Chasteweed

/ˈtʃeɪs.wiːd/ noun

Definition

Another name for vitex or chaste tree, a flowering shrub traditionally used in herbal medicine to regulate hormones.

Etymology

From 'chaste' (referring to the plant's traditional use in promoting sexual virtue) plus 'weed' (a general term for wild plants). The chaste tree was named because monks supposedly used it to suppress sexual desire.

Kelly Says

The chaste tree was deliberately planted in medieval monastery gardens because monks believed it had magical properties to help them maintain celibacy—modern science shows it actually does affect hormone levels!

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