Numerous herbs may help treat your prostate problems. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, the prostate gland is part of a man's sex organs. The prostate gland is approximately the size of a walnut and surrounds your urethra, or the tube through which you void urine from your body. The prostate gland is located just below your bladder. Before taking supplements to improve your prostate health, consult with your physician about proper dosage and possible side effects.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto may be a helpful supplement for prostate health. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, saw palmetto, also known as Serenoa repens, is endemic to the southeastern United States. The ripe fruit of saw palmetto is used in several forms, including ground and dried fruit or whole berries. Saw palmetto may be consumed as a liquid extract, tablet, capsule or as an infusion or tea. The NCCAM reports that saw palmetto is often used to treat urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, saw palmetto may be used for other conditions, including chronic pelvic pain, bladder conditions, reduced libido or sex drive, hair loss, hormone imbalances and prostate cancer. Before taking saw palmetto to improve your prostate health, consult with your doctor to discuss possible side effects and proper dosage.
Quercetin
Quercetin may be beneficial for treating certain prostate conditions, especially prostatitis. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states that quercetin belongs to a group of plant pigments called flavonoids. Flavonoids give numerous fruits, flowers and vegetables their color, and they are also antioxidants that scavenge harmful particles in your body known as free radicals. Free radicals can damage your cell membranes, alter your DNA and even cause your cells to die. Antioxidants, such as quercetin, can neutralize free radicals and reduce the amount of damage they cause. According to the UMMC, preliminary evidence suggests that quercetin might reduce prostatitis symptoms. Prostatitis is an inflammation of your prostate gland that can cause painful urination, lower back pain and decreased sexual performance. Before taking quercetin to improve your prostate health, meet with your doctor to discuss possible side effect and proper dosage.
Nettle Root
Nettle root is a dietary supplement that may be helpful for your prostate. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, nettle root, also known as stinging nettle or common nettle, is used to treat allergies, inflammation and benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH. BPH involves enlargement of your prostate gland as you age. Dr. Sharol TIlgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that nettle root is an astringent, diuretic, healing agent to stop bleeding and a treatment for BPH. The action of nettle root on BPH is believed to be an interaction with sex hormone binding globulin. Certain constituents of nettle root are able to inhibit the binding of epidermal growth factor to its receptor, arresting the enlargement of your prostate. Before taking nettle root for your prostate, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
