The chaste-tree, Vitex agnus castus, also known as Abraham’s balm or monk’s pepper is very widespread in Greece where it is better known by the name ligaria (λυγαριά) due to the plants supple branches which were used in the past for basket-weaving. The leaves, flowers and seeds of the plant have long been used in traditional medicine for reproductive complaints, menstrual cycle problems, menstrual pain. There is evidence that the herb affects the production of hormones by the pituitary gland by controlling the overproduction of estrogens and deficiency of progesterone. Historically, the name of the herb arises because it was thought that the herb would lower the sex drive.
The major active constituents of the plant are iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes and extracts from the plant are marketed in a variety of forms. Although it has a low adverse-effect profile, women are advised to avoid ingesting the herb while trying to become pregnant, during pregnancy, or while nursing.