Onagraceae
Willow Herb
Epilobium angustifolium
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Northern Hemisphere (boreal regions)
Also known as: Fireweed, Great Willow Herb, Rosebay Willow Herb
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Aerial parts
Therapeutic Uses
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (oenothein — inhibits aromatase and 5-alpha reductase, antiproliferative), prostatitis, urinary complaints, GI inflammation, wound healing. Austrian and Eastern European traditional BPH herb.
Herbal Actions
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiandrogenic (oenothein A inhibits aromatase), diuretic, astringent
Active Constituents
Flavonoids (myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol), tannins, oenothein A and B (macrocyclic ellagitannins — primary actives for BPH), sterols, polyphenols
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture☕ Herbal Tea💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Strong evidence for BPH: Austrian clinical study with standardized extract. Long-term use (months) for BPH. Combine with saw palmetto for comprehensive prostate support. Young shoots edible (traditional survival food). |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Antiandrogenic — avoid in hormone-sensitive conditions. Caution in pregnancy.
Side Effects: Mild GI upset. Very well tolerated generally.