How to Prepare Vitex Tincture

Vitex, also known as chaste tree or chasteberry, is a shrub native to western Asia. According to the Steven Foster Group, women have used vitex for over 2500 years to treat gynecological conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal symptoms. Jessica Godino of Red Moon Herbs in Ashville, North Carolina, states that vitex regulates the pituitary gland. This results in balancing estrogen and progesterone in the body, thus balancing hormones. Godino recommends a series of steps to make your own tincture of vitex at home.

Things You'll Need

• Vitex berries, freshly harvested or dried
• Quart glass jar with rubberized, tightly fitting lid
• 100-proof vodka
• strainer
• wooden spoon
• amber bottles with tightly fitting lids

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Instructions

• 1

  Place enough vitex berries in the quart jar to make it one-third full.

• 2

  Pour in the vodka to fill the jar.

• 3

  Seal the jar tightly and let it sit for six weeks.

• 4

  Strain the mixture. Mash and squeeze the berries with the wooden spoon to release as much liquid as possible.

• 5

  Store the liquid, or tincture, in amber bottles in a cool, dry place. The tincture will keep for many years if you follow these directions.