6 Natural Remedies-Prostrate
6 Natural Remedies-Prostrate
(BPH)
The Prostate Grows
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that wraps around the urethra (the tube that outflows urine).
It’s part of a man’s reproductive system. One of its main jobs is to add fluid (called semen) to
sperm. Although the gland starts out small, it tends to enlarge as a man ages. An excessively
enlarged prostate results in a disease known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Eventually, an
enlarged prostate can clamp down on the urethra, restricting the flow of urine from the bladder. This
leads to problems such as frequent urination, difficulty in voiding, urinary leakage, and urinary tract
infections.
Read about natural remedies that can improve some BPH symptoms.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
In addition, there are also natural remedies that work to combat prostate growth. However, the
evidence is debatable on whether these treatments work. The American Urological
Association currently does not recommend any herbal therapy for managing BPH. If you do want to
try any of these natural remedies, talk to your doctor first.
SAW PALMETTO
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is an herbal remedy that comes from a type of palm tree. It’s been used in traditional
medicine for centuries to relieve urinary symptoms, including those caused by an enlarged prostate.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a few small-scale studies have suggested that
saw palmetto might be effective for relieving BPH symptoms.
However, the NIH reports that when larger studies were conducted, they didn’t find saw palmetto
any more effective than an inactive pill (placebo). Saw palmetto is safe, though, and it doesn’t cause
any serious side effects.
A D V E R T I SE ME N T
BETA-SITOSTEROL
Beta-sitosterol
This prostate remedy is a mixture taken from different plants that contain cholesterol-like
substances called sitosterols. Several studies have found that beta-sitosterol can relieve urinary
symptoms of BPH, including the strength of urine flow.
There haven’t been any major side effects reported with the use of beta-sitosterol, although doctors
still don’t know all the long-term effects of this natural remedy.
PYGEUM
Pygeum
Pygeum comes from the bark of the African plum tree and has been used in traditional medicine to
treat urinary problems since ancient times. It’s often used to treat BPH symptoms, especially in
Europe. Because studies on pygeum haven’t been well designed, it’s hard to know for sure whether
it’s effective. The American Academy of Family Physicians does not recommend its use.
Still, a small study reported in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that when prepared
with other herbal remedies, it helps reduce the number of trips to the bathroom — both during the
day and at night. Pygeum is safe, but it can cause stomach upset in some people who take it.
This supplement seems to be especially helpful for preventing the need to get up during the night
and use the bathroom. It can also help men urinate more completely, so there is less urine left in the
bladder afterwards.
STINGING NETTLE
Stinging Nettle
You’ll know if you’ve accidently touched the common European stinging nettle, as hairs on its
leaves can cause a sharp jolt of intense pain. But stinging nettle can have some benefits when used
as a medicine. Nettle root is thought to moderate BPH symptoms, and is commonly used in Europe.
However, a 2007 review concluded that more studies were needed.
Sometimes nettle is used in combination with other natural BPH remedies, such as pygeum or saw
palmetto. Side effects from nettle are usually mild, including upset stomach and skin rash.
FOODS
CONSIDERATIONS
Source: http://www.healthline.com/health/enlarged-prostate/natural-remedies#treatment-options2