Rose Bay WiIIow - Best Herb for Prostate Enlargement

Epilobium parviflorum, E.angustifolium Onagraceae

Among the ten or so varieties if rose bay willow-herb that grow in Europe, only two are used for their medicinal properties. A small plant with tiny pale pink flowers and hairy, spear-shaped leaves. E. angustifoliull1 the other variety, is a taU, handsome plant with stems that are covered in long smooth, narrow leaves and crowned by a spike of striking, pink-purpleftowers in summer. Both varieties 'can be found in woodland or hilly areas, and on wasteground.

Parts used

Constituents

The beneficial effects of rose bay willow-herb stem largely from the flavonoids and tannins. The major flavonoid in E. parviflorum is myricitroside; the main one in E. angustifolium is quercetolgluceronide. 80th plants also contain betasitosterol and gallic acid. The tannins - oenotheines A and 8 - are present in both their flowers.

Medicinal uses

Rose bay willow-herb is noted for its ability to reduce inflammation largely as a result of its flavonoids and tannins. It is often prescribed to relieve the symptoms of benign prostate enlargement, although it is essential to have a thorough medical examination before using the plant for this purpose, to ensure that the swelling really is benign. There is also some debate over choosing which variety of the plant is best to prescribe for this condition. While E. angustifolium is known to contain highly active inflammation-reducing tannins, those in E. parviflorum appear to be especially successful intreating an enlarged prostate gland.

The plant's soothing powers have also been employed to treat irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea, sore throats, mouth ulcers and skin irritations such as eczema. The leaves are known to improve urinary flow and are beneficial in the treatment of cystitis and an irritable bladder.

CAUTION

Although no adverse side effects have been noted when using rose bay willow-herb preparations, the plant should only be used under close medical supervision.

Cultivation

Rose bay willow-herb is a common weed, and is therefore not usually cultivated, but simply gathered from the wild. Occasionally, gardeners plant E. angustifolium for its decorative value.

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE

It is not advisable to use any preparation made with rose bay willow-herb, from simple infusions to more complex commercial products, unless they have been prescribed by a a doctor or medical herbalist.