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Lisabeth Severin
Hi there,
I looked at Strictly Medicinal Seeds, and while they have some wild yams species, they do NOT have Dioscorea villosa, which is specified for prostate issues. I did a search here and Doctor Jones says D. villosa is better for anything to do with hormones.
Doctor Jones lists Baneberry (Actaea arguta) as being an excellent anti-spasmodic with a specific affinity for the uterus and prostate (in the Male Reproductive System lessons). He writes that is is “…useful for relieving the pain associated with prostate enlargement, prostatitis and orchitis. Its relaxing effect on the prostate helps to drain congested contents, thus reducing swelling and pain.”
Unfortunately, I can’t find the seeds. I found an “Actaea rubra ssp. arguta” seed source, although they are sold out. Is Actaea rubra ssp arguta the same as Actaea arguta? Is there any other herb with such an affinity for the prostate that is easier to locate the seeds for?
Thanks, any help would be appreciated.
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Sorry, not specified for prostate issues but for diverticulitis. The Baneberry is for prostate issues.
I was doing a search on Baneberry and found this:
“The entire plant is toxic but the roots and berries are the most poisonous. The cardiogenic toxins have not been identified. When ingested, the berries have an almost immediate sedative effect on the human heart and can lead to cardiac arrest if enough are consumed. However, since the berries are very bitter, this is unlikely to happen. It was used medicinally by Native Americans. This poison does not affect birds, so they are able to eat the berries and are the main seed dispersers. Small mammals will eat the seeds, but not the pulp.”
Wisconsin Horticulture ExtensionDisappointing, since I can grow at least some species of Baneberry but I can’t grow Saw Palmetto (right USDA zone for winter cold but it just doesn’t get hot enough here, apparently). Dr Jones writes that Burdock root (Arctium lappa) is useful for bladder infections and prostate enlargement, so I will research that one instead. He writes that burdock is “very often” the equal of Saw Palmetto.
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So, I’m thinking the Wisconsin Horticulture site is possibly mistaking the toxicity of the roots with that for the berries. The berries are definitely very toxic, which would make it hard to grow in a backyard setting. Are the berries toxic to chickens, who would probably be attracted to its red color? Wild birds may be able to eat the fruit, but that doesn’t mean its safe for chickens. If I really wanted to grow it, I could put hardware mesh around the plant, like I see people do for deer protection around single plants.
Dr Jones says in the Actaea arguta Quickview that it takes several years to get the seeds to germinate!!! So growing from root cuttings is best.
I’m so glad I could have this conversation with myself here! 😀
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This reply was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by
Lisabeth Severin.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by
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