Gotu Kola for Peyronie’s Disease?

[Susan WinterStudent]

Has anyone used gotu kola successfully for Peyronie’s Disease?  Any other herbs to try?

TIA

[Marian KnudsenStudent]

Very interesting question and the answer is an important one.  Now I’m not going to rest before zI research for an answer!😁

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Peyronie’s Disease, for those that don’t know, is a build up of fibrous connective tissue (mostly collagen…the same as scar tissue basically) under the skin of the penis that causes pain and significant curvature on erection.  Urologists resolve it with stretching exercises which can help break down the scar tissue. They also sometimes do injections of collagenase enzymes into the tallywhacker to break down the scar tissue (no, that doesn’t sound fun). Sometimes they also do surgery. If someone has this issue, I think getting in touch with a urologist to get some guidance on those exercise techniques for breaking down the scar tissue is a good idea.

There are also some fibrolytic herbs. (“Fibro” meaning fiber referring to scar tissue or collagen build up and “Lysis” which means to loosen, divide or cut apart). So fibrolytic substances break down scar tissue and connective tissue. Several of those herbs have some good research on slowing or helping with cirrhosis of the liver which is basically when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue (see the Liver lesson) but some of them (including gotu kola) have also had some promising research for Peyronie’s Disease.

Here are some good fibrolytic herbs:

Licorice (Glycrrhiza glabra)

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

I’ve never addressed this issue, but as I said, there are a few studies showing some promise with some of these plants. As I mentioned above, I’d also hook up with a good urologist or some other knowledgable source and get instruction on the mechanical/stretching techniques for breaking down the scar tissue.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Author]

Posts