In men, the prostate is a reproductive gland that creates semen. As men age, some develop benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, according to the Mayo Clinic. BPH is simply the medical term for an enlarged prostate. As the prostate swells, it places pressure on the urethra, making it difficult for men with enlarged prostates to empty their bladders. These patients often feel the need to go to the bathroom frequently and/or suffer difficulty urinating and other symptoms. Some herbal supplements are marketed for reducing prostate size, but as with any supplement, you should consult your doctor before you begin taking herbs for a swollen prostate.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto, also known as the American dwarf palm or cabbage tree, was used by the Seminole Indians to treat various medical problems, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. Today, saw palmetto is used to treat an enlarged prostate, although currently there are no studies that demonstrate its effectiveness in alleviating the symptoms of a swollen prostate any more than a placebo, according to NCCAM. Saw palmetto may be taken as a pill, liquid extract or tea, and may cause stomach discomfort in some patients.
Stinging Nettle Extract
Stinging nettle extract has been used in Europe successfully to treat the urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although laboratory studies have shown that stinging nettle extract slows the rate of prostate enlargement as well as many prostate medications do, stinging nettle does not decrease the size of the prostate. Before using stinging nettle, you should have a doctor rule out prostate cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Pygeum africanum
Pygeum oil comes from the Pygeum africanum, or African plum, tree. The tree's bark has been used to treat urinary symptoms in Kenya for thousands of years, according to Medline Plus. It has also shown some promise in treating the urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate. Although pygeum was traditionally made by grinding the bark of the tree and drinking it in tea, today pygeum oil can be purchased in caplet or liquid concentrate.
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