Chaste Tree Berry

Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus), also known as chasteberry or monk’s pepper, is the dried fruit of a Mediterranean shrub long valued in traditional herbal practices. These small aromatic berries have a mildly peppery, earthy flavor and are available in both whole and powdered forms for convenient use. Chaste Tree Berry may be prepared as tea, added to capsules, blended into foods, or used in herbal preparations. Its rich history and versatile nature make it a popular botanical choice.

UPC: 810206314029, 810206314036, 810206314043, 810206314050, 810206314067 & 810206314074.

Origin(s): Croatia, Morocco, Turkey.

Latin Name(s): Vitex agnus-castus.

Also known as: Chaste tree fruit, monk's pepper, agnus-castus, chasteberry.

Plant Part(s) Used: Fruit, Berry.

Herbs exhibit natural variations in their size, color, smell, and taste, with each batch and harvest showing differences influenced by environmental conditions and genetics.

Appearance: Powder: Brown. Whole: Grayish purple.

Aroma: Aromatic.

Taste: Warm bitter.

GMO Status: Non-GMO.

Allergen: None.

Additives: Free of any additives or preservatives.

Applications / Preparations: Chaste Tree Berry, in both whole and powdered forms, may be used for teas, tinctures, encapsulation, culinary, herbal, and personal care applications. Preparation methods vary depending on the form selected. Because external uses vary widely, customers should research reliable sources for preparation and usage methods.

Internal Use - Whole
Adults may take 1 teaspoon (approximately 2 g) once or twice daily (totaling roughly 2–4 g/day).

To prepare as a tea, lightly crush 1 teaspoon (approximately 2 g) of Whole Chaste Tree Berry and pour 8–12 fl. oz. of boiling water over it. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain and serve. Enjoy 1–2 cups daily.

Internal Use - Powder
Adults may take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (approximately 1–2 g) once or twice daily (totaling roughly 2–4 g/day).

Capsules: For encapsulation, follow capsule machine manufacturer instructions. One teaspoon of powder is approximately 2 g, though weight may vary by density.

Powder in beverages/foods: Mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (approximately 1–2 g) of powder into 8 fl. oz. (240 ml) of water, juice, or blended into a smoothie. Stir or blend thoroughly and consume immediately.

External Use (Whole or Powder)
Chaste Tree Berry, in both whole and powdered forms, may be used in infused oils, compresses, washes, bath blends, or other botanical preparations. Because external uses vary widely, we encourage customers to research the best method and proportions for their needs.

Both whole and powdered Chaste Tree Berry may be brewed into teas, tinctures, extracts, herbal beverages, or tonics; blended into smoothies, juices, or other foods; added to capsules or tablets; incorporated into spice blends, syrups, honey, jams, or baked goods; infused into oils or liquids; and included in DIY skincare, bath, and body care products such as masks, scrubs, lotions, creams, bath salts, soaks, rinses, or herbal blends.

Storage: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.

Shelf Life: It is very difficult to pin down an exact expiration date for most single herbs as they do not really expire, they lose potency or strength over time but will still have value. Unlike synthetic material or drugs, herbs can contain many constituents that contribute to their medicinal effects. Even if when we know what the active constituents are, there are often many of them in a single herb, each with different rates of degradation. Some herbs lose their effect more easily. Other herbs that possess more stable compounds such as alkaloids or steroids will last much longer.

A huge part of the degradation rate of herbs depends also on the storage conditions of the herb, & even on the quality of the herb before storage – how it was grown, harvested, dried & processed. If the product is left in hot places or open to sunlight then it will degrade much quicker than if it was stored in cool, dry place & sealed tightly.

A good rule of thumb is that herbs should be stored no longer than 2-3 years, but many herbs will have great strength much longer than that. To determine if an herb is still good you can check the appearance & aroma. Herbs that are no longer acceptable will have lost much of its vibrant color & will instead appear dull & faded. The bigger key though is to smell the raw materials to see if the potent aroma is still present. 

Warning: Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, especially hormonal medications or contraceptives, or have a medical condition. Not recommended during pregnancy. Discontinue use if unusual symptoms occur.