Prostatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the prostate, the walnut-sized gland that sits at the base of the bladder in men. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, it most commonly affects young and middle-aged men, and symptoms may include a burning sensation upon urination and incomplete emptying of the bladder. There are four types of prostatitis, two of which are caused by a bacterial condition. If you have prostatitis, your doctor may prescribe antimicrobials or a drug known as an alpha blocker, which helps muscle tissue in the prostate gland to relax. Some herbs may also help to alleviate prostatitis symptoms, although there is little scientific evidence to prove they work.
Examples
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, several herbs may provide relief from prostatitis, including stinging nettle and saw palmetto. Stinging nettle is common shrub that grows all over the world, the roots of which are used to treat prostate disorders. Saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the eastern coast of the United States, and according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, it is primarily used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland.
Use
Both stinging nettle and saw palmetto can be consumed as a beverage, as a liquid tincture or in capsules or tablets. The UMMC suggests taking one 60mg capsule of saw palmetto twice daily, or 80mg of stinging nettle once daily. However, these dosages should be used as a guideline only. Talk to your doctor about the best dose and treatment schedule for you.
Efficacy
According to the UMMC, although saw palmetto is traditionally used to treat nonbacterial forms of prostatitis, there is little clinical evidence to prove that it is effective. However, a study published in the March 2010 issue of "Urologica Internationalis" found that saw palmetto reduced symptoms of chronic prostatitis when used in combination with selenium and lycopene. While few studies have examined the role of stinging nettle as a prostatitis treatment, the UMMC notes that it may help maintain prostate health.
Side Effects
Stinging nettle is safe when used as directed, says the UMMC. However, side effects may include a stomach upset and water retention. Saw palmetto is mostly well-tolerated, says NCCAM, although it may cause stomach discomfort in some people.
Contraindications
Stinging nettle may interact with a number of prescription drugs, including anticoagulants, blood pressure tablets, diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Avoid saw palmetto if you are due to undergo surgery, because it may slow blood clotting. Do not use this herb if you are taking anticoagulants. Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or are taking prescription drugs before using either of these herbs.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Prostatitis: Disorders of the Prostate
- UMMC: Prostatitis
- UMMC: Stinging Nettle
- NCCAM: Saw Palmetto
- PubMed: Treatment of Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Category IIIA with Serenoa Repens Plus Selenium and Lycopene (Profluss) Versus S. Repens Alone: An Italian Randomized Multicenter-controlled Study
- Medline Plus: Saw Palmetto
