Vitex essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and berries of the plant. There is a lot of literature about herbal uses for this plant, but very little documented useage of the essential oil. Claims have been made that it enhances the production of progesterone and brings balance to the female hormones; may ease menstrual discomforts such as cramps, irritability, headaches, depression and breast swelling; also works well for reducing the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes; preliminary trials suggest effectiveness for women suffering from infertility and irregular periods; in herbal form is used for polycystic ovarian syndrom, uterine fibroids, infertility, and miscarriages due to luteal phase defects (ask me about this last problem - too lengthy a discussion for this page)

Cautions: contra-indicated for pregnancy, except possibly to prevent early miscarriage in women with problems in the luteal phase of the pregnancy. Just not enough information or studies done on this topic yet - that I can find.
Vitex agnus castus is native to the Mediterranean area (Turkey), while Vitex negundo is found in Asia and Africa. Studies are being conducted at Ege University in Izmir, Turkey, (according to Connie and Alan Higley Reference Guide for Essential Oils) on the use of Vitex oil for reversing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Higley seems to be indicating that the Vitex studied for Parkinson’s is Vitex negundo. Vitex (both of them) appears to be a natural source of L-dopa, which simulates production of the neuro-transmitter L-dopamine in the brain, which is why they are being looked at as a natural source of L-dopa for use with Parkinson’s disease. The essential oils of both plants contain sesquiterpenes which are the constituents of essential oils which allow them to cross the blood/brain barrier. The synthetic pharmaceutical products currently in use cannot do this, which makes them ineffective and is frustrating to the medical community.