Renuka — Chaste Tree

Ayurvedic herb Renuka (Vitex agnus-castus) — Chaste Tree. Pharmacological properties: Rasa Katu, Tikta, Virya Ushna, Vipaka Katu. Balances Vata, Kapha.

This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Vitex agnus-castus is renowned for its effect on female hormones, helping to regulate menstruation.

ⓘ Information
PropertyValueDescription
RasaKatu, TiktaKatu (Pungent) — stimulates digestion, circulation, expectorant; Tikta (Bitter) — detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic
GunaLaghu, RukshaLaghu (Light) — easy to digest, promotes lightness; Ruksha (Dry) — absorbs moisture, drying
ViryaUshnaUshna (Hot) — heating, increases metabolism and Pitta
VipakaKatuKatu (Pungent) — post-digestive pungent, lightening
PrabhavaDeepana, VataharaDeepana — kindles digestive fire without digesting ama; Vatahara

Sanskrit Synonyms

In the classical Ayurvedic texts, Renuka is known by the following Sanskrit names:

Harenu, Kaunti, Nandini, Bhasmagandha

Parts Used

The medicinal parts of Renuka are: bija.

Main Indications

Renuka is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:

Artava Vikara, Kashta-shartava, Vata Vyadhi, Agnimandya, Shirashoola.

Dosha Effects

Renuka pacifies Vata, Kapha.

It may aggravate Pitta when used in excess or in sensitive individuals.

Usage

Renuka is used in classical Ayurvedic formulations. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for appropriate dosage and preparation based on your constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalance (Vikriti).

Therapeutic Uses (IMPPAT Database)

Source: Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry And Therapeutics (IMPPAT) v1.0 — CC BY 4.0

Part UsedTherapeutic UseIdentifiersReferences
fruitAmenorrheaMESH:D000568,UMLS:C0002453, DOID:13938, ICD-11:GA20.0ISBN:9780387706375
fruitAnti-infective agentsMESH:D000890,UMLS:C0003204, ICD-11:XM4TV0ISBN:9788172363093
fruitGalactogoguesMESH:D056669,UMLS:C2717873ISBN:9780387706375
leafAnti-bacterial agentsMESH:D000900,UMLS:C0279516, ICD-11:XM8XH0ISBN:9788172363093
Abdominal painMESH:D015746,UMLS:C0000737, SYMP:0000457, ICD-11:MD81.4ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9788172363093
ChillsMESH:D023341,UMLS:C0085593, ICD-11:MG21ISBN:9788172363093
Common coldMESH:D003139,UMLS:C0009443, DOID:10459, ICD-11:CA00ISBN:9788172361266
EstrusMESH:D004971,UMLS:C0014948ISBN:9788172363093
Eye diseasesMESH:D005128,UMLS:C0015397, DOID:5614, ICD-11:9E1ZISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9788172363093
GalactogoguesMESH:D056669,UMLS:C2717873ISBN:9788172363093
HyperprolactinemiaMESH:D006966,UMLS:C0020514, DOID:12700, ICD-11:5A60.1ISBN:9788172363093
Lactation disordersMESH:D007775,UMLS:C0022927, ICD-11:JB46.7ISBN:9788172363093
MastodyniaMESH:D059373,UMLS:C0024902, ICD-11:GB23.5ISBN:9788172363093
MenopauseMESH:D008593,UMLS:C0025320, ICD-11:GA30.0ISBN:9788172363093
Menstrual cycleMESH:D008597,UMLS:C0025329ISBN:9788172363093
PainMESH:D010146,UMLS:C0030193, ICD-11:MG3ZISBN:9788172361266
Premenstrual syndromeMESH:D011293,UMLS:C0033046, ICD-11:GA34.40ISBN:9788172363093
Scorpion stingsMESH:D065008,UMLS:C0238417, ICD-11:NE61ISBN:9788172363093
Snake bitesMESH:D012909,UMLS:C0037379ISBN:9788172363093
Sexual debilityMESH:D012735,UMLS:C0549622, DOID:1876ISBN:9788172363093