Green allies

Vitex Agnes Castus; Monk’s pepper

Sometimes things run so synchronously that you almost have to believe in predestination; Everything is predestined and comes along when it is really needed. In my herbal studies, I was touched by an herb that I did not know and to which many special effects were attributed. A real women’s herb, all made for balance of hormonal and menstrual cycle. I bought the dried herbs and made tea. Wow, what a powerful, peppery smell. Quite bitter though and a pity it doesn’t grow here.

I let it rest, however, the herb did not leave me alone. We were driving through Albania on our trip in the summer 2022. It was scorching hot, we had been in a traffic jam for hours in front of a half-broken bridge and gypsies were walking past the car windows looking for some Lek, or sweets for the kids.

I had to pee and sought a sheltered spot in the low bushes along the road. Although the place was dirty with garbage, a lovely smell caught my eye. I saw a multitude of purple flowers above my head. Sweet spicy-scented panicles from which seeds were already growing. I rubbed the seeds through my fingers and immediately recognised it; Monk’s pepper. The huge bush asked me to pick and the enthusiastically I took some spent panicles in my hat. 

There is now a hardy shrub in my garden in a sheltered spot. I cherish this particular exotic for its devotion to the female body. The tea and tincture I use help me in the peaks and depth of pre-menopause. It takes the sting out of the stress I sometimes experience, and soothes my emotions. A footnote to use; you have to use it for a long time if you want to feel the effect. So very disciplined every day 15 drops or a cup of brew. 

I let it rest, however, the herb did not leave me alone. 
We were driving through Albania on our trip summer 2022. It was scorching hot, we had been in a traffic jam for hours in front of a half-broken bridge and gypsies were walking past the car windows looking for some Lek, or sweets for the kids.

I had to pee and sought a sheltered spot in the low bushes along the road. Although the place was dirty with garbage, a lovely smell caught my eye. I saw a multitude of purple flowers above my head. Sweet spicy-scented panicles from which seeds were already growing. I rubbed the seeds through my fingers and immediately recognised it; Monk’s pepper. The huge bush asked me to pick and the enthusiastically I took some spent panicles in my hat. 

There is now a hardy shrub in my garden in a sheltered spot. I cherish this particular exotic for its devotion to the female body. The tea and tincture I use help me in the peaks and depth of pre-menopause. It takes the sting out of the stress I sometimes experience, and soothes my emotions. A footnote to use; you have to use it for a long time if you want to feel the effect. So very disciplined every day 15 drops or a cup of brew.