Silver Foxes. Sexy Grandpas. They really are the latest, greatest thing. And if you’re my age, there’s one coming to a home near you. Pretty soon those sexy silver hairs are going to sneak into your husband’s beard and with any luck you’ll have your own in home sexy Santa.
Of course, women aren’t the only ones who go through changes as we age. Guys do too. And just like we need to start paying closer attention to our breasts, they need to start paying closer attention to their bums. That’s right. We’re talking prostates today. Go grab your man, he’s going to want to read this too.
According to Harvard Medical School, the prostate is prone to three main conditions:
Prostatitis: infection or inflammation of the prostate. Prostatitis can cause burning or painful urination, the urgent need to urinate, trouble urinating, difficult or painful ejaculation, and pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum (known as the perineum) or in the lower back.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: aging-related enlargement of the prostate gland. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can make the prostate compress the urethra and slow or even stop the flow of urine, in much the same way that bending a garden hose chokes off the flow of water. BPH affects about three-quarters of men over age 60.
Prostate cancer: the growth of cancerous cells inside the prostate, which may break out of the gland and affect other parts of the body. In the United States, about 1 man in 7 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. It occurs mainly in older men.
None of that sounds fun. Unfortunately, according to almost every man I know, the test isn’t very much fun either.
Regardless, the American Cancer Society gives specific recommendations for the date at which these discussions with a healthcare provider should take place:
- Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years.
- Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than 65).
- Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).
You should also speak with your doctor about a prostate exam if you’re experiencing symptoms of a prostate problem, such as frequent or painful urination or blood in your urine.
Those recommendations are for looking for a problem that already exists. Something we don’t want to see for our husbands…our fathers…our brothers. We want you guys to be healthy. And since most of the men in my life consider my remedies to be hippy dippy, I’m not proposing a quart sized daily infusion of nutritive herbs.
Although that wouldn’t hurt either.
No. I’m proposing something so much easier.
A tincture.
Three tinctures actually. One for prevention. Two for remedy. Choose your favorite. Take it faithfully. Your bum will thank me.
These aren’t in the shop yet but as my husband and the majority of his friends are approaching this stage of life, I thought it might be beneficial to share.
Prostate Tonic Tincture
Rosemary Gladstar | Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide
All men over the age of 50 would be wise to use tonic herbs and foods to nourish and protect their prostate gland. Nettle, especially the root and seed, is a well known prostate tonic. Take a daily dose along with a handful of pumpkin seeds as an excellent preventive health measure.
Ingredients:
2 parts nettle root
1 part nettle leaf
1 part nettle seed
80 proof alcohol
To make the tincture:
Tincture the herbs in the alcohol following the technique we learned in How To Make A Tincture. Remember that you can tincture any amount of herb, big or small, so only make as much as you need.
To Use:
As a preventive, supporting good health for the prostate, take ½ to 1 teaspoon two or three times daily for 3 months. Discontinue use for 2 to 3 weeks, then repeat the cycle. For greater benefit, add 1 part saw palmetto berries.
Prostate Health Formula #1
Rosemary Gladstar | Herbal Healing for Men
This medicinal formula is an excellent remedy for a swollen, inflamed prostate. It can be prepared as a tea or tincture.
Ingredients:
3 parts corn silk
2 parts nettle root
1 part cleavers
1 part uva ursi
To make the tincture:
Tincture the herbs in the alcohol following the technique we learned in How To Make A Tincture. Remember that you can tincture any amount of herb, big or small, so only make as much as you need.
As a tea:
Prepare as an infusion. Drink 3 to 4 cups daily.
Prostate Health Formula #2
Rosemary Gladstar | Herbal Healing for Men
This is another excellent remedy for prostate inflammation or enlargement.
Ingredients:
2 parts marshmallow root
1 part echinacea
1 part gravel root (a.k.a. joe-pye weed)
1 part saw palmetto (only if you’re tincturing)
1 part uva ursi
To make the tincture:
Tincture the herbs in the alcohol following the technique we learned in How To Make A Tincture. Remember that you can tincture any amount of herb, big or small, so only make as much as you need.
As a tea:
Prepare as a decoction. Omit the saw palmetto from the decoction blend, though, because it tastes very unpleasant. Instead, use it in tincture form, adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of saw palmetto tincture to each cup of tea before drinking. This tea won’t taste good, but it will work!
Check out the Witchy Gypsy Apothecary for quality home apothecary ingredients including kitchen witchery staples and kits, witchy well-being, lotions, and potions.
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am a not medical professional and everything written here is a product of my own research. Don’t take any advice given here over that of a trained doctor. If you ingest any herbs, always make sure that you’re 100% sure that they’re safe. If you’re pregnant or giving to a child, always consult a doctor before ingesting herbs and plant you aren’t familiar with.
Sources
Harvard Medical School (unknown publishing date) Prostate Health & Disease. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/prostate-health-and-disease
Osburn, C. (2019) What’s the Recommended Age for a Prostate Exam? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/age-for-prostate-exam
Gladstar, R. (2012) Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. Massachusetts. Storey Publishing
Gladstar, R. (2018) Prostate Health Tincture Guidelines. Mother Earth Living. https://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/natural-remedies/prostate-health-tincture-guidelines-ze0z1803zols
Notes from my studies at Vintage Remedies: School of Natural Health.
Additional information collected from various sources including personal experience and synthesized in my personal materia medica.
