Nettle Root and Pine Pollen for Male Health by Don Ollsin, M.A.

In the Pacific Northwest we are blessed to have both of these herbs readily available to us. In the Fall I am able to harvest nettle root. In the spring I am able to collect pine pollen. I made both into tinctures.

STINGING NETTLE ROOT

The latest research on nettle root focuses on its usefulness for prostate inflammation and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). There have been many clinical studies about nettle root that demonstrated its improvement in both of these conditions. BPH is age-related and related to the number of cells triggered to grow in the prostate. Nettle's benefit for the prostate gland is its work on the hormonal level. Enlarged prostate usually occurs in men over forty. Androgen male hormones like testosterone have been shown to cause an enlarged prostate in endless studies.

The main culprit is an extremely potent substance called dihydrotestosterone which in excess causes pathological prostate growth. Estrogens may also cause swelling of the prostate gland. These hormones travel in a free state as well as being bound to proteins. One such binding protein is called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and its role is to help with hormonal balance in the body. SHBG binds or attaches to hormones and carries them to different receptor sites where they can be utilized differently. In men, estrogen and dihydrotestosterone bound to SHBG are carried to the prostate gland in excessive amounts. This can result in enlarged prostate.

Nettle root can interfere or slow a number of these hormone related chemical processes. It can block the SHBG from binding to the hormone or in some cases it can stop it from binding to the receptor site of the prostate. It appears that many of the intercellular processes that trigger the prostate to grow and enlarge seem to be inhibited by the nettle root. In one study a nettle root extract showed 30% inhibition of prostate growth in five days, another reported inhibited prostate growth in mice by up to 52%. In these studies the average urinary flow increased, while urgency and frequency decreased. There were also fewer side effects from taking the herb versus taking a drug.

PINE TREES AND PINE POLLEN

The most androgenic part of pine trees is the pollen. Pine pollen is a yellow flower like substance produced in millions each year by pine forests. Unlike the majority of flowering plants, pine trees are wind pollinated. Traditional Chinese physicians prescribe pine pollen for:

• moistening the lungs

• relieving rheumatic pain

• relieving fatigue, increasing endurance

• strengthening the immune system

• improving the skin

• strengthening the heart

• strengthening the gastrointestinal tract and stomach

• increasing mental agility

• prostate problems

• increasing physical agility and decreasing weight

Interesting that many of these actions are consistent with the intake of exogenous testosterone. What Western researchers have found supports the Chinese use of pine as an anti-aging and vitality enhancing medicine for men. Pine pollen is extremely high in androgens and the amino acids that support healthy endocrine function. Androgens are very potent chemicals and active in very small amounts.

Pine pollen tincture is effective in increasing strength, vitality, libido and optimism, sexual stamina and erectile function. These effects are reported among many users.

The nettle root and pine pollen work synergistically to increase the effectiveness of both herbs in enhancing male health and reducing male problems such as enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction and lack of sexual stamina.

Learn more about when and where to harvest these wonderful natural medicines when you sign up for my Healing Journey Online Course. For monthly updates on the course and collective, as well as harvesting and wild-crafting tips sign up for our monthly newsletter.

References:

The Natural Testosterone Plan by Stephen Harrod Buhner