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Rosemary Gladstars

EXCERPT FROM
HERBAL HEALING for MEN
Edited by Deborah Balmuth, Nancy Ringer, 2017 by Rosemary Gladstar
and Sarah Guare
Art direction and book design by Jessica Armstrong Portions of this book were previously published in
Rosemary Gladstars Herbal Remedies for Mens Health
Text production by Kristy MacWilliams (1999).
Indexed by Samantha Miller
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Subjects: LCSH: MenHealth and hygienePopular works.
| HerbsTherapeutic UsePopular works. | Men
DiseasesAlternative treatmentPopular works.
This publication is intended to provide educational Classification: LCC RA777.8 .G595 2017 (print) | LCC RA777.8
information for the reader on the covered subject. (ebook) | DDC 615.3/21dc23
It is not intended to take the place of personalized LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016059744
medical counseling, diagnosis, and treatment from
a trained health professional.

The mission of Storey Publishing is to serve our customers by


publishing practical information that encourages
personal independence in harmony with the environment.
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Herbal Medicine for Men: New Perspectives . . . . . . . 1

1
How to Make Your Own
HERBAL REMEDIES ................ 6

2
Tonics & Formulas
FOR MALE VITALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

3
Remedies for Common
MENS HEALTH ISSUES . . . . . . . 58

4
Herbs to Enhance
VIRILITY & POTENCY . . . . . . . . . . 154

5
A Mans Herbal
MEDICINE CHEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Recommended Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204


Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Making Salves and Ointments
STEP 2: Melt beeswax in infused oil. STEP 3: Test the consistency.

STEP 4: Pour into containers. STEP 5: Cool and then cover.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN HERBAL REMEDIES 23


TURMERIC-GINGER DARK CHOCOLATE CANDY
This is how medicine should taste! Turmeric, a well-known anti-inflammatory herb,
is renowned for its benefits for joint and muscle health, heart health, and fighting
infections and lingering illness. You can often buy fresh turmeric these days, but for
this recipe dried, finely ground turmeric works best.
This is a basic formula. You can use other herbs with or in place of the turmeric
for example, hawthorn for heart health, rhodiola for energy, and maca or
ashwagandha for sexual health and vitality
vitality. Just be sure all the herbs are finely
powdered.

chocol ate turmeric ginger

16 ounces bittersweet dark chocolate, COMBINE the chocolate and coconut oil in the
roughly chopped (organic and top of a double boiler. Bring an inch or two of
fair trade if you can swing it)
water in the lower pan to a boil, then reduce the
8 ounces coconut oil (preferably unrefined)
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
heat to low. Heat, stirring, until the chocolate
cup ground turmeric and coconut oil are melted and well combined.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Remove from the heat and stir in the rest of the
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper ingredients. Pour the mixture into candy molds
teaspoon coarsely ground salt or onto a thin baking tray. Let cool. When firm
cup freshly grated ginger but not fully hard, cut into squares. Because of
Dried cranberries, goji berries, the coconut oil, this chocolate will melt if it gets
or raisins (optional)
warm. Store in the refrigerator or a cool area.

TO USE: Have one or two small pieces a day.

TONICS & FORMULAS FOR MALE VITALIT Y 27


10 SUPERFOODS FOR THE MALE SYSTEM
FOOD BENEFIT

CHICKEN (organic Contains high-quality proteins.


and/or humanely raised)

CULTURED MILK Contain probiotics, which


support the healthy bacteria
PRODUCTS of the gut, thereby aiding in
(buttermilk, kefir, digestion and supporting the
yogurt, etc.)
immune system.

DARK GREEN LEAFY Excellent sources of minerals, vitamins, fiber, and


protein. Cleansing and building. Immunoprotective,
VEGETABLES anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich. Bitter
greens have additional benefits: they
stimulate the secretion of hydrochloric
acid that is necessary for good
digestion and help regulate
appetite and blood sugar levels.

FISH Contains high-quality proteins and


omega-6 essential fatty acids; supports
cardiovascular health and eye health;
protects against depression.

FRESH FRUIT Excellent source of vitamins,


(ideally organic and local) minerals, natural sugars, and
fiber. Cleansing and building.
Antioxidant-rich and
anti-inflammatory.

34
FOOD BENEFIT
CRUCIFEROUS Guard against various forms of cancer, including
bladder cancer, one of the most common forms
VEGETABLES of cancer in men. A Harvard study found that
(broccoli, cabbage, men who ate lots of cruciferous vegetables
cauliflower, etc.)
(broccoli and cabbage being the most
protective) were half as likely to develop
bladder cancer as men who ate hardly any.

SESAME SEEDS Calcium-rich; good source of healthy fats.


(and tahini) Support the nervous system and skeletal
system. Easy to digest.

SQUASH & High in zinc, a mineral critical for normal


functioning of the male reproductive system.
PUMPKIN SEEDS Excellent for sexual health and the male glandular
system, including the prostate.

OYSTERS Another excellent source of zinc; just two to three oysters


deliver a full days supply of zinc. When you get
tired of eating squash seeds, eat oysters!

TOMATOES Rich in lycopene,


(and tomato sauce) a carotenoid that
helps improve
prostate health and
guards against prostate
cancer. For best absorption,
lycopene should be eaten with
some kind of fat or oil.

35
Andropause
(Age-Related Hormone Decline)
Andropause, or age-related hormone decline, support or encouragement in navigating this
is a common occurrence among men who have transition in a positive and reflective manner.
reached their midlife years. In fact, most Why arent scientific studies more conclu-
men experience it to varying degrees begin- sive? Almost all of the scientific research on male
ning somewhere in their mid-40s to early 50s. hormones focuses on one type of testosterone,
But even so, many men today havent heard of one that remains stable in men as they progress
andropause and dont know what it is. If they in years. This is the hormone that allows men
have heard of it, they tend to either dismiss it to be sexually active and to produce offspring
or adamantly deny it could happen to them. virtually into their 80s. However, another form
Even when experiencing most of the symptoms of testosterone, one thats equally important in
that define andropause, men and sometimes defining maleness, tends to decrease in most
even their doctors will usually attribute men between the ages of 45 and 60, the years
those symptoms to another cause. typically associated with andropause. By the
While some doctors still deny that andro- time they reach their 80s, most men have very
pause even exists and scientific studies are little of this form of testosterone remaining in
often inconclusive and conflicting men (and their systems.
those who brave these midlife years with them)
may find that midlife is a time of transition. As
palpable and measurable as the changes that Symptoms of ANDROPAUSE
young boys go through during puberty, andro- Dont worry! Not all men experience these
pause marks another distinct stage in the cyclic symptoms, and certainly no one experi-
growth of men, with powerful physiological and ences all of them. Symptoms include:
psychological effects. However, while puberty is Depression Muscle loss
marked by an increase in the male sex hormones, Fatigue Weight gain
namely testosterone, andropause marks a slow
Irritability Male breast
decline in male sex hormones. This decrease in
Diminished sex development
male sex hormones, however slight (its mea-
drive and libido (gynecomastia)
sured in nanograms per deciliter), brings several
Erectile Hair loss
significant changes in varying degrees in men.
These changes can feel disturbing and unfamil- dysfunction Sleep apnea

iar, especially because men are given very little

60 REMEDIES FOR COMMON MENS HEALTH ISSUES


HEALTHY HORMONES
This tincture formula offers potent hormonal support
support.

tribulus eleuthero nettle root rhodiol a

2 parts tribulus PREPARE as a tincture, following the instruc-


1 part eleuthero tions on page 16.
1 part nettle root
TO USE: Take to 1 teaspoon of the tincture
1 part rhodiola
three times daily for 3 to 4 weeks; stop for
1 week, then repeat as needed.

AVOID TESTOSTERONE ANTAGONISTS


Avoid hops! Sadly for many men, this means avoiding beer, or at least beer made from
hops. Have you heard of brewers droop, which can be the aftermath of drinking even
a couple of beers too many? Hops is a testosterone antagonist, meaning it lowers tes-
tosterone levels and decreases sexual drive even in moderate amounts in some men.
Also, beer is a depressant and should be avoided by those suffering from depression.
Thankfully, with the artisanal beer movement, there is a wide variety of beers available
that are made with plants other than hops.
Other plants that are known to be testosterone antagonists and are best avoided
or used sparingly during the andropause years include licorice root, black cohosh, and
vitex. It is interesting to note, however, that a few men have reported that using black
cohosh and vitex proved helpful for balancing testosterone/estrogen levels, even though
these herbs are generally considered estrogenic in action. We are all individuals and
respond differently to different substances, so its wise to pay attention to your body
and listen to what it tells you.

ANDROPAUSE 65
ANTIFUNGAL FOOT BATH
Tea tree, myrrh, and thuja essential oils have potent antifungal properties and will help
get rid of the infection.

1520 drops tea tree, myrrh, and/ DRY your feet thoroughly. (Be sure to put that
or thuja essential oil
towel straight into the laundry and wash with
cup apple cider vinegar
Vegetable oil, such as olive, as needed very hot water. Do not use the same towel twice
over an area that has athletes foot, as the fun-
FILL a dishpan or similar-size container with hot gal infection is easily spread.) Then dilute sev-
water. Add the essential oil and vinegar. The eral drops of the essential oil in a tablespoon
water should smell strong, but not overpowering. or so of olive oil. Using a cotton swab or cotton
Ease your feet into the water. If they sting or burn ball, apply the oil to the affected area. Again,
in the water, add a little more water to dilute. A a little sting is fine, but if it is too much, add a
little stinging is fine, but dont irritate your feet little more olive oil.
further. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.

ANTIFUNGAL POWDER
To keep feet dry, sprinkle on an antifungal powder once or twice a day, ideally one made
with natural ingredients. You can make your own excellent antifungal powder at home. Its
a simple process, and even if youre a klutz in the kitchen, youll have no trouble here.

cup white cosmetic-grade clay COMBINE the clay, chaparral, black walnut hull,
(or green clay)
and goldenseal and whisk together. Add the
2 tablespoons chaparral powder
1 tablespoon black walnut hull powder tea tree essential oil and mix well. Let the mix-
1 teaspoon goldenseal root powder ture dry for a few hours, then store in a shaker
(organically cultivated only) bottle.
1 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
TO USE: Apply to the feet once or twice daily.

NOTE: Black walnut hull may stain your feet a


dark brown or blackish color. It is temporary
and will wash out! If you dont like having
stained feet, you can leave out the walnut hull,
but it is a very effective antifungal.

ATHLETES FOOT 69
ANTIANXIETY TINCTURE
This tincture is an excellent remedy for nerve stress and debility.

valerian california poppy passionflower

2 parts valerian
TINCTURE the herbs in the alcohol, following the
1 part California poppy (leaf, flower, and seed)
instructions on page 16.
1 part passionflower
Brandy or vodka TO USE: Take to 1 teaspoon three times a day.

PRACTICING KINDNESS
One of the best things you can do for yourself during a time of anxiety or depres-
sion is to practice kindness, toward both yourself and others. Obviously, its harder
to cultivate kindness when youre stressed out or depressed, so practice it when
youre feeling good. The worlds a rough place right now and could use a heavy
dose of kindness.

ANXIET Y AND DEPRESSION 73


Important Cholesterol-
Balancing Herbs INFLAMMATION AS A
POTENTIAL KEY FACTOR
Many of the herbs for overall heart health (see
Many doctors, nutritionists, and
page 99) also have positive effects on cho-
researchers feel that LDL and HDL
lesterol. The herbs listed here are specific to
are neither good nor bad; both are
modulating the cholesterol balance in the body, essential to our health and have an
targeting LDL levels and sometimes also modu- important role to play. In fact, they
lating inflammation. believe that the culprit behind our
modern epidemic of heart disease
GLOBE ARTICHOKE LEAF The large bitter leaves
may not be cholesterol at all but
of the artichoke plant (not the artichoke itself)
rather several other interlinked fac-
stimulate the liver and gallbladder, increasing
tors, especially chronic inflammation.
bile flow and aiding in the absorption and dis- Clinical and epidemiological studies
tribution of fats and oils. have shown that if you eliminate the
Recommended dosage: teaspoon of tinc- factors that cause inflammation in
ture three times daily or 2 capsules two or three the body, cardiovascular disease is
times daily. reduced. The jury is still out, but all
of this is food for thought.
MILK THISTLE SEED A powerful antioxidant, milk Many of the ways in which you
thistle seed helps reduce inflammation, low- would reduce inflammatory factors
ers cholesterol production, and restores liver also happen to support overall health
function. and specifically heart health. They
Recommended dosage: teaspoon of include reducing sugars and refined
tincture three times daily or 2 capsules two or carbohydrates in your diet, avoiding
three times daily. Milk thistle seeds can also be chemical food additives, eating a diet
ground in a spice mill and sprinkled on food. high in fresh fruits and vegetables,
eating lots of foods that are rich in
SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS Three or four shiitakes, omega-3s and bioflavonoids, and
eaten several times a week, can lower choles- avoiding allergens, which cause
terol levels by 10 to 12 percent over a period chronic inflammation in the body.
of a few weeks. They have many other health You can also incorporate anti-
benefits as well. inflammatory herbs and foods into
your health protocol; some of the
GUGGUL An important Ayurvedic remedy that best include turmeric and medicinal
is gaining prominence in the West for heart mushrooms.
conditions, guggul helps regulate cholesterol
levels and balances the ratio of LDL to HDL.

MAT TERS OF THE HEART 103


PROSTATE HEALTH FORMULA #1
This medicinal formula is an excellent remedy for a swollen, inflamed prostate. It can
be prepared as a tea or tincture
tincture.

corn silk nettle root cleavers uva ursi

3 parts corn silk


AS A TEA: Prepare as an infusion, following the
2 parts nettle root
instructions on page 12. Drink 3 to 4 cups daily.
1 part cleavers
1 part uva ursi AS A TINCTURE: Prepare as a tincture, following
the instructions on page 16. Follow the dosage
guidelines on page 10.

138 REMEDIES FOR COMMON MENS HEALTH ISSUES


5
A Mans Herbal
MEDICINE CHEST
Here well get into a little more
detail about those herbs that
are so useful for mens health
and well-being that theyre
worth keeping in stock
at home.

166 A MANS HERBAL MEDICINE CHEST


CH EST
CHE ST
I
n writing a materia medica for men, we herbs that nourish and strengthen the entire
often steer toward those herbs that have a system.
wild reputation for increasing sexual perfor- This is by no means a complete compendium
mance, endurance, and stamina. Its inter- of herbs useful for men; rather, its a discussion
esting, isnt it? Even in herbalism, we support of those herbs that are specific for mens health
a gender bias. I too have included most of the concerns. For discussions of herbs used for
important herbs reputed to increase sexual more general purposes, which may have been
stamina because, in truth, thats a really big recommended in this book but are not profiled
concern for a lot of men (and women as well). But here, see the reading list on page 204.
also included here are herbs that are renowned Most of the herbs discussed in this chap-
for increasing general endurance and energy, ter are considered safe and can be used over
herbs that support the cardiovascular sys- a period of time without any harmful side
tem, herbs used for depression and to lift and effects other than the side effect of feeling
brighten the spirit, and those marvelous tonic better. When appropriate, warnings are given.

THE FOUR MOST IMPORTANT HERB CATEGORIES FOR MEN


The herbs profiled in this chapter generally CARDIOVASCULAR TONICS. These herbs
fall into one of four categories: are excellent tonics for the heart and
circulatory system, can be of aid in grief
ADAPTOGENS AND TONICS. These herbs help
and depression, and can help lift the
restore general health and well-being.
spirits. They also boost sexual vitality
Adaptogens help us adapt to the stresses
by increasing blood flow throughout the
of modern-day life, while tonics tonify and
body. Examples: blueberries, ginkgo,
balance the system. Herbs in this category
hawthorn, linden flower, motherwort,
are especially helpful for restoring energy,
valerian root.
increasing endurance, warding off illness,
and restoring sexual vitality. They are NERVINES. These herbs calm and soothe
meant to be used over a period of time for the nervous system. They can be helpful
greater effectiveness. Examples: ashwa- in addressing sleep problems, anxiety,
gandha, burdock root, dandelion, eleuthero, depression, and fatigue. They can also
ginseng, hawthorn, maca, nettle, rhodiola. increase sexual vitality by relaxing the
body, releasing stress, and restoring
BITTERS. Bitters stimulate and cool the
nerve function. Examples: ashwagandha,
system, aiding digestive well-being, liver
chamomile, hawthorn, kava, lavender,
function, and detoxification. When in
lemon balm, linden flower, milky oats,
doubt, take bitters! Examples: artichoke
skullcap, St. Johns wort.
leaf, dandelion, hops, lemon peel, mother-
wort, wormwood, yarrow.

A MANS HERBAL MEDICINE CHEST 167

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