Vitex Berry / Chaste Tree Berry

Vitex is best known through herbal extracts of the dried berry. The essential oil is a different material. It is only the volatile fraction of the fruit, dominated by 1,8-cineole and pinenes, and the literature on whole-berry extracts does not transfer to it.

01 · Origin

A deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean and western Asia, found along stream beds and coasts. It is now placed in the mint family, Lamiaceae. This oil is distilled from the berries of wild plants in Turkey.

02 · Chemistry

1,8-cineole leads, with alpha-pinene and sabinene close behind. Trans-caryophyllene adds a dry, peppery depth. The fruit carries an aroma reminiscent of pepper, which gave it the old name monk's pepper.

03 · In Practice

Fresh and camphoraceous at first, then dry, spicy and slightly herbaceous. A top-to-middle note. Diffusion, massage blends and olfactory study. Its cineole-led opening and peppery finish sit well in herbal accords. Blends with lavender, clary sage, cypress, juniper berry, rosemary, bergamot and black pepper.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.