Vitexagnus-castus essential oil and menopausal balance: a self-care survey.

A considerable body of research has been documented on the use of the herb Vitex agnus-castus to treat menstrual problems. However, less information is available on the medicinal action of essential oils from the plant. This paper seeks to address the action of the essential oil on menopausal symptoms, using essential oils from both the berry and the leaf in a questionnaire-based survey. Both oils were found to be effective, although the leaf essential oil appears to have a broader range of actions as it also addresses psychological aspects. As the berry is currently thought to be the active part of the plant, this begs the question of whether the leaf of the plant should also be researched in more detail.