Synonyms: Five-Leaved Chaste Tree, Nirgundi
Family: Verbenaceae
Genus species: Vitex negundo var. negundo
Type: Shrub
Part Used: Leaf
Location: Afghanistan, Bengal, Burma, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, southern India, Sri Lanka
Actions: Alterative, anodyne, antibacterial, anticancer, antiparasitic, antitumor, aromatic, astringent, bactericide, bitter, brain tonic, demulcent, diaphoretic, discutient, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, germicide, improves hair condition, insecticide, nervine, parasiticide, sedative, stimulates hair growth, tonic, vermifuge
Indications: Abrasions, acute rheumatism, anasarca, angina pectoris, arthritis, asthma, boil, calculi, cholera, common cold, cough, diarrhea, dropsy, dysentery, dyspepsia, eczema, edema, enteritis, epididymitis, eye disorders, fever, gastritis, glandular swellings, gonorrhea, hair loss, headache, hepatitis, inflammatory swellings, intestinal worms, leprosy, malaria, nervous system disorders, orchitis, rheumatic swelling, skin disorders, sores, splenomegaly, sprain, syphilis, ulcer
Preparation & Dosages:
Pillow of Leaves: catarrh, headache
Dried Leaves: smoked as relief for catarrh and headache
Drug Interactions: Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia.