How to Make Vitex Tea
Vitex angus-castus, also known as chasteberry or monk's pepper, is the dried fruit of the chaste tree. Vitex is native to western Asia and southwestern Europe, and has been used for over 2,500 years to treat various gynecologic conditions such as amenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, cyclical breast discomfort and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Vitex tea has a normalizing and balancing effect on the body and is easy to prepare.
Instructions
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1
Measure 1 tsp. or ¾ oz. of fresh or dried vitex berries in a cup and set aside. Pour 8 oz. of water in a vessel and set on heat to boil.
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2
Fill the cup containing the vitex berries with the boiled water. Allow the berries to steep in the hot water for 10 minutes.
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3
Add 1 tsp. of honey or a ½ tsp. of chopped fresh mint to the tea, stir and drink. Vitex tea has a peppery flavor -- mixing honey and mint reduces its pungency.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also use commercially available vitex teabags to prepare an infusion tea. Place one teabag in a cup and add 6 oz. of hot water. Let it steep for three minutes, discard the teabag, sweeten with honey and drink.
Do not use vitex if you are pregnant, taking oral contraceptives, hormone therapy or have a hormone-sensitive disease.
References
Resources
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