An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) can cause various bothersome symptoms like decreased urine flow, frequent urination and discomfort. Various medications and herbal options are available to help men manage these symptoms and in some cases, shrink the prostate. Saw palmetto, pygeum and stinging nettle are popular herbs used together and in separate formulas for prostate health.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a small plant used in ancient herbal medicine as a tonic, expectorant and antiseptic. Other uses include the treatment of problems associated with the genitals and reproductive system, as a sedative and for weight gain. Today the herb shows promise for those desiring to shrink their prostate and relieve the symptoms of enlarged prostate. According to Medline Plus, the herb is the most popular treatment for BPH, more commonly used in Europe, where the extract is a licensed product in multiple countries.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle, an abundant, prickly plant found in Europe and parts of Asia, is a medicinal herb to treat anemia, inflammation of the urinary tract and other health complications. Topically, the herb is a remedy for sprains, joint pain and insect bites. For BPH, the herb is used alone or in conjunction with saw palmetto and pygeum to help reduce the symptoms of enlarged prostate and shrink the prostate by increasing testosterone in the body. Other uses for stinging nettle include impotence, allergies, migraines and rheumatoid arthritis.
Pygeum
Pygeum, an herbal medicine extracted from the evergreen tree Prunus Africana, is native to Africa. Among the Zulu people of Africa, the herb was a treatment for BPH, and for others it was a remedy for urinary tract problems, an aphrodisiac and had various other uses. While the herb is not proven to shrink an enlarged prostate, it does appear to be effective at treating associated symptoms. According to Medline Plus, human studies report its benefits for significantly reducing urinary urgency, frequency and pain with urination among men with mild to moderate symptoms of BPH. You can find the herb in various formulations combining other herbs for shrinking the prostate, including saw palmetto and stinging nettle. They are available over-the-counter.
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