Botanical Overview
Vitex negundo, commonly known as Chinese chaste tree, five-leaved chaste tree, or Nirgundi, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to South and Southeast Asia including India and China. The plant parts traditionally used in herbal medicine are primarily the leaves, roots, and stems.
Energetics
This herb has a cooling temperature and drying moisture profile. Its taste is described as bitter and pungent. Energetically, it has an ascending directionality and a relaxing tonicity, affecting the qi system.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Antioxidant
- Expectorant
- Antimicrobial
- Antiasthmatic
Indications
Western
- Cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Rhinitis
- Skin infections
Syndromes
- Inflammatory conditions
- Respiratory tract infections
- Arthritis
- Allergic rhinitis
TCM
- Wind-cold invasion
- Headache
- Body aches
Syndromes
- Wind-damp bi syndrome
- External wind invasion
Ayurveda
- Vata disorders
- Fever
- Cough
- Asthma
- Joint pain
Syndromes
- Vata imbalance
- Prameha
- Kapha disorders
Unani
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Joint stiffness
Syndromes
- Sauda (black bile) imbalance
- Rehmat-e-baddulhama (phlegmatic accumulation)
Constituents & Mechanisms
Vitex negundo contains flavonoids, iridoids, volatile oils, alkaloids, and lignans which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Leaf decoction: 2-5 g, 2-3 times daily
- Tincture 1:5 in 40% ethanol: 2-4 mL, 1-3 times daily
- Powder: 1-3 g, 1-2 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Vitex negundo is generally safe when used as recommended. However, it should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Caution is advised in individuals with hypotension. Potential interactions include additive effects with sedative medications and possible blood pressure effects when combined with antihypertensives.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-supported planetary or elemental rulers are documented for Vitex negundo.
Selected References
- Medicinal Plants of South Asia with Anti-inflammatory Potential – Kumar et al., 2018
- Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Vitex negundo Linn. – Kirtikar & Basu, 2013
- Vitex negundo L. Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology – WHO, 2019
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Volume III – Government of India, 2001