A conspicuous, unattractive but pretty little herb, often growing in secluded and arid places, considered a weed in some localities, rarely grown commercially, and often overlooked in the past, yet willow herb small-flowered (Epilobium parviflorum) is deceptively powerful. small plant
Little Flowered Willow Herb contains active components similar to those believed to make green tea so beneficial, it also contains the active components of the more famous (undeserved) saw palmetto, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, a great amount of antioxidants and is considered to have significant antimicrobial capacity.
You might think this was enough for a little plant, but it’s just the beginning of a story…
Little-flowered willow herb has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for a long time, like many traditional herbal remedies, the development of its use is lost in the famous “mists of time”. It has traditionally been believed to be generally effective against abnormal growths and tumors, as a remedy for prostate diseases and problems, and as a treatment for male and female urinary, bladder, and kidney problems (including cystitis). It is also considered to have great powers in soothing the digestive system (particularly in the treatment of diarrhoea) and has also been found to be beneficial when applied to the skin and eyes as a soothing balm, reducing inflammation, irritation and discharge. The pioneers in the use of this herb were the peoples of Central Europe and the original peoples of the North American continent.
Not surprisingly, some serious research has been applied to little-flowered willow herb in recent years to try to uncover its secrets and potential. Important investigations in the pharmacology departments of Poland, Italy, Austria, France and Canada have uncovered some of the secrets of the Epilobium species. The little-flowered willow herb is powerful, it seems that it can affect the hormonal systems within the body. Two macrocyclic ellagitannins have been identified, enotein A and enotein B, which seem capable of inhibiting the enzymes 5-alpha-reductase and aromathese, important in the control of male hormones in the body and considered important in the development of cancers and prostate tumors. and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Oenotein A and oenotein B may explain the observed ability of concentrated little-flowered willow herb extracts to be active against abnormal prostate cell growth.
Additionally, Small Flower Willow Herb also contains the main active agents found in Saw Palmetto, namely b-sitosterol and sitosterol glucoside. As well as gallic acid and ellagitannins present in green tea as mentioned above.
The belief by traditional herbalists for decades that little-flowered willow herb could treat tumors and cancers may be due to the active component oenothein B, which in addition to inhibiting potentially harmful enzymes as described above, may have the ability to act against and even shrink certain tumors. Oenotein B and similar compounds have been used in several studies in this area, with some promising results in the investigation of potential antiviral and anticancer treatments.
Although it can be seen from any brief review of the published material on the herb little-flowered willow that it is primarily regarded as an effective treatment for prostate problems, the reason it helps with this makes it useful for other conditions. Epilobium parviflorum can be shown to contain effective agents against hyperandrogenism (an excessive abundance of male “sex” hormones) which can be harmful in a number of ways. Male pattern baldness has been linked to this condition, as well as prostate disorders and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in men and women. Enotheins can disrupt and decrease the overall potency of male hormones, which while necessary can cause damage in excess, particularly in old age.
Many of the components and properties of little-flowered willow herb are not yet known, many of the compounds are very complex. We have largely dwelled on a simplified review of some of the research that may have only ‘scratched the surface’ of this herb thus far. Research on little-flowered willow herb has tended to focus on its impact in treating prostate disorders, but Epilobium parviflorum has been found to be equally effective in other areas, as noted above. Its efficacy against upset stomachs has been honored by Europeans and Canadians in the past, and it seems there is more to discover here. Its ability to soothe and reduce inflammation and irritation, as well as its pain-relieving properties, may be what could make it so effective for diarrhea, a debilitating and recurring problem for many. Little-flowered willow herb appears, based on traditional use and reports, to be effective in treating bladder and kidney problems in general. What we understand of its components may explain this to some extent, its intriguing potential antiviral and proven antimicrobial properties could also be a powerful factor. Small Flower Willow Herbs’ ability to tighten the skin and reduce inflammation also makes it a useful skin treatment and it has been incorporated into various cosmetics for this reason. Some research has shown that it may be especially effective against the bacteria that often cause acne.
Despite the power of this herb, little-flowered willow herb appears to have no detectable side effects, which is in stark contrast to many of the conventional medications used to treat many of the conditions discussed above.
Finally, while we strongly believe that this herb can make a real difference, please, if you think you have a medical condition, your doctor is also an essential source of information and help.