As men get older, they commonly develop problems urinating.  Many men mistakenly attribute these problems to the body's normal process of aging.  In reality, the culprit is usually an enlarged prostate gland, and the problem is treatable.

The prostate is responsible for producing semen. Typically, men experience a period of prostate growth during their forties.  As tissues in the region grow, they often compact the urethra, partially preventing urine flow, resulting in BPH, or prostate gland enlargement.
 
An enlarged prostate applies pressure on your urethra and can cause any number of problems, including a weak or slow-starting urine stream, dribbling, straining, a frequent or urgent need to urinate (and increased frequency at night), failure to empty the bladder, blood in the urine, and possibly a urinary tract infection. Prostate gland enlargement may be attributed to changes in the ratio of the male hormone testosterone and the female hormone estrogen.  It can also be caused by poor diet and lack of exercise.
 
The ingredients of this formula were included specifically to meet the needs of men who suffer from the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Vaccaria is helpful because it improves free blood flow and promotes urination and is often used to treat urinary dysfunctions such as those caused by an enlarged prostate. The reliable Plantago Leaf has been used for ages as a herbal medicine. Since it is astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine and demulcent, it is considered to be quite effective in helping to relive symptoms of such afflictions as the overgrown prostate. Together, these potent herbs are combined with other tonics to create this formula that is proven to be a mercy in the sufferings from an enlarged prostate.
 

10 grams of Vaccaria Semen (Wang Bu Liu Xing)
10 grams of Angelica Sinensis Radix (Dang Gui Wei)
10 grams of Semenpersicae (Tao Ren Zhi)
10 grams of Achyranthes Bidentata (Niu Xi)
10 grams of Paeonia Lactiflora (Bai Shao)
5 grams of Plantago Leaf (Che Qian Cao)
5 grams of Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma)
5 grams of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huang Qi)

One of the oldest medicinal practices is the formulation of a “tincture”, an extraction of active compounds from plant material using alcohol as solvent.  The active ingredients in herbs are best and most easily extracted by alcohol. A primary purpose of the extraction is to isolate and secure various anti-oxidant compounds known as “flavonoids” that are beneficial to human health. Once prepared, it is best to store your tincture in an airtight dark glass container and keep it at or below room temperature.



1. Pour the herbal blend into the jar, up to between a quarter to half of its capacity (20oz)
2. Add Vodka, Rum or Brandy just above the level of herbs.
3. Seal the jar (tightly, to prevent leakage or evaporation)
4. Store the jar in a dry and dark area.
5. Add more alcohol over the next few days, as the dried herbs soak and expand.
6. Store the jar up to two weeks to three months.



1. Strain the tincture through a sieve with cheesecloth into another clean jar or storage container.
2. Extract the remaining tincture by squeezing the saturated herbs and transfer it into a dropper bottle.Refrigerate it.
3. Drink two teaspoons right after lunch and dinner. If you can’t stand the taste, dilute it with water, juice, or tea.

Most herbal tinctures are prepared using alcohol as a solvent. But if you can’t consume alcohol use Apple Cider Vinegar or Wine Vinegar instead. It is recommended to store them in the refrigerator, but be sure to label the jars clearly in order to prevent other family members from inadvertently drinking your tincture. Avoid using plastic containers at all costs. The ethanol in the tincture may solubilize some of the free vinyl substances in the plastic and some PBA might leak out. Never use stainless steel containers for long-term storage.
 
If the tiny fragments of residue passing through the cheesecloth concern you, filter them twice through a paper coffee filter.