An enlarged prostate isn't deadly, but it won't make your life too comfortable either. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a noncancerous condition in which the prostate enlarges and squeezes against the urethra. Urination is labored, painful and frequent. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, enlarged prostates are common in men, with symptoms occurring around age 50. Some herbal remedies purport to get symptoms of BPH under control. However, speak with your doctor before using an herbal remedy for any health concern.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is an herbal remedy consistently recommended for use for an enlarged prostate. According to the UMMC, half of German urologists prefer to use saw palmetto over other pharmacological treatments for BPH. In the U.S., clinical trials have yielded some positive results, but also findings to the contrary. The UMMC explains that saw palmetto inhibits may stop testosterone from being converted dihydrotestosterone, required for prostate growth. It won't make the prostate smaller, but it may reduce the prostate's inner lining and prevent symptoms of the urinary tract associated with BPH.
A large study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in 2006 found that, unlike the results of smaller studies, saw palmetto had no effect on 225 men with moderate to severe BPH. Tell your doctor if you use saw palmetto for this purpose.
Rye Grass Pollen
Rye grass pollen is another herbal remedy suggested for BPH, according to the University of Michigan Health System, although scant research has been done. The UMMC mentions a single study in which rye grass extract was assessed in which prostate size did decrease. Purportedly, rye grass pollen has an effect on testosterone, which in turn relaxes the urethra and permits easier urination. Theoretically, this could reduce such symptoms of BPH as frequent urination and "dripping" after urination. Do not use rye grass pollen if you have allergies to other grasses.
Pygeum
Native to central and southern Africa, pygeum, or African plum extract, is another herbal remedy suggested for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The University of Michigan Health System states that European researchers began examining pygeum's potential based on reports that Africans used the powdered tree bark in tea to treat urinary disorders. The health system goes on to say that laboratory studies have confirmed that the active constituents in pygeum have anti-inflammatory and anti-edema properties that may be beneficial for BPH, as well as ingredients that may control testosterone activity.
Pygeum has demonstrated some benefit to men with BPH when studied in clinical trials. However, the health system points out that long-term studies of six months or longer are lacking. More clinical studies are needed to determine if pygeum is beneficial for an enlarged prostate.
Other
Integrative physician Andrew Weil notes that green tea extract, selenium and lycopene may also help you maintain healthy prostate functioning. However, keep in mind that herbal remedies are classified as dietary supplements by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The safety and effectiveness of these products is not guaranteed.
