Used Part of the Plant: Small-flowered Willowherb plant (Epilobii herba)
Description and harvesting
There are many different species of willowherb. The medicinal species of willowherb are not particularly tall and have small flowers. These flowers are pale pink, red, or even white. They bloom from June to September. The flowers sit on seed scales, as if nailed to the heads of nails. When ripe, the scales burst open, and the seed, surrounded by woolly hairs, is carried by the wind. The plant is harvested when it is in bloom. The stem is cut or simply broken in the middle, as it is brittle. However, this allows for the growth of side shoots, and the plant can continue to thrive.
Be cautious! Some of the species are not only useless but also harmful. They grow up to 150 cm tall, have large scarlet-red flowers, fleshy stems, and leaves that are hairy on the underside. These characteristics distinguish them from the others.
Constituents and medicinal use
Small-flowered willowherb was discovered in 1970 by the Austrian Maria Treben, who introduced it as one of the most successful medicinal plants for people in need. Small-flowered willowherb is an extremely effective remedy for prostate issues, as well as for kidney and bladder diseases. A tea made from it can be very helpful before prostate surgeries. In many cases, this tea has been so effective that surgery was not needed. It has often helped even when cancer affected the kidneys, bladder, or prostate, according to Maria Treben’s personal experience. To prepare the tea, pour 1 teaspoon of the herb with 0.25 liters of boiling water, let it steep for a few minutes, then strain it and drink 2 cups per day: one on an empty stomach, and the second in the evening, half an hour before dinner. Be cautious! Two cups per day are sufficient, and in more severe cases, maximum three cups may be taken. In larger quantities, some gastrointestinal issues may arise.
Monk Simon Ašič’s product containing Small-flowered Willowherb:
Viri:
1. Domača lekarna patra Simona Ašiča. Priročnik za nabiranje zdravilnih rastlin. Celjska Mohorjeva družba.
2. Domača lekarna patra Simona Ašiča. Recepti. Celjska Mohorjeva družba.
