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Agnus castus has been used for thousands of years for its beneficial affect on the female hormonal system. Modern research has confirmed this use, agnus castus seeds being used to restore balanced functioning to the female reproductive system. The seeds and fruits of agnus castus are anaphrodisiac, aphrodisiac, galactogogue, ophthalmic, sedative, stomachic, women's complaints. Prolonged usage of agnus castus restores corpus luteum function. Unfortunately, agnus castus berries are unlikely to be produced in the British climate. The berries of agnus castus have a range of medicinal actions, but possibly the most important is its ability to rectify hormonal imbalances caused by an excess of oestrogen and an insufficiency of progesterone. Agnus castus acts upon the pituitary gland, reducing the production of certain hormones and increasing the production of others, shifting the balance in favour of the gestagens. Thus agnus castus has a wide application of uses in malfunctions of the feminine reproductive system and has been used with great effect in restoring absent menstruation, regulating heavy periods, restoring fertility when this is caused by hormonal imbalance, relieving pre-menstrual tension and easing the change of the menopause. Some caution is advised since excessive doses of agnus castus can cause a nervous disorder known as formication, which manifests as a sensation of insects crawling over the skin. Agnus castus berries are considered to be an aphrodisiac, though other reports say that they are anaphrodisiac. The reason for this apparent disagreement is that agnus castus berries have a regulating effect on the body and so are likely to increase sexual activity in those who are not very active in this area whilst reducing it in those who are very active. Agnus castus fresh berries are pounded to a pulp and used in the form of a tincture for the relief of paralysis, pains in the limbs, weakness etc.
