Willowherb, Epilobium.

Botanical name: 
Epilobium hirsutum
Epilobium parviflorum
Epilobium angustifolium
Epilobium palustre

Date: Thu, 24 Aug 1995 00:17:09 +0000
Sender: HERB.TREARNPC.EGE.EDU.TR
From: christopher hedley <christopher.GN.APC.ORG>
Subject: Epilobium parviflorum

>could anybody give me some information about the uses, toxic effects, main constituents of epilobiumm parviflorum?

All the willow herbs, epilobium spp, have been used as astringents but are not highly recomended. Culpeper, for example, mentions 6 species but only chooses to give uses to E palustre.

Mrs Grieves, 'A Modern Herbal' written in the 1930s is the best source of 'folk remedy toxicology'. She says of E hirsutum, ' there are reports of violent poisoning with epileptic like convulsions having been caused'. I can find no specific reference to E parviflorum but I think I would avoid using it.

E angustifolium is another matter. This has had wide use as a fodder plant and in making wine and beer... so it is presumably safe to eat.

Why did you want the information ?

Christopher Hedley

From: Gerrit Saaltink <gerrit.EDUC.UVA.NL>

> could anybody give me some information about the uses, main constituents, toxic effects of epilobium parviflorum?

Epilobium parviflorum was introduced by Maria Treben for medical use. Main constituents (for medical use): flavonoids and phytosterols. Uses: enlarged prostate, prostatitis, cystitis, burning feeling when urinating, burning feeling after prostate operation. Toxic effects: none.

greetings,
Gerrit Saaltink, phythotherapeut, Amsterdam.