Italians still follow the old custom of strewing the flowers on the ground in front of novices as they enter the monastery or convent. In the 13 th century, two Arabic medical formularies mentioned chaste tree to treat epilepsy and even insanity. The seeds are still sold today in Egyptian bazaars to calm hysteria. Back in the 17 th century, herbalist Gerard wrote that the seeds and leaves helped with pain and inflammation of the uterus. The hormonelike substances found in the seeds help to correct female hormonal imbalances, such as those that can occur during menopause, premenstrual syndrome, or menstruation, and also help dissolve fibroids and cysts.
German researchers suggest the berries increase production of luteinizing hormone and prolactin.
Another study adds the increase of the hormone progesterone to the list. The seeds do stimulate mother s milk flow as shown in a clinical study when 100 nursing mothers taking chaste seeds were compared to those who were not. Christopher Hobbs suggests its use during the first 3 months only of pregnancy to help prevent miscarriage and, with ginger, to allay morning sickness. Chaste berries can help regulate periods when there is excessive or too frequent bleeding. It also reestablishes normal ovulation after contraceptive pills have been used.