An enlarged prostate can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including difficulty with urination and the entire urinary tract. Several herbs have been identified in medical studies as being effective in reducing these symptoms and restoring the prostate to a healthy condition. By using these herbs in conjunction with traditional medicine, you may contribute to your doctor's efforts to reduce your enlarged prostate, but there is still insufficient evidence to promote them as sure-fire cures.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto seems to hold the greatest promise in treating the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, which affects almost all men eventually, according to Harvard Health Publications. The herb reduced nighttime urination and other complaints by enlarged prostate sufferers, with very mild side effects compared to placebos used in the studies referenced. Harvard Health Publications also recommends you take other steps to help reduce discomfort, such as reducing the consumption of fluids, limiting coffee and alcohol and avoiding medications that weaken the contraction of the bladder. Further studies must be done to ensure the safety of saw palmetto in prostate treatment.
Stinging Nettle
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests the stinging nettle plant may be effective at relieving the symptoms of an enlarged prostrate. Stinging nettle is believed to work by reducing the levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body. Symptoms relieved by stinging nettle include reduced urinary flow and the constant desire to urinate, common complaints among enlarged prostrate sufferers. Before taking stinging nettle, consult with your doctor to ensure it will not interfere with any other medication being taken.
Turmeric
Turmeric is more often recognized as a condiment in cooking rather than an herbal medicine. But the UCSF Medical Center Prostate Cancer Advocates state that turmeric has been shown to help kill prostate cancer cells and prevent tumor formation, thereby helping to restore a normal prostate. Its active ingredient, curcumin, has been found to be difficult to absorb in the digestive tract, however. If you plan to take turmeric to help your prostate, you must inform your physician so he can determine if any adverse effects may result from it interacting with current treatments.
