What are adaptogenic plants?

Adaptogenic plants are natural substances that help the body maintain balance and optimal functioning in response to stress and other challenges.They are non-toxic,non-addictive,and bidirectional,meaning they work in both directions to restore balance.Adaptogens are considered "superior plants" in ancient Chinese medicine and are known to promote well-being and improve physical and mental health.

Key characteristics of adaptogens:

  • Non-toxic and have mild, reversible side effects
  • Regulatory effect: Balance and normalize body systems, promoting overall homeostasis
  • Bidirectional: Work in both directions to restore balance
  • Non-addictive
  • Transfer survival properties to the user

Benefits of adaptogens:

  • Increased resistance to stress
  • Enhanced physical and mental performance
  • Improved immune function
  • Improved energy levels
  • Stress management

Difference between adaptogens and nutraceuticals:

  • Adaptogens go beyond providing biochemical substrates and also provide vital information for human survival
  • Normalize and balance bodily functions, while nutraceuticals may only provide specific nutrients

How adaptogens work:

  • Inhibit beta-lipoproteins, allowing glucose to enter cells for energy production
  • Regulate neurotransmitters like dopamine, enhancing cognitive function

Overall, adaptogenic plants are powerful tools for promoting health and resilience in the face of stress and other challenges.

Pink Vitex Agnus Cactus flowers

The plant: Vitex agnus castus

Characteristics

Native Plant of the Mediterranean

Vitex agnus-castus, also known as Chaste Tree, Sauzgatillo, or false pepper tree, is a native plant of the Mediterranean region. It thrives in cool woodlands and along rivers, ravines, and even near the sea.

Distinctive Features:

  • Appearance: Vitex agnus-castus grows as a shrub that reaches heights of 2 to 4 meters. It is deciduous and has a branched structure from its base, emitting a pleasant aroma.
  • Leaves: The plant's leaves are palmate, with 5-7 distinctly shaped lobes. They are green on the upper surface and grayish on the underside.
  • Inflorescences: Vitex agnus-castus produces inflorescences that extend up to 30 centimeters. These spikes are adorned with clusters of blue, violet, pinkish-white, or white flowers, typically blooming during the summer months (June-November). The flowers resemble arrows pointing towards the sky.
  • Family and Flower Colors: Vitex agnus-castus was previously classified under the Verbenaceae family but was recently reclassified under the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family. The symbolic colors of the flowers, blue and white, represent purity and transformation, which is why both colors are incorporated into the floral essence used in the dye (see photo).
  • Fruiting: Fruiting occurs between September and November. The fruits are globose drupes that ripen to a blackish hue. They are largely enveloped by the persistent calyx.
Etymology

Vitex is the genus name of the chaste tree, derived from the Latin word "viere," meaning "to braid" or "to weave," alluding to the plant's pliable branches, which were traditionally used to make baskets.

The specific epithet, "agnus-castus," is a Latinization of the Greek words "agnos" (meaning "lamb") and "castus" (meaning "chaste"), reflecting the plant's historic usage by monks to aid in maintaining chastity and controlling sexual desire.

This etymological connection highlights the patriarchal underpinnings of our society, as the plant's primary usage was documented by monks who had the literacy and knowledge to write treatises on herbs. For these monks, chaste tree was seen as a means of suppressing libido and facilitating celibacy.

However, the primary and more widespread use of chaste tree has been to address hormonal imbalances and related issues in women. This broader application underscores the plant's potential therapeutic benefits for a wider range of individuals.

Historical uses and properties
  • The fruits of this plant have been used since ancient times for a wide variety of gynecological disorders.
  • In “The Iliad,” Homer mentions the plant as a “symbol of honesty.” Pliny, Dioscorides, and Galen also describe the use of its fruits. Already in the 4th century BC, Hippocrates wrote about the properties of Vitex, recommending its use in sitz baths for uterine disorders.
  • For the ancient Greeks it was the auspicious symbol in their celebrations of the goddess Demeter, linked to agriculture, fertility, and maternal love. The goddess Demeter represents Mother Earth, celebrating the abundance of fruits and nutrition. The archetype of the Mother, the Caregiver, is predominant in the Vitex. It coincides with spagyria, where the plant corresponds to the Moon, with maternal qualities. Many women recognize taking it as a guardian to set limits and support with unconditional love.
  • At the same time, Vitex promotes regular menstrual cycles, the optimal production and maturation of eggs, and increases the levels of progesterone, the hormone of nesting and gestation. Progesterone, so scarce nowadays, is the female hormone par excellence: it is relaxing and sharpens sensitivity, intuition, communion, and love with Life. Also called “truth hormone”.
  • The fertility of women and the earth are linked, a reflection of health and abundance.
  • The priestesses celebrated eight days of festivals in honor of the goddess Demeter, who retired in the field without men. During these festivals, they decorated themselves with Vitex flowers and slept on beds of its leaves. In this way, they received and appreciated the well-being provided by this beautiful plant, now corroborated by science. We know that the active ingredients connect with the neurotransmitter dopamine and promote the secretion of endogenous endorphins. I have found literature arguing for the use of Vitex in these retreats to be able to control her sexual desire by not being with men who could satisfy her. A phallocentric vision, since it was surely the opposite.
  • It has been scientifically proven that women, simply by accompanying themselves, secrete serotonin and oxytocin, thus having a whole symphony of hormones of relaxation, pleasure, and love at their disposal.
  • In Ancient Greece it was normal for men to have bisexual relationships, and although nothing is known about women, we can assume that this was the case, too. The history of women is not officially documented and the use that women gave it in the Middle Ages is lost, the idea that women are inferior to men is still maintained. Wise women who knew the powers of plants were accused of being witches and most were executed by the “holy inquisition.” It is estimated that in Europe 9 million women were exterminated. It doesn't seem important that we women feel complete, happy, and powerful, the history of Vítex is the history of women.
Active principles
  • Iridoid glycosides: aucubin and agnuside
  • Essential oils: cineole, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and limonene
  • Flavonoids: casticin (main active ingredient), kaempferol, quercetin
  • Vitecin: improves thyroid function
Medical status
  • The European Medicines Agency includes Vitex in the Therapeutic Guide to Medicinal Plants. Germany was the first to approve its use for menstrual cycle irregularities and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and its prescription is widely spread among German family doctors and gynecologists.
  • The tincture is collected as a traditional way of taking Vitex AC, in a 1:5 plant to alcohol ratio.
  • The modern use of this plant dates back to the 1950s, when its scientific study began in Europe, highlighting the research of Dr. Gerhard Madaus who produced for the first time a standardized extract of the dried fruits of Vitex.
  • Since then, its use has become widespread to treat various female disorders, including: amenorrhea, infertility, lactation problems, fibrocystic breast, breast pain, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, premenstrual syndrome, menopause hot flashes, menstrual disorders, acne. …
  • It has been used for thousands of years, both in traditional Mediterranean Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda Medicine. This is what best supports its benefits.
  • According to the naturopathic doctor Mark Stengler in his book “The Healing Treatments of Naturopathic Doctors”, it is one of the best plants for the treatment of female disorders due to its versatility, he quotes “it is women's best plant friend”.
  • In reference to the effects on libido, the anaphrodisiac effects of the plant have not been demonstrated in women. The approach that indicates that it acts as a hormonal regulator is more understandable: In monks, sexual desire decreased because it was very high, and in people who are low, it increased.
Action mode

Vitex exerts its effects on the pituitary gland, the master controller of hormones in the body. It mimics the action of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates the production of hormones that stimulate the sexual organs, known as gonadotrophins.

Vitex binds to dopamine D2 receptors, inhibiting prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland. This leads to an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) production, which in turn promotes the release of progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This helps restore the balance between estrogen and progesterone levels, which can be beneficial for women with low progesterone levels.

In addition, certain components of Vitex bind to μ-opioid and β-estrogenic receptors. This interaction stimulates the production of natural painkillers called endorphins and enhances the plant's phytoestrogenic activity, which mimics the effects of estrogen in the body.

A background image of a purple flower with green leaves

How to take Ginevítex®?

Instructions for use:

Take 1 ml daily divided into 1 or 2 doses per day dissolved in water or juice.

IMPORTANT: with thyroid medication, take before lunch and dinner.

30 ml bottle: 1 ml is 40 drops.

100 ml bottle: 1 ml is 30 drops.

 

Take it for a minimum of 6 monthsand then you can take it as long as you want.

– This dose can be increased when necessary due to menstrual pain, migraine, irritability, etc.

– To help female hormonal imbalances effectively and deeply, it is very important to take it every day , since the hormonal system is highly sensitive and constantly changing.

– The regulating effect of Vitex AC or Sauzgatillo improves over time, it can be taken continuously and without rest for female hormonal disorders.

Purple Vitex agnus castus plant

Recommendations for use

  1. Shake the bottle with intention before each use to enhance its properties.

  2. Make it a self-care ritual by drinking it in a beautiful glass and toasting to your health and well-being.

  3. For a more pleasant flavor, dissolve the pomace well in water or juice. The flavor will be milder the more water or juice you use.

  4. Ginevítex® is made with 40% organic traditional pomace. The alcohol extracts the active ingredients and acts as a preservative. The alcohol level decreases and even disappears when dissolved in water.

  5. Taste the tincture mixture dissolved in the mouth. The active ingredients and floral essence are assimilated under the tongue.

  6. On days when you tend to experience pain, you can increase the dose of Ginevítex®. Add it to a bottle of water and drink throughout the day. It's best to take it at the first signs of pain, rather than waiting for it to intensify.

  7. Harmonizes the cyclical view of femininity.

  8. Helps increase and channel feminine energy

Source of information: ginevitex.com