Herbal Encyclopedia

Common Medicinal Herbs For Natural Health

  • Herbs
  • Modes of Use
    • Compresses and Lotions
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    • Glycerites
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    • Tinctures and Vinegars
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    • When To Gather Herbs
  • Scientific Names

Pygeum

Botanical Name

  • Family Boraginaceae
  • Pygeum africanum

Common Names

  • None listed.

Cautions

  • It should be taken only under professional guidance.

Description

 Native to Africa, pygeum is extracted from an evergreen tree that grows to 120 feet and has oblong leaves, white flowers and red berries. It is still harvested from the wild, but increased demand has produced severe shortages which has led to the establishment of commercial farms.

History

 In the past, pygeum was valued in Africa for its hard wood, often used in making wagons. But its bark was also recognized as being useful in treating urinary disorders.

In Asian countries, the fruit kernels of a related species, P. gardneri, are used to poison fish.

Key Actions

  • diuretic
  • endocrine agent
  • tonic
  • urinary antiseptic

Key Components

  • phytosterols (beta-sitosterol)
  • triterpenes (ursolic and oleanolic acids)
  • long-chain alcohols (n-tetracosanol)
  • tannins

Medicinal Parts

  • Bark

Traditional Uses

 In France, the fat-soluble extract of pygeum bark has become the primary treatment for an enlarged prostate gland. In trial studies during the 1960s, the fact was established that the extract increases glandular secretions and reduced the levels of cholesterol within the organ. In most Western countries, surgery is the main option for enlarged prostates; but, in France, pygeum is prescribed with an 81% success rate.

Decoctions are used to reduce the severity of chronic prostate inflammation.

It is sometimes helpful in reversing male sterility when caused by insufficient prostate secretions.

In combination with other herbs, pygeum may be valuable in the treatment of prostatic cancer.

Filed Under: P

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Pages

  • Modes of Use
    • Compresses and Lotions
    • Creams
    • Decoctions
    • Electuaries
    • Essential Oils
    • Fomentations
    • Gargles and Mouthwashes
    • Glycerites
    • Liniments
    • Lip Balms
    • Medicinal Milks
    • Mustard Plasters
    • Oil Infusions
    • Ointments and Salves
    • Poison Ivy Lotions
    • Poultices
    • Powders and Capsules
    • Steam Inhalations
    • Syrups
    • Tinctures and Vinegars
    • Toothpastes
    • Vapor Balms
    • Water Infusions
    • When To Gather Herbs
  • Online Herbal Encyclopedia of Knowledge
  • Scientific Names

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For educational purposes only.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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