The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system and is located next to the bladder. The prostate becomes larger after the age of 40, which can cause urinary tract complications, painful ejaculation, impotence and eventually cancer if inflammation goes unchecked. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death after lung cancer. Using natural prostate supplements to strengthen the gland can be a way to help the prostate maintain optimal health.
Saw Palmetto
Also known as Serenoa repens, saw palmetto was used by the Mayans as an overall tonic and has been used in Europe for many years for treating enlarged prostates. Because of its ability to protect the prostate from becoming irritated by testosterone, along with its anti-inflammatory properties, the herb is gaining recognition in the United States as a way to shrink the gland. According to the Mayo Clinic, saw palmetto helps prevent testosterone from turning into dihydrotestosterone, which can interfere with prostate health. Additionally, saw palmetto helps reduce the symptoms of urinary irritation that can result from enlarged prostate gland, a problem that is known as "benign prostatic hypertrophy" or BPH. A report by ABC News quotes a study of the effects of saw palmetto on the prostate whereby 85 men were observed over the course of six months. Those who were not given placebos saw much greater improvement in the health of their prostates than those who did not take the herbal supplement. The herb comes in capsule, tincture or tea form.
Ginger
A member of the rhizome family, ginger was commonly used in the ancient Geek and Roman cultures for its healing properties. Originally imported from China, ginger has also been a big part of Indian and Southeast Asian culinary and medicinal traditions. Ginger helps to fortify the prostate gland due to its high content of volatile oils and phenols that function as anti-inflammatories. Ginger is also a 5-LO inhibitor, which means that it prevents the enzyme called 5-lipooxygenase from manufacturing compounds that irritate already diseased cells. According to the USDA, ginger is one of richest sources of 5-LO modulators, boosting the immune system while fighting cancer cells. It also is able to help the prostate absorb nutrients, which according to Dr. Aaron E. Katz of Columbia University's Center for Holistic Urology, helps the gland maintain optimum health. Eating fresh ginger is the best way to benefit from all of its properties. Peel away the skin and grate or dice it according to taste, adding it to various recipes, or slice up an inch or so of the root, boil, and make into a tea, adding honey to mitigate its intensity. Ginger supplements can be bought in capsule, oil, tincture or powdered form.
Red Clover
A perennial herb, red clover is part of the pea family and is known for its dried flowers, which are delicious to eat or drink as a tea. Chock full of vitamins, phytoestrogens and isoflavones, compounds that are extremely high in antioxidants, red clover helps to stimulate the immune system. In a study reported in the Febuary 2008 edition of Urology magazine, studies done on red clover and prostate health show that the herb has a positive effect on inhibiting enlargement of the gland. In an article in Science Blog that reports on a study done in Australia, a supplement derived from red clover was found to kill early stage cancer cells in large numbers.
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