Men are far less likely than women to see a doctor before something is wrong, and far more likely to put up with symptoms. This guide covers how plants have traditionally been used for men's wellbeing, which GreenPharm remedies fit where, and what to check first. It is not medical advice, and none of our products is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Rooted in tradition
Saw palmetto, the berry of a small American palm, has long been used in herbal practice for the urinary comfort of men as they get older. African potato (Hypoxis) is a southern African plant with a long history in traditional medicine. Ashwagandha, from the Ayurvedic tradition, is used as a "tonic" for stamina and stress. Horny goat weed and tribulus have long traditional reputations for male vitality.
Reputation is not proof. Evidence for several of these plants is mixed, and nothing here replaces a conversation with a doctor about symptoms, which is the main thing this post wants to encourage.
What changes
- Urinary changes. Getting up at night, a weaker stream or feeling you have not emptied your bladder are common as men get older, and usually point to the prostate. They are also sometimes a sign of something that needs treatment.
- Energy and drive. Tiredness, low mood and a flat libido have many causes: sleep, stress, alcohol, weight, medication, thyroid problems, low testosterone, depression.
- Stress. Many men carry it silently, and it shows up as sleep, mood and sexual difficulties.
- Heart health. Erection problems can be an early warning of heart and blood-vessel trouble, which is another reason to see a doctor.
The foundations that do the heavy lifting
- See a doctor about urinary changes. Ask when you should start prostate checks, and ask earlier if your father or brother had prostate problems.
- Lift something heavy. Strength training two to three times a week supports muscle, energy and mood.
- Mind your waist. Belly fat is linked to lower testosterone and higher heart risk.
- Sleep. Seven to eight hours matters more than any tonic.
- Alcohol, smoking and sugar. All three drag on drive and circulation.
- Talk to someone. A friend, a doctor or a counsellor. This is not a plant problem.
Where plants can support you
Tinctures and supplements made or sourced by herbalist Eduan Joubert. Start with one, follow the label, and read the "check first" column first.
| Product | What it is | Check first | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saw palmetto | A single-herb tincture traditionally used for male urinary comfort. | Get urinary symptoms checked before relying on it, because it can delay noticing a problem. Ask first if you take hormonal medication or blood thinners. | R120 |
| ProstateCARE No. 39 | A six-herb tincture of African potato, bilberry, broom, green tea, saw palmetto and echinacea, taken as drops. | Speak to a healthcare practitioner about whether it suits you. Check the label for the alcohol content and the plants' cautions. | R120 |
| MaleBOOSTER No. 43 | A four-herb tincture of skullcap, saw palmetto, Chinese foxglove and horny goat weed, formulated with male vitality in mind. | Changes in libido or sexual function can warrant medical assessment. Ask first if you take blood pressure or heart medication. Contains alcohol. | R120 |
| TestoPLUS | L-arginine (350 mg) and tribulus (350 mg). | L-arginine can lower blood pressure and must not be combined with nitrate heart medication or erection tablets without medical advice. | R170 |
| Ashwaganda | A traditional tonic for stress and stamina. | Not in pregnancy. Ask first if you take thyroid medication, sedatives or immune medication. Large doses may upset the stomach. | R120 |
Before you start: the medication check
- Blood pressure and heart medication: TestoPLUS and MaleBOOSTER.
- Nitrates or erection tablets (sildenafil and similar): TestoPLUS, because of the L-arginine.
- Thyroid medication, sedatives, immune medication: ashwagandha.
- Blood thinners: saw palmetto.
- Alcohol: all of the tinctures contain alcohol, so ask first if you take medicine that interacts with it or you avoid alcohol.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist first if you take any prescription medicine or have a long-term condition. Start with one product at a time, follow the directions on the label, and stop and seek help if you feel unwell.
When to see a doctor
- Trouble passing urine, a weak or stop-start stream, or getting up several times a night
- Blood in your urine or semen
- A lump in a testicle, or pain or swelling there. See someone soon; sudden severe testicular pain is an emergency.
- Persistent low mood, loss of interest, or thoughts of harming yourself. Please reach out to a doctor, a friend or a crisis line today
- Erection difficulties that last more than a few weeks
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue or back pain
A simple way to start
Book the appointment you have been putting off. Then pick one habit (sleep, strength training or walking) and give it six weeks. If your doctor is happy, you can try one plant alongside it and see how you feel.
Every plant we sell is made or sourced by herbalist Eduan Joubert, who has worked with herbs since 2012 on a smallholding north-east of Pretoria. Browse the full Men's Health range, or send us a message if you are unsure where to begin.
Free delivery on orders over R600, R150 below that. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.