Herbs for Men’s Health

In honor of Movember, let’s discuss how to cultivate men’s health with herbs. Gather the men in your life and show them the possible benefits of herbs! Herbs can be customized to fit each individual concern, constitution, or overall health goal. Do you have low libido, difficulty maintaining healthy hair, low energy, sluggish metabolism, etc., check out the following:

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - Used for its tonic abilities, Ashwagandha has many actions such as modulating the immune system, decreasing inflammation, helping one adapt to stress, and increasing libido. In research, Ashwagandha has been found to increase testosterone levels.1,2

• Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) - Historically this herb has been used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and male pattern baldness conditions. Constituents in Saw Palmetto interact with 5-alpha reductase which prevents testosterone from being converted to DHT. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects.1,3

• Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) - A very nutrient packed herb, nettles have been used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic, and anti-allergic effects. It may be suggested as treatment for BPH, arthritis, edema, and CHF. In research, nettle was found to decrease symptoms of BPH in patients.1,4

• He shou wu (Polygonum multiflorum) - In Chinese medicine, this herb is used for tonifying the Liver and Kidneys, tonifying the blood, tonifying the Jing, laxative effects, and to reduce fire toxin. In short, this means it can be supportive for those dealing with gray hair, insomnia, low libido, low back and knee pain, constipation, skin breakouts, rashes, and erectile dysfunction.5

• Rou gui (Cinnamomum cassia) - Cinnamon bark is used in Chinese medicine to support yang energy, alleviate pain, and warm the Kidneys, Heart, and Spleen. Yang energy is associated with the masculine. This herb may be used when someone feels cold all the time, has urinary issues, experiences chest or joint pain, and has diarrhea.5

• Xi yang shen (American Ginseng) - Used to tonify qi and yin in Chinese medicine. It has been seen to increase libido, increase energy, and protect sperm.5,6

• Yin yang hou (Epimedium grandiflorum) - “Horny Goat Weed” is another yang tonifying herb. In Chinese medicine, it helps warm the Kidneys, increase libido, and decrease joint pain. Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, it has been found to inhibit PDE5 like the conventional medicine Viagra.5,7

Hope you enjoyed this small introduction to herbs that can be used in men’s health! As always, consult your healthcare provider with any question regarding if these herbs are right for you! If you are looking for personalized herbal treatments, a primary care provider, or someone to listen to, please schedule with Dr. Emily Morris for a free 15 minute consultation or new patient visit.

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Sources

1. The Naturopathic Herbalist | a place for all things herbal medicine. Accessed November 2, 2023. https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/

2. Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. Am J Mens Health. 2019;13(2):1557988319835985. doi:10.1177/1557988319835985

3. Saw palmetto Information | Mount Sinai - New York. Accessed November 2, 2023. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/saw-palmetto

4. Ghorbanibirgani A, Khalili A, Zamani L. The efficacy of stinging nettle (urtica dioica) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized double-blind study in 100 patients. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2013;15(1):9-10. doi:10.5812/ircmj.2386

5. American Dragon - Chinese Herbs - Dr Joel Penner OMD, LAc - Lone Wolf Press. Accessed November 2, 2023. https://www.americandragon.com/

6. Leung KW, Wong AS. Ginseng and male reproductive function. Spermatogenesis. 2013;3(3):e26391. doi:10.4161/spmg.26391

7. Horny Goat Weed Herb - Yin Yang Huo - Epimedium sagittatum - Luminescents. Accessed November 2, 2023. https://www.luminescents.net/shop/herbal/herbal-infusions/single-herbal-infusions/horny-goat-weed-herb-yin-yang-huo-epimedium-sagittatum/