HERB CORNER
Herbs for Men… and Summer
most important remedies in treating stage I and stage II benign hy - perplasia of the prostate gland, a condition affecting 50% of men over 50 and 80% of men over 80. Saw Palmetto fruit eases these symptoms — difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and/or urinary urgency — though the effects are not immediate. Rather, they become noticeable after about 45 days of continued use. The effectiveness is said to be the same as that of standard medication. Side effects are rare, but some individuals have reported minor digestive troubles. In the Caribbean the berries are often used as an aphrodisiac made by macerating the berries in gin, and adding various other spices and herbs, and then sweetened with honey. Chicory Root (Cichorium intybus) While most folks know of chicory in its roasted form as a coffee sub - stitute (for which it is indeed a very good one!), chicory is also known to be a source of the androgen hormone androstenedione, which in turn can increase the amount of sex hormones released by your body. It also supports cleansing actions in the liver and gallbladder, as well as helps soothe an upset stomach or digestive tract. Chicory is also thought to provide some protection against cancer as well as have an- timicrobial benefits.
BY JASON BARNA
Herbs for women’s health-related problems are discussed regularly by herbalists; but generally speaking, another important topic in herb- alism — herbs for men’s health issues — is often overlooked! Why is that? Perhaps it’s the fact that usage of herbal remedies is more often (but not exclusively) connected to women? Maybe it has to do with a stigma of perceived weakness on the part of men, who are less likely to seek treatment for health concerns in general, much less turn to herbs for relief? The reasons are not conclusive or exhaustive, but I’m here to help expand the conversation. Let’s take a look at some herbs that are good for us guys! Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) While sometimes considered a bit of a weed in its natural habitat, this hardy (to USDA Zone 6) member of the potato family is consid - ered by Ayurvedic practitioners to be a bit of a wonder herb. Much like Panax Ginseng is in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ash - wagandha has been used in some “herbal Viagra” formulas. Hailed as an excellent aphrodisiac, it acts as a tonic for sexual and reproductive disorders, such as lack of libido and seminal debility by increasing strength and energy levels. Best results for this use can be noticed af- ter about one month of continued use. Ashwangandha is also noted for being rich in iron, making it useful for Anemia. It can act as a Vasodilator (helps open, or dilate, the blood vessels) which has the effect of lowering blood pressure. Being a mem - ber of the Solanaceae family (albeit one of the safer ones!), it has been used to even assist with relieving muscle aches and pains, including pain from rheumatism and arthritis, as well as for lumbago. Hawthorn (Crataegus Monogyna) While this legendary species can grow up to 40 feet high, it is typ - ically found more as a hedge plant rarely exceeding 16 feet in height. Hawthorn provides us with its leaves, flowers and fruit (in the form of berries that resemble rose hips), all of which can act to help improve the heart and circulatory system. It is a regulator for blood pressure, whether too high or too low, and comforts conditions such as mild palpitations, angina pectoris, tight chest and the angst resulting from the above conditions, as well as arteriosclerosis. The berries are also useful in the case of insufficient bowel activity, and even kidney and bladder stones. Hawthorn improves the circulation, especially the peripheral cir - culation, and is considered an excellent tonic that brings extra oxygen to the head, improving both mental and nervous functions. Of course it goes without saying that any heart condition is serious, and the use of herbal remedies as part of treatment for them should be done in conjunction with and under the supervision of your doctor. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) A relative of the radish, this root vegetable comes to us from Peru where it grows in the Andes Mountains. In use for over 2000 years in Peru as a traditional libido tonic, Maca (men will want Black Maca) is packed with amino acids, fiber, minerals and other phytonutrients to help promote energy and stamina. It does so by acting as an adaptogen to help your body regulate hormone imbalances due to stress, fatigue, age, etc. It is also thought to help increase athletic performance! Saw Palmetto (Serenoa serrulata) A creeping palm native to Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean, mod - ern herbalism makes use primarily of the berries, which are one of the
Ashwagandha - Photo by Bankim Desai on Unsplash
Hawthorn - Photo by Floraf on Unsplash
Herbal Highlights for the Season There are many herbs good for men’s health and wellness, with the aforementioned group being among the most highly regarded! The following group of herbs are also noteworthy, not only for their ap- plication toward male (and female!) health concerns, but also for the added benefit of being grown and readily available as summertime fa - vorites. Nettle (Urtica dioica) The Stinging Nettle…or so it’s also known, having been in use since the time of the famous first century Greek physicians Dioscorides and Galen. Today, the root is used as an important, time-proven herb for men who want to promote and maintain prostate and urinary tract health via its diuretic actions. The leaves when dried lose their sting and can be used as a strong diuretic to help with cases of Edema and bladder and kidney issues. Nettle leaves are also a very valuable sum- mer herb, as they can act as a styptic to help staunch internal and external bleeding alike. They’re used in folk medicine as well to help with arthritic joints and pains. Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) While not the prettiest of herbs, this Eastern US Native is an in - credible antiviral herb, being both a diuretic and diaphoretic. It of - fers a truly holistic approach to dealing with feverish infections, and is excellent in soothing all the symptoms associated with the flu — congestion of the respiratory tract, stuffy nose, and various aches and
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PATHWAYS—Summer 22—13
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