Asian Chasteberry/Vitex Negundo

Vitex negundo, commonly known as the Asian chaste tree, five-leaved chaste tree, or nirgundi in Sanskrit and Hindi, is a highly regarded medicinal and ornamental plant native to South and Southeast Asia. Belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), this hardy shrub or small tree has a long-standing presence in traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Unani, as well as a place in the folk traditions and rituals of many Asian cultures.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Vitex negundo has been celebrated for centuries as a powerful balancing herb, especially effective in reducing vata and kapha doshas. Practitioners have used its leaves, roots, seeds, and bark for a variety of ailments, including joint pain, inflammation, respiratory issues, and menstrual disorders. It has also been applied topically as a poultice or infused oil to treat wounds, swellings, and skin conditions. Its strong-smelling leaves were often burned to repel insects, particularly mosquitoes, and to fumigate homes in both practical and ceremonial contexts. Traditionally, planting a nirgundi shrub near one’s home was believed to not only protect against pests but also ward off evil spirits.

In China, the plant’s small fruits—known as man jing zi—are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to clear wind-heat from the head and eyes. The dried berries are prescribed in herbal formulas to alleviate headaches, dizziness, eye strain, and sinus issues caused by heat and liver imbalances. Much like in Indian tradition, the plant is also associated with purification and clarity of the mind and body.

The lore surrounding Vitex negundo extends into spiritual and cultural practices. In parts of India, it is regarded as the “sacred tree of the saints,” commonly found near hermitages and temples. Its leaves have long been associated with spiritual protection and healing, and burning them is thought to cleanse the air and repel negativity. In ritual contexts, it is used similarly to sage or frankincense in the West.

In modern herbal medicine, scientific studies have confirmed many of the plant’s traditional uses. The leaves and other parts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Decoctions made from the leaves are still widely used in rural communities to treat fevers, coughs, colds, and skin infections. Women use it for menstrual irregularities and as a general uterine tonic. A decoction or infusion of the leaves can also be used as a natural hair rinse to combat dandruff and lice.

Growing Vitex negundo is relatively easy, particularly in tropical to subtropical climates. It is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet, sometimes more under ideal conditions. Its growth habit is bushy and open, with arching stems and aromatic, palmate leaves that typically have five leaflets—hence the common name “five-leaved chaste tree.” The leaves are green on the upper side and slightly grayish beneath, giving the plant a soft, silvery appearance in the light.

From spring to early fall, the plant produces elegant spikes of bluish-purple to pale lavender flowers, which rise above the foliage and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. As the season progresses, these blooms give way to small, round black berries, which are harvested for medicinal use, especially in Chinese herbalism.

Vitex negundo thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil, ideally sandy or loamy. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for dry gardens, herbal borders, or informal hedging. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings, and it benefits from occasional pruning to shape its form and encourage lush new growth.

When fully mature, Vitex negundo is both striking and subtle.

Very hardy to zones 6-10.