Using herbs to treat an Enlarged Prostate
June 28th, 2009 | Posted in Herbal Medicine | No Comments »
BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is the medical terminology for an enlarged prostate gland. Herbs in use to treat BPH have had glowing success in dealing with polyuria (production of large amounts of urine )and associated symptoms of BPH. Herbal supplements for BPH concentrate on alleviating these lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
In Europe herbal treatment for enlarged prostate is offered on a regular basis as an alternative to a surgical procedure or synthetic medicines. A specific diagnosis of BPH is vital prior to starting any herbal treatment. BHP and Prostate Cancer are not the one and the same so remember the herbs listed here are for benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment exclusively.
Herbs utilized For Treatingof Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa serulata/repens)
Also known as cabbage palm, the berries from this herb are the most commonly prescribed herb for BPH. Fields of study are repeatedly showing Saw Palmetto to increase urinary rate of flow and lessen prostate symptoms with less harmful outcomes when compared to synthetic medicines.
Saw Pametto acts as an inhibitor to an enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase, which is believed to be responsible for swelling in the prostate. Among the ongoing benefits from using Saw Palmetto is that a lot of people participating in research trials discovered this herb brings about respite within a short period of time and their symptoms carried on improving over time. Saw Palmetto utilized in combination with Stinging Nettle has been shown to shorten the side effects of BPH after only a couple of weeks.
A 2005 report ascertained that micturation (urinating during the nighttime) was greatly diminished in both the amount of times a patient had to get up to urinate but likewise in the urgency of requiring to urinate. A different study has demonstrated these herbs used together increases the volume of urine and reduces the time it takes to urinate. Of course, when reviewed, the study group felt their quality of life had improved and less side effects were noticed when likened to Finasteride.
Pygeum (Pygeum africanum)
This evergreen tree is obtained across Africa at altitudes higher than 1000 metres. The bark comprises phytosterols that work as an anti-inflammatory to the prostate and is believed to subdue the bladder’s sensitiveness to the need to urinate. Pygeum has also shown to suppress the proliferation of cells that cause BPH, and in turn causes the prostate gland to reduce in size. When used with saw palmetto and stinging nettle, Pygeum makes up part of a complete treatment for BPH.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
The root of this herb is used as an ingredient in herbal treatments for enlarged prostate because it induces a two fold action. Nettle has shown to slow the development of several prostate cells, but may not diminish prostate gland size. This herb likewise alleviates the symptoms of reduced urinary flow, frequent urination, and unfinished discharging of the bladder.
Other Natural Supplements for the Treatment of Enlarged Prostate (BHP)
Vitamins and minerals play a significant role along with herbs for BPH; Zinc, Selenium, Lycopene in addition to Vitamins A, C and E are each recognized to aid in prostate health and numerous herbal supplements for enlarged prostate will possess these vitamins and minerals as part of their recipe. Herbal treatment for BPH must begin with a correct diagnosis and followed under the supervision of a certified practitioner.