The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and sits near the bladder, behind a man's pubic bone. As a man ages, the prostate can develop a number of problems including benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, prostatitis and prostate cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland while prostatitis causes swelling and inflammation. A number of herbs can promote prostate health and possibly aid in the treatment of certain prostate diseases. However, always check with your doctor before taking herbs for medicinal purposes.
Green Tea
Green tea is an antioxidant that may aid in the treatment of certain types of prostate cancer, according to the UMMC.
A Japanese study published in the January 2008 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology concluded that drinking five or more cups of green tea daily may be associated with a decreased risk of advanced prostate cancer. The study was led by N. Kurahashi of the Epidemiology and Prevention Division, Research Center for Cancer Prevention and Screening, National Cancer Center in Tokyo, Japan.
Pygeum
Pygeum, also called African plum extract, has been used to treat BPH symptoms like painful urination and to relieve nocturia, a condition that causes increased nighttime urination, according to Intelihealth.com. Pygeum may also help reverse urinary hesitancy and improve urine flow.
Rye Grass Pollen
Rye grass pollen appears to decrease the frequency of nighttime urination, notes the UMMC.
A study published in the May 2000 issue of the British Journal of Urology International found that men with BPH who were given rye grass pollen extract or cernilton showed modest improvement in urological symptoms, especially frequent nighttime urination. The research was headed by R. McDonald of the Minneapolis VA Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research.
Herbal Cocktail
A study involving mice conducted by the National Institutes of Health Center for Cancer Research found that a combination of herbs may have preventative and therapeutic effects on prostate cancer. Among the herbs tested by researchers were licorice, black cohosh, dong quai, vitex berry root and red clover extracts. The findings of the study led by S.S. NG were published in the September-October 2002 issue of the journal Anticancer Research.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is used in both the U.S. and Europe as an herbal remedy for BPH, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Saw Palmetto appears to be as effective as the prostate medication Finasteride, according to the Connecticut Surgical Group. Finasterid, whose brand names are Proscar and Propecia, is prescribed to shrink the prostate gland to help relieve pressure on the bladder and urethra.
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