Vitex / Vitex agnus-castus

Commonly referred to as chaste tree, chasteberry, or monk’s pepper, Vitex has a long use in history and has been widely used medicinally amongst European and North American herbalists. Native to southwestern Europe and western Asia, Vitex is a large shrub that can grow to the size of a small tree, and grows rapidly and abundantly around Central Texas. In spring, it’s a pollinator’s delight with long spikes of purple flowers that turn into fragrant clusters of seeds or “berries” toward the end of summer. The seeds are used in herbal medicine today, but historically the leaves have also been used in medicine and the branches as an alternative to Willow in basketry or for weaving fences. In fact, the name, Vitex, is derived from a latin word meaning “wicker work.”

There were many ancient celebrations around fertility in Ancient Greece and Rome, where young women would carry the branches of Vitex to symbolize their chastity. Eventually it made its way into Christian ritual, and the seeds were given to monks to curb their desire, hence the name monk’s pepper.

Vitex use in herbal medicine dates back to Hippocrates’ time (over 2,500 years ago) for the treatment of hormone imbalances and other gynecological conditions, which it is still used for today. One of the most therapeutic uses of Vitex comes from its ability to normalize female sex hormones, and relieve the symptoms of high estrogen and low progesterone, making it a first choice in helping with PMS symptoms. Multiple clinical studies have proven its efficacy in reducing PMS symptoms when taken over 3-6 months, and Vitex has even become the treatment of choice amongst German gynecologists over prescription medications.

Vitex can also be effective in cases of irregular menstruation, symptoms of endometriosis, regulating ovulation, infertility, and can even help stimulate milk flow in nursing mothers.

Vitex’s use doesn’t stop at women though! Vitex is great in both men and women in all stages of life dealing with hormonal issues, and can be part of formulas for prostate health. For teens, it can be effective in hormonal acne, and can also help with the roller coaster of emotions during puberty.

All Peoples Rx locations carry Vitex in some form. From the single herb in capsules by Gaia, or Medi Herb, to standardized extracts by Integrative Therapeutics. We also carry a tincture made by one of our favorite local Austin herbalists, EZ Herbs. A personal favorite of mine is Gaia’s Vitex Elixir which is a blend of other hormone and liver-supporting herbs. Come on in and chat with a wellness specialist about Vitex!

 
Laurène Elliott-Deyris is an Herbalist and Wellness Specialist at Peoples Rx. She received her training at The Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine in Austin and is furthering her clinical studies with the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine program out of North Carolina.

 
 
Photo provided by Laurène Elliott-Deyris
**This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.**

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com

Mask acne, or “maskne” as it’s quickly come to be called, is rampant among mask wearers currently, and there’s no doubt the Austin heat makes it even worse for us here! Having to wear a mask for protection has created the perfect storm for maskne: oil, sweat, heat, bacteria, and friction!

What do dermatologists say about maskne?

Dermatologists describe maskne as “acne mechanica,” the type of acne caused by repetitive physical trauma to the skin, usually by rubbing or scratching. In this instance, that would be the fabric of your face mask sitting against your skin all day.

How can I prevent maskne?

Since the need for mask-wearing probably isn’t going away anytime soon, now is the time to figure out a good skincare regimen for yourself! It’s important to wash your face with a gentle cleanser before and after wearing a mask. Not all cleansers are created equally, though! Make sure you find one that works for your skin. Our wellness department has some great options, and the team there can help you choose one suited for your needs.

Remember to also moisturize when you cleanse to prevent dryness and avoid heavy cosmetic use under a mask. If possible, no makeup at all under your mask is your best bet! Stress and diets high in sugar and processed foods may exacerbate all forms of acne. Reducing stress, getting plenty of sleep, eating clean, exercising, and staying hydrated can be difficult to do on a daily basis, but every little bit can help keep maskne at bay!

How can the Peoples compounding team help?

We often use salicylic acid and a few other ingredients when compounding dermatological products, depending on your skin’s specific needs. A base we use in many formulations thanks to its nourishing properties is Pracasil™- Plus. It promotes faster relief and recovery, and is rich in skin-friendly fatty acids and lipids. It also creates a soothing, nurturing environment that provides long-lasting moisturization, protecting the skin’s barrier and reducing water loss. It’s traditionally used in scar therapy, but is beneficial in reducing the appearance of acne scars while providing a moisture barrier for the skin. It’s also formulated without gluten, casein, dye, or parabens!

The other base used in our maskne-specific formulas is Clarifying™ Cream Base. It’s a topical base that moisturizes and improves the appearance of red, blotchy skin. The avocado extract in it nourishes skin and decreases oil formation, rendering it especially useful for acne-prone skin, rosacea, and aging skin. It can easily accommodate antimicrobials, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and more.

There are a lot of other ingredients frequently used in our compounded formulas that can help combat maskne.

• Clindamycin is an antibiotic that reduces the number of bacteria and has anti-inflammatory effects to make lesions less red and swollen.
• Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties resulting in fewer pimples, increases the production of ceramides which are lipids that help maintain the skin’s protective barrier, and decreases oil production.
• Spironolactone decreases androgen-stimulated sebaceous activity which decreases acne lesions.
• Tretinoin is a Vitamin A derivative that replaces older skin with newer skin, creating a smoother skin texture, decreasing fine wrinkles by increasing collagen production, improving hyperpigmentation by dispersing melanin granules, increasing dermal volume, and adding a pink glow to skin.
• Our Niacinamide 6% cream is another useful formula, which includes broccoli seed and black currant oil. The black currant oil is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, providing protection and promoting healing. Niacinamide reduces inflammation, which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions like maskne. Niacinamide can also minimize pore appearance, keeping skin smooth and moisturized, as well as regulate oil production.

 
 
As always, our expert pharmacy team is here to help you figure out solutions to your problems! Feel free to reach out with any questions and let us help!
 
 
Jenni Kroplin has been in pharmacy compounding, marketing, and education for 6 years, and is the Educational Outreach Director for Peoples Rx. She is passionate about educating and advocating for compounding, and actively participates in continuing education courses with PCCA for the latest innovations and updates in compounding.
 
 

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.