Herbs For Prostate Problems

The prostate is a male reproductive gland that sits below the bladder. It's about the size of a walnut and its job is to make semen, the fluid that contains sperm. Common problems that arise in the prostate are inflammation, called prostatitis; enlargement, called benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH; and cancer. Certain herbs may be helpful for prostate problems. Before taking herbs, consult with a qualified, botanically trained health care professional for proper diagnosis and advice on personalized herbal combinations, forms, dosage and safety.

Horse Chestnut

Horse chestnut, also known by its Latin name Aesculus hippocastanum, is a tree native to the Balkan peninsula. The seeds and bark are used medicinally and they have a bitter taste. Horse chestnut is best known for its ability to strengthen blood vessel function, especially in conditions like varicose veins, hemorrhoids, phlebitis and circulatory disorders. Horse chestnut also has anti-inflammatory properties, and according to Dr. Eric Yarnell, a naturopathic physician and author of "Naturopathic Urology and Men's Health," it can he helpful for chronic prostatitis. Horse chestnut's anti-inflammatory properties come from the plant constituent triterpenoid saponins, known as aescin. Additionally, because of its positive effects on veins, horse chestnut be helpful when vascular dysfunction is a contributor to prostatitis. Horse chestnut may be taken as a dry liquid extract.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto, or Serenoa repens, is a palm native to the southeastern United States and Caribbean. The fruit is used for medicine and it has a sweet and soapy taste. Saw palmetto is a popular remedy for BPH. According to Dr. Yarnell, saw palmetto relieves BPH symptoms as effectively as finasteride, a commonly prescribed medication for BPH, with minimal negative side effects. Saw palmetto is thought to work by affecting the hormones associated with an enlarged prostate. Dr. Yarnell cautions that saw palmetto does not shrink the prostate nor does it lower prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in the blood -- a protein that comes from the prostate and is measured to screen for prostate cancer. Saw palmetto may be taken as a tea, liquid extract or capsule.

Green Tea

Green tea, or Camellia sinensis, is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Medicinally, green tea is often used to treat cardiovascular disease. It also may be helpful for cancer. Dr. Yarnell reports that in eastern Asia, where green tea consumption is very prevalent, prostate cancer rates are very low, particularly amongst the people who lead non-western lifestyles. It is possible that green tea plays a role in preventing prostate cancer. Also, lab tests show evidence of green tea's prostate cancer-fighting abilities. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center attributes the anticancer activity of green tea to its polyphenol content. Green tea, with its many beneficial effects and positive safety record, may be useful adjunct to a well-rounded treatment plan for prostate cancer.