Chaste tree / Vitex (Gatiye)
Vitex agnus-castus
Chaste tree / Vitex
Gatiye
Gattilier
Vitex agnus-castus
Traditionally used
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): breast tenderness, irritability, bloating. Irregular menstrual cycles. Mild hyperprolactinemia.
Prepared as
Berries (fruits)
Chemistry
Dopaminergic activity (binds to D2 receptors) — inhibits prolactin secretion. Mild opioidergic activity. Does NOT act on sex hormone receptors directly.
In three languages
Kreyòl — Sendwòm premenstriyèl: sen fè mal, irritabitite, règ iregilye. Ipèpwolatinemi dous. Gatiye (gattilier) disponib nan diaspora ayisyen pou sindwòm premenstriyèl ak règ iregilye. Baie nan ekstè pou balans òmonal.
Français — Syndrome prémenstruel (SPM) : tension mammaire, irritabilité, ballonnements. Cycles menstruels irréguliers. Légère hyperprolactinémie. Le gattilier est disponible dans la diaspora haïtienne pour le syndrome prémenstruel et les règles irrégulières; baies en extrait pour l'équilibre hormonal.
Safety
Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Kept alongside