The Connection Between Homer and Agnus Castus

During ancient times, agnus castus was well known and also has an interesting connection to a great literary figure who made a significant mark in the world of epic poetry. In this article, you will learn what agnus castus is and it’s connection to a notable Roman.

Best known for his epic, the Illiad, Homer also penned the Odyssey , epic poems that nearly every high school or college student will encounter at some point in their life. His works have gone down in history as being the oldest examples of Western literature to survive. When you think of the poet, many people are unaware that he achieved such literary feats while blind. This handicap would prove useful for his longevity in the recorded world of words because instead of reciting his work (like many of his peers), he had most of his poems transcribed with the help of his daughter.

Homer lived into his 80s, but could have lived much longer. According to the Portable Obituary by Michael Largo, Homer was meandering about the sea when he stepped into a pool of soft sand and became stuck up to his neck. Calling out for help, two boys fishing nearby went to see the dilemma. They did not recognize who he was, but interestingly, gave homer a riddle-like question to answer , much like in the same manner that he posed to the readers of his poems. He was unable to answer the poem and died as the tide rose.

As stated before, agnus castus was popular during ancient times. Homer featured the deciduous tree in his epic, The Illiad. The tree served as a symbol of chastity that had the power to keep evil away. Also called ‘chaste tree,’ agnus castus was believed to lower sexual desires and was traditionally chewed by monks as a way to reduce their unwanted urges. Other ways to use agnus castus was to treat menstrual concerns and infertility.

The Nitty Gritty About Agnus Castus

Decorated with small, aromatic lilac flowers, agnus castus was native to the Mediterranean region and throughout the western parts of Asia. Thriving in a subtropical environment, the tree is grown from a seed in the spring or autumn season with ripened berries appearing in the fall. It is the berries that are used to create herbal remedies.

Used fresh or dried, herbal practitioners may prepare tinctures or tablets to treat patients. To treat an irregular menstrual cycle, add 40 drops of a tincture to a glass of water and drink for three months on a daily basis. Components found in the berries are known to regular period, regardless if a woman is experiencing a long or short one. Tablets containing agnus castus have been administered to women battling a bad case of PMS. Other uses for the herb include:

·    In order to receive the full benefit of taking agnus castus for menstrual irregularities, it is important to note that it can take months before results are detected. When taken on a regular basis, women may enjoy relief from bloating, swollen breasts, mood swings, tender breasts, and depression.

·    Some women have been able to treat an infertility problem when using agnus castus if the reason behind their pregnancy woes involves low progesterone levels.

·    A breastfeeding mother taking agnus castus berries can increase the amount of milk they produce.

·    The berries have been known to regulate hormone levels in women. Researchers in the United Kingdom and Germany have proven that the berries have a definite effect on hormones in the body.