Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition where the prostate gland becomes enlarged. This condition is not cancerous, but it can make urination difficult. There are many kinds of treatment available, including medications and surgical procedures, but some men may find that herbal supplements help relieve their symptoms. Before you use any supplements to treat your BPH, talk with your physician to see if these are appropriate for your situation and whether they are safe for you to take.
Step 1
Take 2 to 4 g of stinging nettle capsules three times a day, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. This supplement is used in Europe to treat BPH and has been shown to ease symptoms like the urge to urinate. It does not help shrink the prostate, only relieve symptoms.
Step 2
Consume a beta sitosterol supplement. These plant sterols help relieve symptoms like urinary obstruction, states Drugs.com. Most individuals consume plant sterols through food, but taking a beta sitosterol extract may help with BPH, according to MayoClinic.com. Talk to your doctor about whether this is appropriate for you.
Step 3
Take a saw palmetto extract. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 160 mg twice a day in capsules, standardized to contain 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols. Although study results have been mixed, this supplement is typically helpful in relieving symptoms, but it does not shrink the prostate gland itself.
Step 4
Take a standardized grass pollen supplement. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, individuals who took this supplement had improved BPH symptoms and experienced a reduction in prostate swelling. If you are allergic to any types of grass or pollen, do not use this supplement.
Step 5
Consume 75 to 200 mg, twice a day, of African plum extract, or pygeum, recommends the University of Maryland. This supplement has been used historically to treat problems with urination and helps relieve symptoms like frequent nighttime urination and helps promote urine flow.
Tips and Warnings
- There are lifestyle modifications you can make if you have BPH. These include avoiding alcohol and caffeine, reducing your stress, exercising regularly and performing Kegel exercises, says the University of Maryland. Talk to your doctor about other ways you can manage your BPH.
- Do not treat BPH without a diagnosis from a health-care professional. Before using supplements to treat this condition, consult with your doctor to ensure they are safe for you to consume, since they may interact with medications you may be taking or other supplements.
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