all the secrets of plants and could always help. One of these tools was a rod.

This plant can normalize hormonal balance in the body. It is used to improve the sexual function of men. The plant is especially appreciated because of its ability to lower prolactin levels. Male infertility is often caused by an increased content of this hormone - in large quantities it can lower sperm count and their activity.

For these purposes, use tincture from the fruits of the plant.Plant-based extracts are similar in effect to Viagra and help with male impotence.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, this plant is used only in traditional medicine. Folk healers use it to protect against miscarriage. The plant may be useful during breastfeeding, as it helps to improve lactation. Also, during pregnancy, the hormonal background often "jumps", so Vitex-based drugs can come in handy.

However, it is not recommended to use it in traditional medicine, since it can harm the fetus and the woman, especially when taking other drugs. Therefore, self-medication is not worth it.

Holy Vitex in folk medicine

In folk medicine, the plant found wider application than in traditional medicine. It is used to treat female diseases, stomach problems and enhance potency. The medicine also helps with infertility.

With diseases of the stomach

This recipe is aimed at treating stomach problems, but it can also be taken for liver or spleen diseases. For this purpose, use tincture from the fruits of the plant on vodka. To prepare the tincture, you will need 50 g of barley fruit and 0.5 l of vodka. Chop the fruits thoroughly, transfer to a glass container and pour vodka. Close the lid tightly and put in a dark place for 14 days. About once a week, you need to shake the tincture. After 2 weeks, get the tincture, strain through fine gauze. Then dilute 10 drops of tincture in 2/3 glasses of water and drink half an hour before meals. The course of such treatment can last up to 2 months, after which it is necessary to take a break. After 1-2 weeks, the course of treatment can be repeated.

With mastopathy

With this problem, take Vitex extract on alcohol. It helps the seals to resolve. Also, the extract can help relieve depression and neurosis. It can also be used for liver diseases and even disorders in the work of the gallbladder.

For cooking, you will need 50 g of barley fruit and 200 ml of medical alcohol. Grind the raw materials, then add alcohol and put in a dark place for 15-16 days. From time to time, you need to shake the medicine, and at the end strain.

Drink the extract only in the morning for 60 drops 30 minutes before a meal. You can dilute the medicine with water. The course of treatment is 3 weeks, after which you need to take a break.

With infertility in women

To improve the reproductive system, prepare a decoction of Vitex fruits. However, before using the medicine, you must always consult a doctor. Uncontrolled intake of the decoction can only make it worse if there is an individual intolerance to the medicine.

To prepare it, you need 2 tbsp. fruits of the plant and 1 liter of water. Fill the pan with water and put the whole fruit there. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes over low heat. Then wrap the pan with a warm blanket and insist the broth for another 40-50 minutes. Next, drain the liquid and consume 1/2 cup 4 times a day, regardless of food intake. Treatment should begin during the second half of the cycle and continue until the next. The course of treatment can be 80–90 days.

Soothing Herbal Gathering

Such a collection can help with insomnia, neurosis, as well as heart failure. To prepare it, you need to take the leaves of Vitex, lemon balm, mint and hops, mix them in a ratio of 1: 1 (usually 1 tablespoon of raw material is enough), carefully chop and mix. Then take 20-30 g of the finished collection and pour a glass of boiling water. Then cover, leave to infuse for 1 hour. Strain and take the contents of the glass 5 times a day, regardless of the meal.

With amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is a disease that is accompanied by a lack of menstruation for up to 6 months. For its treatment in folk medicine, a tincture of wine from leaves and seeds of a twig is used. But before use, a consultation with a doctor is mandatory, you should take the tincture only with his permission.

For cooking you need leaves (25 g), seeds (25 g) of twig and Cahors wine (0.5 l). The raw materials must be crushed to a powder, then pour wine.Then put it to insist for 1 month, so prepare the medicine in advance. After 30 days, strain through dense tissue or several times folded gauze.

Drink the medicine 25-30 ml 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed 6 months.

With menopause

An infusion is prepared on the basis of herbal collection with Vitex leaves. Such an infusion can relieve the discomfort caused by menopause. Also, this tool helps with insomnia, neurosis and effectively stops the inflammatory processes in the body.

To prepare it, you will need Vitex leaves (2 tablespoons), hops (8-10 cones), mint (10 g), lemon balm (10 pcs.), A glass of water. Finely chop all components, then mix. Separate 3 tbsp. Collect and pour a glass of boiling water. Cover the glass with a lid, then insist for an hour and strain. Drink an infusion of 1/4 cup 4 times a day, regardless of food intake. The course of treatment should not exceed 2 weeks.

To enhance potency

Folk healers recommend drinking tincture from the fruits of Vitex with the loss of male strength and infertility. Also, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is recommended to take it with prostatitis.

To prepare it, you need 2 tbsp. Vitex fruits and 1 liter of alcohol. First, grind the fruits to a powder state, this can be done using a rolling pin. Then pour alcohol in a glass container, close tightly and put in a dark place for 2 weeks. After 14 days, strain and drink 2 times a day for 20-25 drops. It can be mixed with water in a ratio of 1: 4. The course of treatment is 60 days.

For pain and insomnia

To do this, apply herbal collection based on leaves of the twig. It has a sedative effect and helps relieve cramping. It can also be used for certain gynecological diseases, but with the permission of a doctor.

To prepare it, you need raspberry, vitex, mint, currant and honeysuckle leaves. Take 1 tsp of each plant, carefully chop and mix. Then pour a glass of boiling water in a tightly closed container, wrap it with a thick towel and leave for 1 hour. Drink a day for 1/5 cup 5 times a day, regardless of food intake.

With myoma

With the help of a rod, they treat myoma and other benign tumors in the uterus. However, remember that self-medication can be dangerous. Also, in no case should you use Vitex with hormonal drugs.

To prepare, you need 1/2 cup of the fruit of the plant and 0.5 l of vodka. Put the whole fruit in a glass jar, then pour vodka and close the lid tightly. Put in a warm and dark place for 3 weeks, mix occasionally. Then filter the prepared medicine and drink 30 drops twice a day before meals.

Also, this tincture can help get rid of acne that appears due to hormonal imbalance in the body.

With liver diseases

For this purpose, alcohol tincture based on the fruits of Vitex is used. To prepare it, you need to take 50-60 g of ripe fruits and pour 0.5 liters of vodka. The resulting medicine is tightly closed and put in a dark place for 2 weeks. About once every 3-4 days, you need to mix the contents. Drink 10 drops once a day 20-30 minutes before eating. The course of taking the medicine should be no more than 3 months.

Types of healing compounds

Many medicines are prepared from Vitex in folk medicine. Craftsmen even learned to make ointments.

Infusion

Rod infusion is widely used in folk medicine; it is used for a number of gynecological diseases. Also, the infusion has a sedative effect and helps get rid of neurosis and insomnia. Apply it as an independent tool, as a collection with other herbs. It has an infusion and analgesic effect. In addition, in some countries, an infusion of plant flowers is used and added to the bathroom in the treatment of skin diseases.

To prepare an infusion of leaves, you need to take 2-3 tablespoons. raw materials, grind thoroughly and pour a glass of boiling water. Then cover or wrap and leave to infuse for an hour. Strain through dense cheesecloth and drink a glass throughout the day in small portions. Leaving the infusion the next day is not recommended.

You can still pour a glass of boiling water 3 tbsp. colors. Then tightly wrap and insist for an hour. Then, when swimming, pour the contents of the glass into the bathroom.

Tincture

Tincture is mainly made from the fruits of the plant. Since they need to be harvested at the end of autumn, it is rather difficult for the residents of the northern regions to collect them, because at that time frosts usually hit and the plant freezes. Nevertheless, some people buy the harvested fruits of Vitex, or they themselves go to collect them to the south, because they are highly valued in folk medicine.

Tincture has an analgesic effect, it is used to treat male and female problems. She effectively copes with impotence. It is used to treat infertility, as well as diseases of the stomach and liver. In addition, it can be prescribed with a depressed mood amid depression.

For cooking, you need 30 g of fruit and 200 ml of alcohol, a purity of 40%. It can be replaced with high-quality vodka. First you need to grind the fruits by doing this with a coffee grinder, then pour them with alcohol in a glass container. Cover and place in a dark place for 2 weeks. Then strain and consume 1 tsp. before eating.

Extract

It is also used to treat gynecological diseases and liver problems. It is prepared, like tincture, with the exception of alcohol. To prepare the extract, you need to take 50 g of the fruit and pour them with 200 ml of alcohol, with a purity of 65–70%. Then insist for two weeks in a dark place and consume no more than 60 drops every morning before eating.

Decoction

The broth is prepared mainly for the treatment of infertility in women. However, its use is associated with risks of harm to health, so it is better to consult a doctor. In addition, the decoction has a pronounced analgesic effect. It can be taken with joint pain or fractures.

To prepare it, you need 1 tbsp. fruits and 0.5 liters of water. Chop the fruits thoroughly, then add them to a pot of boiling water. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, then put in a warm place for 30-40 minutes. Filter the finished broth and take 1/4 cup 4 times a day. The rest of the broth can be stored in glass containers in the refrigerator.

Ointment

It is prepared on the basis of the infusion of barley flowers. Need to pour a glass of boiling water 2 tsp. raw materials and leave to infuse for 30-40 minutes. Then cool to room temperature, strain and mix part of the tincture with honey, so that the medicine retains a thick texture. Such an ointment can help get rid of hives and even acne. She can also lubricate damaged joints. In addition, honey has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, making it supple and supple.

Pharmaceutical preparations with Vitex Sacred

In pharmacies, you can find a large number of Vitex-based drugs that are designed to treat female diseases. Drugs are provided both in tablet and liquid form.

Vitex capsules from Solaray

The drug is considered a dietary supplement. It can be consumed even by vegetarians. The medicine contains no gluten, it contains only natural plant components. Therefore, an allergic reaction can be observed only in case of individual intolerance to Vitex. Capsules are prescribed to drink twice a day, one at a time with mastopathy, a cyst and to alleviate the condition with PMS. Each capsule should be washed down with at least a glass of water.

Cyclodinone

The drug is available in the form of tablets and liquids. It is prescribed to normalize the level of hormones in the body, as well as for violations of the menstrual cycle. You must take 1 tablet or 40 drops every morning. The duration of treatment is a maximum of 3 months. If after a month there is no effect, you should immediately stop taking and consult a doctor.

Mastodinon

It is based on several plant extracts. This is a homeopathic medicine that is available in tablets and in drops. It helps to get rid of premenstrual syndrome, mastopathy, menstrual irregularities. 2 tablets are prescribed per day - one in the morning, the other in the evening, or 30 drops each. Take the medicine before eating.

Vitex (Agnus-castus)

This is another dietary supplement manufactured by Nature’s Answer. The drug is available in the form of capsules, you can drink it only with the permission of the doctor. This tool is designed to enhance women's health. It helps with infertility. The capsules contain crushed parts of the plant, which allows them to be absorbed faster by the body.

Vitex Herb Pharm

Available in the form of drops, in a 30 ml bottle, which is equipped with a pipette cap to correctly calculate the dosage. It should also be taken with the permission of a doctor. The medicine must be shaken before use and diluted in water. Assign him to drink three times a day after meals. Drops help with infertility in both women and men. Constant use allows you to normalize the hormonal background and alleviate the condition with menopause.

Vitex fruit

Another pill pill that keeps hormones normal. The package contains 320 tablets. They have a pleasant berry aroma. It is recommended that you take the tablet 3 times a day for the first 3 months, and then reduce the dosage to 1 unit. The drug is also prescribed for myoma. It is strictly forbidden to mix it with alcohol.

Agnukaston

Available in the form of drops and tablets. Indications for use are menstrual irregularities and mastodynia. Take the medicine should be 1 tablet every morning during menstruation. In this case, the course of treatment is 3 months.

Femicaps

Dietary supplement with extract of many plants. It is prescribed to restore hormonal balance in women and relieve inflammatory processes. It also has a sedative effect and can relieve swelling from the face. The medicine contains magnesium and vitamins of group E. Take 2 tablets twice a day.

Contraindications

The benefits of the plant are enormous, but it is not without its number of contraindications. The main one is associated with allergic reactions to plant components. Also, in some cases, individual intolerance to raw materials and medicines based on it may be observed.

The effect of the plant on pregnant and lactating women is not fully understood, you can find a lot of conflicting information about this. Therefore, it is better to refuse taking Vitex.

It is forbidden to give Vitex to children under 12 years of age and to people who take hormonal drugs, including birth control drugs.

Also, the plant can be dangerous if the dosage is exceeded. Prolonged use may cause some disturbances in the liver or an allergic reaction. Therefore, between the courses of taking Vitex, you must definitely take breaks.

With an overdose of a rod, hallucinations, insomnia and even fainting can occur. But for such effects, you need to take a too large dose.

If you experience weakness, pain in the chest or head, you should immediately stop taking the plant and consult a doctor.

In general, this is an incredibly useful plant. It has long been used in folk medicine around the world. It will be useful for the treatment of many diseases. In addition, Vitex is an unpretentious plant, and you can try to grow it in a greenhouse.

Vitex photo