Dorothy FarrarSmall-flowered willow rose
The small-flowered fireweed (Epilobium parviflorum) is widespread in Europe and Asia. Another name is man’s weed. This points to the importance of the plant in medicine.
General overview
The small-flowered willowherb is also known as the brook willowherb. It belongs to the Epilobium genus (willowherb) and the evening primrose family. Occasionally it is confused with the pink willowherb (Epilobium roseum) because of its sometimes small stature, the serrated leaves and the pale pink petals.
It differs from this, among other things, in the arrangement of the leaves. In the pink willowherb, these are clearly stalked, while in the small-flowered willowherb they sit directly on the stem. The rough-haired willowherb, with which tall specimens are also occasionally confused, differs from the small-flowered willowherb in its bright crimson colored flowers.
occurrence and cultivation
The small-flowered willowherb, as its popular name suggests, prefers moist locations. It is common in meadows, near streams and in forest clearings. It can also be found as spontaneous vegetation on beds in gardens with nutrient-rich, loamy soil. Since the plant was rediscovered as a medicinal herb , it has been cultivated professionally. If you want to grow it yourself, you can buy seeds from specialized seed companies for cultivation in your own garden.
In general, it is not recommended to collect the plant or its seeds yourself from wild stocks because there is a high risk of confusion with the many other species of Epilobium. The genus Epilobium is easily identifiable by the elongated inferior ovary and its characteristic narrow elongated infructescence, from which the seed hairs spill out during maturation. However, in order to be able to reliably distinguish between the species, less conspicuous characteristics such as the shape of the pistil and the distribution of the hairs on the stems must also be taken into account.
Confusingly, even the naming of the plant is often ambiguous. In some publications, Epilobium angustifolium (narrow-leaved willowherb) is also referred to as small-flowered willowherb. In addition, hybridization often occurs in the representatives of the genus. The small-flowered willowherb, which tends to spread uncontrollably with the wind through its woolly seeds, is a perennial that also survives harsh winters. It overwinters with small rosettes close to the ground.
Sometimes the plant reaches only 15 cm in height. However, under favorable conditions, it can reach a height of 80 to 100 cm. Due to its upright growth, it is also suitable as an ornamental plant. Sowing starts in May. The pretty pink flowers appear from June to September. The small-flowered willowherb thrives in any good garden soil. It prefers partially shaded to sunny locations.
application and effect
The small-flowered willowherb was already used in folk medicine as a diuretic centuries ago , but was then an almost forgotten medicinal plant for a long time. It was only when the herbal author Maria Treben brought the medicinal plant back into general awareness that it received renewed attention. Scientific research was scheduled to clarify the botanical classification of the medicinal herb and to be able to give recommendations for use based on the ingredients.
The results of medical studies intended to prove the effectiveness of the medicinal drug are not yet available. The herb is collected from the small-flowered willowherb for the preparation of teas . This is best done on a moderately warm sunny day so that the parts of the plant can be safely dried for preservation. If you don’t cut off the stem at the bottom, but leave part of it, the fireweed will sprout again in many branches. To prepare a tea, a teaspoon of the herb is poured over a quarter liter of boiling water. The dried drug can steep for up to 15 minutes, with fresh small-flowered willowherb 5 minutes is enough.
What does the small-flowered fireweed help against?
- bladder diseases
importance to health
The “man’s herb” small-flowered willowherb is recommended for prostate problems, but also for bladder and kidney problems. On the one hand, various flavonoids are considered to be pharmacologically active substances . These ingredients are said to affect certain hormones as well as the immune system . The tannins also found in the small-flowered willowherb have an antiviral , antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect .
They may also inhibit enzymes that play a role in prostate enlargement. Naturopathy therefore uses the small-flowered willowherb both prophylactically and to accompany the therapy of prostate diseases. Treatment attempts are also recommended for bladder infections. Because of its tannin content, willowherb tea is also suitable for mouthwashes in case of inflammation of the mucous membranes.
The exact dosage is difficult to determine for non-standard preparations. In general, a cup of tea should be drunk in the morning before breakfast and before dinner. This amount must not be exceeded because, like most effective medicines, side effects are also possible with willowherb. Because high dosages or long-term intake could put a strain on the stomach and intestines , tea from the small-leaved willowherb should only be used as a preventive measure, i.e. with longer breaks.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.