fireweed

Fireweeds 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 allied to the prostate and the one that has recently been receiving more attention from the scientific community.

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

Fireweed properties

In the composition of the fireweed 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, a condition linked to aging and that affects a high proportion of men over 50-55 years of age, although in many cases it is not detected until 10 or 20 years later.hyperplasia causes annoying difficulties in urination as the prostate enlarges and oppresses the urethra, and gives as more frequent symptoms the feeling of having to urinate frequently, problems urinating normally, little or irregular flow of urine, abdominal pain and in some cases, incontinence. Fireweed remedies have been successfully tested as an alternative treatment of hyperplasia. Apart from hyperplasia, fireweed is also effective to treat prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate, a condition that usually affects younger men, between 30 and 45 years of age, and that manifests itself with pain when urinating and in the rectum, and sometimes even with bleeding in the urine. Usually Caused by a urinary tract infection or a sexually transmitted infection.The fireweed is also indicated topically in respiratory, skin and oral infections.

Natural remedies with fireweed

For prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate: Fireweed 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 during the day.The great herbal formula for the prostate: This herbal tea, which combines fireweed with sabal dates and bearberry and buchú leaves in equal parts, is very effective. How to prepare it: Half a liter of water is available for two tablespoons of the mixture, boil for 2 minutes and leave to rest for another 5 minutes. Strain and drink during the day. It can be sweetened if you like with star anise or a pinch of rosemary honey.

how to take

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

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: JM Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”