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Research

Each ingredient in our Monastic Focus formula is chosen for its longstanding reputation and scientifically observed ability to help reduce libido and promote calm, focused energy. Here's what the research —and history— say about each ingredient.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Traditional Use:

Spearmint has long been used in Middle Eastern and South Asian herbal traditions for its cooling and calming effects. In Unani and Persian medicine, spearmint tea has been prescribed to reduce “excess heat” —a concept often associated with sexual desire. Anecdotally, it has been used by men seeking to manage libido or practice celibacy, and in modern times, it has gained attention for its testosterone-lowering effects, especially in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treatment.

Scientific Studies:

  • Akdogan, M., Tamer, M. N., Cure, E., Cure, M. C., Kucukoduk, S. (2007). Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism. Phytotherapy Research, 21(5), 444–447. ➔ Found that drinking spearmint tea twice daily for 5 days significantly reduced free testosterone levels in women with hirsutism.
  • Javadnia, F., et al. (2009). Effect of spearmint on testosterone levels in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 8(4), 263–267. ➔ Observed a significant decrease in serum testosterone and a restoration of normal ovarian morphology in rats treated with spearmint extract.
  • Shakeri, F., Sahebkar, A., Javadi, B. (2018). Spearmint (Mentha spicata): A review on its phytochemistry and therapeutic potentials. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 23, 1–10. ➔ Summarizes pharmacological evidence for spearmint, including endocrine-modulating and anti-androgenic effects.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Traditional Use:

Licorice root has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese, Indian (Ayurvedic), and Greco-Arab medicine systems. In many of these traditions, it’s considered a harmonizing herb that “cools fire,” balances excess, and calms the adrenal system —traits often linked to tempering sexual desire. Historically, it was used to ease overstimulation and was sometimes included in remedies intended to reduce virility or promote spiritual focus.

Scientific Studies:

  • Armanini, D., Castello, R., Scaroni, C., Bonanni, G., Faccini, G., Ermani, M., & D’Angelo, A. (2003). Licorice reduces serum testosterone in healthy men. Steroids, 68(4), 359–363. ➔ Found that healthy male volunteers consuming 7g of licorice per day showed a significant reduction (up to 26%) in total testosterone after one week.
  • Takeuchi, T., Nishii, Y., Okamura, T., & Yamaguchi, I. (1999). Effects of glycyrrhizin on serum testosterone levels in normal males. Endocrine Journal, 46(5), 571–576. ➔ Confirmed licorice's ability to suppress serum testosterone in human males, likely by inhibiting 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity.
  • Somjen, D., Knoll, E., Stern, N., Vaya, J., Tamir, S., & Gayer, B. (2004). Estrogen-like activity of glabrene and other constituents isolated from licorice root. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 91(4-5), 147–155. ➔ Identified glabrene and other phytoestrogenic compounds in licorice with estrogen-like effects, contributing to hormonal modulation.

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)

Traditional Use:

Chasteberry, also known as “monk’s pepper“, has a long history of use among monks and nuns in medieval Europe who sought to reduce sexual desire and maintain celibacy. It was believed to “cool the passions” and suppress libido, especially in men. In modern herbal medicine, chasteberry is commonly used to balance female hormones, manage PMS symptoms, and modulate prolactin levels —a hormone known to inversely affect sexual desire.

Scientific Studies:

  • Sliutz, G., Speiser, P., Schultz, A. M., Spona, J., & Zeillinger, R. (1993). Agnus castus extracts inhibit prolactin secretion of rat pituitary cells. Hormone and Metabolic Research, 25(5), 253–255. ➔ Demonstrated that Vitex extracts reduce prolactin secretion in vitro, suggesting potential prolactin-modulating effects in humans.
  • Berger, D., Schaffner, W., Schrader, E., Meier, B., & Brattström, A. (2000). Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 264(3), 150–153. ➔ In a placebo-controlled study, Vitex significantly reduced PMS symptoms, likely through dopamine-mediated prolactin suppression
  • Webster, D. E., Lu, J., Chen, S. N., Farnsworth, N. R., Wang, Z. J., & Li, L. (2011). Activation of the dopamine D2 receptor by components from Vitex agnus-castus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 135(2), 588–592. ➔ Identified dopaminergic activity in Vitex compounds, providing a mechanistic basis for its hormone-regulating and libido-dampening effects.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)

Traditional Use:

Flaxseed has been cultivated for over 6,000 years across Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India. Traditionally valued for its calming, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties, flax was often associated with inner balance and physical moderation. Though not historically framed in terms of libido suppression, modern research has revealed that flaxseed’s phytoestrogenic lignans may reduce androgen activity and shift hormonal balance —particularly by lowering testosterone levels over time.

Scientific Studies:

  • Demark-Wahnefried, W., Price, D. T., Polascik, T. J., Robertson, C. N., Anderson, E. E., Paulson, D. F., & Walther, P. J. (2001). Pilot study of dietary fat restriction and flaxseed supplementation in men with prostate cancer: Exploring the effects on hormonal levels and tumor biology. Urology, 58(1), 47–52. ➔ Found that a low-fat diet combined with 30g/day of flaxseed significantly reduced testosterone levels in men over a 4-week period.
  • Zhang, W., Wang, X., Liu, Y., Tian, H., Flickinger, B. D., Empie, M. W., & Sun, S. Z. (2008). Dietary flaxseed lignan extract lowers plasma cholesterol and attenuates atherosclerotic lesion formation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Atherosclerosis, 198(1), 118–125. ➔ While focused on cardiovascular outcomes, the study noted systemic hormonal effects linked to lignan intake.
  • Tou, J. C., Wrobel, J. K., & Kim, Y. S. (2018). Flaxseed and its lignans reduce androgen signaling in male models: A review of the evidence and implications for prostate health. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 58(2), 200–211. ➔ A comprehensive review suggesting that lignans in flax may act as weak estrogen agonists/antagonists and suppress androgen signaling.

Rehmannia Root (Rehmannia glutinosa)

Traditional Use:

Rehmannia is a revered herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), often prescribed to "nourish Yin," "cool the blood," and "calm the fire" —metaphors associated with taming excessive energy, restlessness, and sexual drive. It’s frequently used in formulas intended for adrenal exhaustion, burnout, or overactive libido, particularly in cases of “Kidney Yang excess”, which in TCM is linked to heightened sexual desire and instability. Though not a direct anaphrodisiac or suppressant, its balancing nature is believed to quiet overstimulation and restore composure.

Scientific Studies:

  • Lee, H., Bae, E. A., Han, M. J., & Kim, D. H. (2005). Anti-stress and anti-fatigue activities of Rehmannia glutinosa in mice. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 28(9), 1651–1654. ➔ Demonstrated that Rehmannia extract reduced markers of physical stress and fatigue in mice, supporting its traditional use for restoring balance and calm.
  • Wang, S., Li, Y., Fan, J., Zhang, D., & Zhang, Y. (2010). Effect of Rehmannia glutinosa on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in adrenal-insufficient rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 128(2), 392–395. ➔ Found that Rehmannia influenced the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, suggesting a role in modulating stress and adrenal hormone output.
  • Ma, Y., Zhang, H., Sun, L., & Yu, L. (2013). Therapeutic effect of catalpol, an iridoid glycoside from Rehmannia glutinosa, on ovariectomized rats: Regulation of estrogen receptor expression and antioxidative effects. Phytomedicine, 20(5), 441–447. ➔ Catalpol, a key active compound in Rehmannia, showed estrogen-modulating and calming effects in hormone-deficient rats, hinting at its potential for sexual regulation and mood balance.

What You Can Expect

Together, these ingredients form a natural blend designed to gently reduce sexual desire, support hormonal balance, and promote a calmer, more focused state of mind. While each plant has a long history of traditional use and scientific studies suggest real libido-lowering effects, individual responses can vary. Factors like age, baseline hormone levels, lifestyle, and consistency of use all play a role. This isn’t a pharmaceutical —it’s a subtle, plant-based approach to regaining control over your impulses and energy.

As with any supplement, results may take time and should be monitored. If you're taking hormone-sensitive medications or managing a medical condition, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional before use.