Nirgundi Leaves – Vitex negundo Linn.- Sambhalu – Agnus castus Leaves

Nirgundi Leaves – Vitex Agnus castus Leaves

Latin – Vitex negundo Linn.

Origin : India

Other Names – Sambhalu, Agnus castus, Monk’s Pepper, Monk’s berry, Cloister pepper, Cloister berry, Indrani, Nochi, Five leaved chaste, Samhalu, Meudi,  Sinduvar, Nirguni, Sinduk, Nigad, Nirgundi, Tellavavili, Sindhuvara, Indrasursa, Indranika, Sinduka, Nisinda, Shephali, Nirgundika, Renuka, Sindhuvaram, Sinduya, Sugandhika, Surasa, Vrikshaha, Nirgunda, Shveta Sephalika, Suvaha, Nirgundi, Nilika (Kali Newri), Nilapushpi, Nilanirgundi, Shvetasurasa, Bhootveshi (Whitefl Owered Newri), Svetapuspa, Pasutia, Aggla-Chita, Pochatia, Aslok,, Nisinda, Samalu, Nirgundi, Sinduari, Beguna, Nishinda, Nishinde, Five-Leaved Chaste Tree, Chinese Chaste Tree, Indian Privet, Nagoda, Nagaol, Nirgari, Saubhalu, Nirgandi, Bile-Nekki, Noohi, Nirkunnchi, Nallanochi, Nallavalli, Vavilli, Panjangusht, Uslaq, Sisban

Rasa (taste on the tongue): Kashaya (Astringent), Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (Pharmacological Action): Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
Virya (Action): Ushna (Leaf Heating); Sheet (Fruit, Flowers, Seeds Cooling)
Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Katu (Pungent)
Effect on Dosha: Reduces Vata and Kapha Dosha but increases Pitta (in excess).

Effect on System: Digestive, Circulatory
Effect on Tissues: Plasma, Blood, Muscles, Nerves and Marrow, Reproductive

Dosage : 3-6 gms of the Powder or Boil 10 gms  of the leaves in water & give water to the patient twice a day (Morning & Evening).

Commonly well known Female remedy. It may sometimes not show results soon. So it should be taken at least 4-6 months or even up to 15-18 months to see full hormonal effects.

Main active constituents: Alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides
Actions: Hormone balancer
Good for: Premenstrual syndrome, menstrual irregularity and menopausal symptoms

Side Effects : Agnus Castus rarely gives any side effects. Minor Upset in Gastrointestinal tract or maybe sometimes a mild rash with itching in less that 2% women.
Not recommended for use during pregnancy.