Epilobia are plants linked to humid environments, which grow on the banks of high mountain streams and streams. Of the thirty species that can be found in our country, the best known and most visible is, without a doubt, Epilobium angustifoliumtypical of degraded areas or areas affected by avalanches in the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Sea.

Another species very similar to this one, although more modest in size, the Epilobium parviflorumis the one most frequently used by herbalists as ally of the prostate and the one that is recently deserving more attention from the scientific community.

It is a herbaceous plant about 50 centimeters high, with alternate leaves, with an acute, hairy blade and pale pink flowers, grouped in corymbous clusters. It flowers during the summer and the aerial tops are harvested for medicinal purposes.

Properties of epilobium

In the composition of epilobium we find bioflavonoids –quercetol, kenferol–, phytosterols and tannins and it is considered a plant anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and diuretic.

• Its most notable therapeutic effect, however, is its ability to inhibit the activity of an enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase, responsible, in part, for the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlargement of this male sexual gland, an ailment linked to aging and that affects a high proportion of men over 50-55 years old, although in many cases it is not detected until 10 or 20 years later.
• hyperplasia provokes annoying difficulties in urination as the prostate increases in size and presses on the urethra, and the most frequent symptoms are the sensation of having to urinate frequently, problems urinating normally, poor or irregular flow of urine, abdominal pain, and in some cases, incontinence. Remedies with epilobium have been successfully tested as an alternative treatment for hyperplasia.
• Apart from hyperplasia, epilobium is also effective to treat prostatitis or inflammation of the prostatean ailment that usually affects younger men, between 30 and 45 years old, and that manifests itself with pain when urinating and in the rectum, and sometimes even with bleeding in the urine. It is usually caused by an infection in the urinary tract or by a sexual infection.
• Epilobium is also indicated topically in respiratory, dermatological and oral infections.

Natural remedies with epilobium

• For prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate: Epilobium is combined with blueberry and bearberry leaves, in equal parts. How to prepare it: Boil a tablespoon of the mixture per cup of water for one or two minutes and let it rest for another five. It strains well and can be taken throughout the day.
• The great herbal formula for the prostate: This herbal tea, which combines epilobium with sabal dates and bearberry and buchu leaves in equal parts, is very effective. How to prepare it: Add half a liter of water to two tablespoons of the mixture, boil it for 2 minutes and let it rest for another 5 minutes. It is strained and taken during the day. It can be sweetened if desired with star anise or a pinch of rosemary honey.

How to take

Epilobium is found as a dry plant for infusion, liquid concentrate and fluid extract. It is also sold in capsules as a prostate decongestant.

Jordi Cebrián. Advisor: JM Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”