Several different herbs can help to treat or prevent prostatitis, some of which can relieve certain symptoms and others that support prostate health. Prostatitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the prostate gland in men, which can either be bacterial or non-bacterial in nature. Depending on the type of prostatitis, the condition can cause urinary problems and pain, as well as fever, nausea, blood in the urine or semen and frequent bladder infections.
African Pygeum
African pygeum extract may help to treat both bacterial and non-bacterial prostatitis in men. Pygeum acts to reduce the urinary symptoms from prostatitis, as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or "BPH," according to several studies cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center. The University of Michigan Health System cites several studies, including a small preliminary clinical trial that studied men with chronic prostatitis who took 200 mg daily of pygeum extract for 60 days. The men experienced improvement in symptoms and laboratory testing of the urinary tract and prostate. Taking 75 mg to 200 mg per day of African pygeum can help to relieve urinary symptoms related to prostatitis, the University of Maryland says.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is best known for its use as an herbal remedy for BPH, but it's also used to treat prostatitis symptoms, says the University of Michigan Health System. "According to laboratory studies, saw palmetto contains constituents that act to reduce swelling and inflammation," the University of Michigan explains. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises taking 160 mg capsules of saw palmetto twice daily to help treat non-bacterial prostatitis, ensuring that the extract is standardized for 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle may help to support prostate health and treat prostatitis. Stinging nettle was historically eaten or drank as a tea to reduce uric acid or for use as a diuretic, says the Herb Growing & Marketing Network. For prostate support, stinging nettle extract capsules or tablets can be taken at a dose of 80 mg per day, recommends the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Pau D'Arco
Pau d'arco has been used in traditional medicine to treat prostatitis, but no studies have been performed to determine the herb's effectiveness in treating or preventing prostatitis, says the University of Michigan Health System. Test tube studies have shown that pau d'arco has antibacterial action against E. coli, the University of Michigan adds. Pau d'arco can be toxic when taken in larger doses, so people should follow the dosage given by their doctor carefully, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center.
