Discreet plant, appreciated effects

Often found in damp meadows, ditches, or riverbanks, small-flowered willowherb is more modest than angustifolium but just as well-known. It is popular in the rural traditions of Central and Eastern Europe for internal infusions or gentle external applications.

Description

Leaf fragments, thin stems and green to brownish flowering tops, dry texture. Mild vegetal odor, slightly astringent taste.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Small-flowered willowherb, Willowherb parviflorum
• Latin name: Epilobium parviflorum
• Family: Onagraceae
• Part used: Aerial part (stems, leaves, flowers)
• Shape: Cut
• Origin: Central and Eastern Europe
• English name: Small-flowered willow herb
• Name in German: Kleinblütiges Weidenröschen
• Name in Spanish: Epilobio de flor pequeña
• Name in Italian: Epilobio a fiore piccolo
• Name in Arabic: نبات الصفصاف الصغير الأزهار

Main virtues

Known for its softening and balancing effects in herbal teas intended for male urinary comfort, willowherb parviflorum is also used to soothe sensitive skin for external use or in sitz baths.

Main constituents

Flavonoids, phytosterols, tannins, mucilages, phenolic acids (ellagic, gallic).

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 tablespoon for 250 ml of simmering water, infuse for 10 minutes.
• Decoction: external use for baths or warm compresses.
• As a treatment: 2 to 3 cups per day for 2 to 3 weeks.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Do not exceed the recommended doses without specialist advice.
• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical supervision.
• No toxicity reported from known traditional uses.

History and origin

Widely used in traditional herbal medicine in Eastern European countries, small-flowered willowherb gradually became known in Western Europe. Its use in men's herbal teas dates back several centuries, and it appears in numerous rural herbal medicine treatises.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: kraft bag, airtight box, opaque glass jar.
• Storage: in a cool, dry place away from light.
• Appearance: Mixture of finely cut stems, leaves and flowers.
• Smell: sweet, slightly woody and herbaceous.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Traditional Balkan Herbalism
• Men's herbal medicine books (Central Europe)
• Ancient texts of rural natural medicine

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