Vitex sacred: therapeutic properties and contraindications

Vitex sacred (common twig) - this is a unique medicinal herb, which belongs to the tree shrubs of the Yasnokovka family. Since ancient times people have searched for effective medicinal plants, and vitex is considered one of them. Traditional medicine also confirms its medicinal properties.

Chemical Composition

The composition of the plant contains substances that are essential to 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 quantities, alkaloids have the ability to lower blood pressure and have a calming effect on the body. Therefore, they are especially useful for arrhythmia.
2. Tannins. Also widespread in plants. They can be used to treat some intestinal diseases. Because of the astringent properties are particularly effective for diarrhea. Tannins are known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.
3. Flavonoids. They are called the source of health for a reason. They have the ability to strengthen blood vessels and improve the body's defense functions. 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 have a positive effect not only on physical health, but also on psychological health. They are used to treat disorders of the nervous system and restore the water-salt balance. They are also notable for their ability to remove toxins from the body. They are often used in cosmetology because of their ability to improve skin and hair health.
5. B vitamins. The plant contains riboflavin, which has a positive effect on the nervous system. It is also famous for its ability to improve intestinal function, takes part in the metabolic processes and absorption by the body of other vitamins of this group, strengthens vision and immunity.
6. Vitamin A group. Retinol can improve vision, but in addition is responsible for the condition of the skin and hair. Dandruff, hair breakage and skin problems are most often associated with a lack of this vitamin. It promotes the formation of collagen, preventing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. For this property, it is greatly valued in cosmetology.
7. Magnesium. It is an essential element in the body, it participates in a large number of biochemical reactions, improves glucose absorption and protein synthesis. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and protects the body from infections. In addition, it plays an important role in keeping the cardiovascular system in a healthy state.
8. Selenium. It is impossible to overestimate its role in keeping the body healthy. Almost every organ needs it. It has the ability to protect against viruses. It is also valued for its anti-tumor activity. Selenium is involved in the removal of heavy metals from the body and saturates the heart tissue with oxygen. It is useful for the pancreas by stimulating the growth of its cells.
9. Organic acids (formic, ascorbic, acetic). A person needs daily intake of these elements. The daily requirement can reach 70 g. Fortunately, they are contained 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 are beneficial to blood quality. However, it is a dangerous substance, which in large quantities can harm the body. Therefore, it is necessary to take the plant with caution.

How it looks and where it grows

The plant looks like a powerful perennial shrub. Externally, it resembles a tree - at the bottom a branching trunk, and at the top a lush crown. The root system is rod-like, strongly branched. It is a deciduous plant. The twigs of the shrub are straight, have 4 facets and are covered with dense pubescence. Leaves can be either five-fingered or seven-fingered.

The shrub can exceed 4 m in height. Its branches are very strong and flexible, so Vitex is highly valued in the carpentry industry. Its twigs are used for weaving baskets and garden furniture. And from the long and strong branches make staffs. In addition, all parts of the shrub have a pleasant fragrance, which makes it an excellent honeybee.

The flowers of the plant are small, gathered in large spike-like inflorescences, have 5 petals and are colored soft purple. The fruits are small and round in shape. After emergence, they are colored red, but as they mature, they change to black, becoming similar to allspice.

Sacred vitex originally appeared in the Mediterranean. Today, the shrub is common throughout North Africa, Southern Europe, and Asia. It is mainly found in mid-latitudes and prefers temperate climates. The plant is completely undemanding to the soil and can adapt to different types of soil, so it is often found in stony and saline soil. Vitex also grows well on sandy soils and near water bodies, and is widespread on riverbanks and sloping mountains.

Despite the plant's love of temperate climates, it is sometimes found in areas with cold winters. These are mostly artificially grown plants. In this case, if the winter is cold, the shrub will completely die out. But in the spring, the root gives a few shoots that can grow up to 2 m in height during the whole summer. During this time, the plant also has time to flower, and fruits appear on it. They may only have time to ripen in the event of a late winter.

Species

The Vitex family has a large number of plants, but there are a few major ones that stand out among them:

1. Puriri. This evergreen tree grows in New Zealand. It can reach a height of 20 m, the tree has a light brown bark and oblong dark green leaves, which do not exceed 12 cm in length. It is mainly found up to 600-700 m above sea level. The flowers are red and rarely exceed 3.5 cm in diameter. Mostly found in the northern part of the island. Insects and birds are very fond of the fruit of the tree. The natives prepared infusions from parts of the plant, which had an analgesic effect.
2. Vitex tricuspid. A semi-shrub 3 m tall, with a pleasant fragrance. Young shoots have dense down, which falls off as they age. The leaves are oval and can reach 18 cm in length. The flowers are bluish in color, have 5 leaflets and are gathered in spike-like inflorescences. The flowering period falls in July. In the wild it occurs near the shores of bodies of water. The Chinese have been using it to treat many diseases since ancient times. Its leaves are used to control worms and have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects.

Collection and storage

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

Each part of the plant is harvested at a different time of year. For example, the flowers should be harvested immediately during the flowering period, and the leaves and stems in early spring, when the snow is gone. This time of year they contain the most nutrients. The fruits are harvested only after they are fully ripe, that is, in late fall. Also some recipes require the addition of the bark of the shrub. It is harvested in early spring, when there is more sap in the tree.

Leaves and flowers are collected whole, the branches should be chopped into small pieces after cutting. Then the raw material should be dried. It is best to do this outdoors, spreading a thin layer on any cloth in the shade of a tree. If there is no such a possibility, you can dry vitex in the attic or in another dry room away from direct sunlight, stirring the raw material from time to time. It is also important to ensure access to fresh air. You should use a special dryer for harvesting the fruits, because it is important to pump out the moisture from them properly. It is recommended to dry the fruits at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees.

All parts of the plant should be stored in tight fabric bags, in this case it will be stored longer. Usually the storage time of the harvested raw materials is 1-2 years. It's also important to remember that each part should be kept in a separate bag.

Medicinal properties of Vitex sacred

The useful properties of the plant were discovered not only by folk healers, but also by medics. German scientists conducted a number of studies to determine its positive qualities and contraindications. As a result, they found that twigs have the property of increasing the secretion of sex hormones.

It was also found that medicines based on this plant can replace most antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs. The plant has shown its soothing, antifungal and analgesic properties. In folk medicine, it is often used to relieve the pain of wounds that take a long time to heal.

Twiglet is capable of lowering prolactin levels in the body. It is considered a stress hormone. The plant improves a person's general emotional state and negatively affects sex hormones.

In folk medicine, infusions are prepared, which are characterized by a tonic. They can strengthen the immune system, protect the body from viruses and improve the function of the gastrointestinal tract. The plant is also used in therapy to treat diseases of the liver, spleen and pancreas.

For women

Useful vitex and for the beautiful half of humanity. The plant is widely used in gynecology. Apply preparations on the basis of twigs 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 fibrosis and endometriosis. Drugs based on it are prescribed for the absence of menstruation, mastopathy and even infertility.

Medications based on Vitex show themselves well in menstrual and menstrual syndrome. The plant is able to alleviate the condition of women during these periods.

For men

Twiglet has also found application for the treatment of men's problems. Even in ancient times, the rich, who had at the court herbalists, turned to them for help in the case of some male problems. They knew all the secrets of the plants and could always help. One of these remedies was the twig plant.

This plant could normalize the hormonal balance in the body. It is used to improve male sexual function. The plant is especially valued 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 reduce the number of sperm cells and their activity.

For this purpose, a tincture of the fruit of the plant is used. Extracts based on the plant in their effects are similar to "Viagra" and help with male impotence.

Pregnancy

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

However, in traditional medicine, it is not recommended to use it, because it can harm the fetus and the woman, especially against the background of taking other drugs. Therefore, you should not engage in self-medication.

Vitex sacred in folk medicine

In folk medicine, the plant is more widely used than in traditional medicine. It is used to treat women's diseases, stomach problems and increase potency. The medicine also helps with infertility.

For stomach problems.

This recipe is aimed at treating stomach problems, but it can also be taken for diseases of the liver or spleen. To this end, a tincture of the fruit of the plant in vodka is used. To prepare the tincture will need 50 grams of twigs and 0.5 liters of vodka. Mince the fruit carefully, put in a glass container and pour vodka. Cover tightly and put in a dark place for 14 days. Shake the tincture about once a week. At the end of 2 weeks take out the tincture, strain through a fine gauze. Then 10 drops of tincture diluted in 2/3 cup water and drink half an hour before a meal. The course of such treatment may last up to 2 months, after which you need to take a break. In 1-2 weeks the course of treatment can be repeated.

In mastopathy

Vitex extract in alcohol is taken for this problem. It helps seals to dissolve. The extract can also help relieve depression and neurosis. It can also be used for liver disease and even gallbladder disorders.

To prepare you will need 50 grams of twigs and 200 ml of medical alcohol. Crush the raw material, then pour 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 to strain.

Drink the extract only in the morning, 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.

Infertility in women

To improve the work of the reproductive system, a decoction of the fruit of Vitex is prepared. However, it is necessary to consult with a doctor before using the medicine. Uncontrolled intake of decoction can only make things worse if there is an individual intolerance to the medicine.

For its preparation you need 2 tablespoons of the fruit of the plant and 1 liter of water. Fill a saucepan with water and put there whole fruits. Bring to a boil and boil for 20 minutes over low heat. Then wrap a pot with a warm blanket and infuse the broth for another 40-50 minutes. Then strain the liquid and drink 1/2 cup 4 times a day, regardless of meals. The treatment should begin during the second half of the cycle and continue until the beginning of the next one. The course of treatment can be 80-90 days.

Soothing herbal mixture

Such a collection can help with insomnia, neurosis, as well as heart failure. For its preparation, you need to take the leaves of Vitex, melissa, mint and hops, mix them in a ratio of 1:1 (usually enough 1 tbsp. raw materials), thoroughly crush and mix. Then take 20-30 grams of the ready-made collection and pour a glass of boiling water. Then cover with a lid, leave to infuse for 1 hour. Strain and take the contents of a glass 5 times a day, regardless of the meal.

With amenorrhea

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

To prepare you need leaves (25 g), seeds (25 g) and wine "Kagor" (0.5 l). Raw materials must be ground to a powder, then pour wine. Then insist for 1 month, so prepare a cure in advance. After 30 days, strain through a thick cloth or folded several times gauze.

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

In menopause.

Prepare an infusion based on a herbal collection with vitex leaves. Such an infusion can get rid of the discomfort caused by menopause. Also, this remedy helps with insomnia, neurosis and effectively stops inflammatory processes in the body.

For its preparation you will need leaves of Vitex (2 tbsp.), hops (8-10 cones), mint (10 g), melissa (10 pcs.), a glass of water. All components finely chop, then mix. Separate 3 tbsp. collection and pour a glass of boiling water. Cover the glass with a lid, then insist for an hour and strain. Drink the infusion for 1/4 cup 4 times a day, regardless of meals. The course of treatment should not exceed 2 weeks.

To enhance potency

Folk healers recommend drinking a tincture of the fruit of Vitex for loss of male potency and infertility. Also, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is recommended to take it in case of prostatitis.

To prepare it, you will need 2 tablespoons of Vitex fruits and 1 liter of alcohol. First, grind the fruit to a powder, you can do it with a rolling pin. Then pour the alcohol in a glass container, cover 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 the ratio of 1:4. The course of treatment is 60 days.

For pain and insomnia

For this purpose, an herbal collection based on the leaves of the twig. It has a calming effect and helps to relieve spasms. It can also be used for some gynecological diseases, but with the permission of the doctor.

For its preparation you will need leaves of raspberry, vitex, mint, currant and honeysuckle. Take 1 tsp. of each plant, grind thoroughly and mix. Then pour a glass of boiling water in a tightly closed container, cover with a thick towel and leave for 1 hour. Drink 1/5 cup 5 times a day, regardless of meals.

With myoma.

With the help of twigs treat myoma and other benign tumors in the uterus. However, you should remember that self-treatment can be dangerous. Also, in no case can you use vitex with hormonal drugs.

For preparation you will need 1/2 cup of the fruit of the plant and 0.5 liters of vodka. Place the whole fruit in a glass jar, then pour the vodka and cover tightly. Place in a warm and dark place for 3 weeks, stirring occasionally. Then filter the prepared medicine and drink 30 drops twice a day before meals.

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

When there is a liver disease.

For this purpose, an alcoholic tincture based on the fruit of vitex is used. To prepare it, you need to take 50-60 g of ripe fruits and pour 0.5 l of vodka. The resulting remedy is tightly covered and put in a dark place for 2 weeks. About once every 3-4 days you need to stir the contents. Drink once a day 10 drops 20-30 minutes before a meal. The course of the drug should be no more than 3 months.

Types of medicinal compositions

From Vitex in folk medicine prepare many medicines. Skilful craftsmen have learned to make even ointments.

Infusion

Infusion of twig is widespread in folk medicine, it is used in a number of gynecological diseases. Also the infusion has a sedative effect and helps to get rid of neuroses and insomnia. It is used as a standalone remedy, as well as in a collection with other herbs. The infusion has a pain-relieving effect. In addition, in some countries, use an infusion of flowers of the plant and add to the bath when treating skin diseases.

To prepare an infusion of leaves you need to take 2-3 tbsp. The raw material, grind thoroughly and pour a glass of boiling water. Then cover or wrap with a lid and leave to infuse for an hour. Strain through heavy gauze and drink a glass throughout the day in small portions. Leave the infusion for another day is not recommended.

You can also pour a glass of boiling water 3 Tbsp. flowers. Then wrap tightly and infuse for an hour. Then, when bathing, pour the contents of the glass in the bath.

Tincture .

Tincture is mainly made from the fruit of the plant. Since they must be harvested at the end of autumn, it is quite difficult for residents of northern regions to collect them, because at this time frosts usually strike and the plant becomes extinct. Some people buy or go to the south to pick it themselves, as it is highly valued in traditional medicine.

The tincture has an analgesic effect, it is used to treat male and female problems. It effectively copes with impotence. It is used to treat infertility, as well as for stomach and liver diseases. In addition, it can be prescribed for depressed mood against depression.

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

Extract of .

It is also used to treat gynecological diseases and liver problems. It is prepared like the tincture, except for the alcohol. To prepare the extract take 50 grams of fruit and pour them into 200 ml of alcohol, 65-70% purity. Then insist for two weeks in a dark place and use no more than 60 drops each morning before meals.

Decoction .

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

For its preparation you will need 1 tbsp. fruits and 0.5 liters of water. Chop the fruit carefully, then add them to a pot of boiling water. Cook over low heat for 20-30 minutes, then place 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 decoction can be stored in a glass container in the refrigerator.

Ointment .

It is prepared on the basis of an infusion of flowers of twigs. You need to pour a glass of boiling water 2 tsp. raw material 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 drug retained a thick consistency. Such an ointment can help get rid of hives and even acne. It can also be used to lubricate damaged joints. In addition, honey has a positive effect on the skin, making it supple and elastic.

Pharmacy preparations with Vitex sacred

In pharmacies, you can find a large number of preparations based on Vitex, which are designed to treat women's diseases. The preparations are provided both in the form of tablets and liquids.

Vitex in the form of capsules from the company Solaray

The drug is considered a dietary supplement. It can be consumed even by vegetarians. The drug does not contain gluten, it contains only natural plant components. Therefore, an allergic reaction can be observed only in case of individual intolerance to Vitex. The capsules are prescribed to drink twice a day with mastopathy, cysts and for relief of PMS. Each capsule must be washed down with at least a glass of water.

Cyclodinone

The drug is available as tablets and liquid. It is prescribed to normalize hormone levels in the body, as well as for menstrual irregularities. It is necessary to take 1 tablet or 40 drops every morning. The duration of treatment is a maximum of 3 months. If there is no effect after a month, you should immediately stop taking it and consult a doctor.

Mastodynon .

It is based on several plant extracts. It is a homeopathic drug that comes in tablets and in the form of drops. It helps to get rid of premenstrual syndrome, mastopathy, menstrual irregularities. Prescribe 2 tablets a day - one in the morning and one in the evening, or 30 drops. The drug should be taken before a meal.

Vitex (Agnus castus).

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

Vitex Herb Pharm.

Comes in the form of drops, in a bottle of 30 ml, which is equipped with a dropper cap to properly count the dosage. It should also be taken with the doctor's permission. The medicine must always be shaken before use and diluted in water. It is prescribed to drink it three times a day after meals. The drops help with infertility in both women and men. The constant use allows you to normalize the hormonal background and facilitate the state during menopause.

Vitex Fruit

Another drug in tablets, which allows you to maintain the hormonal background in normalcy. A package contains 320 tablets. They have a pleasant berry flavor. It is recommended that the first 3 months take a tablet three times a day, then reduce the dosage to 1 piece. The drug is also prescribed for myoma. It is strictly forbidden to mix it with alcohol.

Agnukaston

Available in drops and tablets. Indications for use are menstrual disorders and mastodynia. The drug should be taken 1 tablet every morning during menstruation. The course of treatment is 3 months.

Femikaps .

Dietary supplement with extracts of many plants. It is appointed for restoration of hormonal balance in women and removal of inflammatory processes. It also has a calming effect and can relieve swelling of the face. The medicine contains magnesium and vitamins of group E. Take 2 tablets twice a day.

Contraindications for use

The benefit of the plant is enormous, but it is not without a number of contraindications. The main one is associated with allergic reactions to the components of the plant. Also in some cases, there may be an individual intolerance to the raw material and medicines based on it.

The effect of the plant on pregnant and lactating women has not been fully clarified, you can meet a lot of contradictory information on this subject. Therefore, it is better to refrain from taking Vitex.

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

Also, the plant can be dangerous if the dosage is exceeded. Prolonged use may cause some liver disorders or an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is necessary to take breaks between courses of taking Vitex.

In an overdose of twigs can be observed hallucinations, insomnia and even fainting. But for such effects you need to take too large a dose.

If weakness, chest pain or headaches occur, you should immediately stop taking the plant and see 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 the greenhouse.

Photo of Vitex