Benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate and may be experienced by as many as half of all men in their 50s, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. It may have symptoms such as frequent urinination, weak stream and nighttime awakenings to urininate and may increase the chance of urinary infection. There are several prescription medications for BPH, but some have gotten relief through the use of herbal medication, particularly in the early stages of BPH. As with all herbal supplements, talk to your doctor before using remedies for BPH, even if you are using them proactively.
Papain
Papain is an extract from papaya. It is an enzyme that dissolves protein. It has been used in Asia as a digestive aid and is generally eaten green. It works to relieve acute inflammation of the prostate gland. According to the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," a clinical study conducted with 399 patients in Russia showed that 97.4 percent of the patients saw some improvement in prostate enlargement based on the reduction of rectal lesions that can occur in cases of BPH. Recommended dosage is 500 mg three times daily for up to two weeks, in the form of capsules or tablets. Talk to your doctor prior to self-treating your condition with papain.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a small, North American palm. The berry is used as herbal medicine to treat BPH and may be helpful in other conditions such as menopausal-related problems. Saw palmetto is widely used in Europe to treat BPH. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, saw palmetto has been shown to alter androgen levels, but results in changing urine flow and reducing symptoms of BPH are mixed. Recommended dosage is 160 mg twice daily. Get medical clearance from your doctor before using saw palmetto.
Pygeum
Pygeum, also known as the African plum tree, is often given in combination with saw palmetto in Europe. It may work as an anti-inflammatory in the prostate gland. It may also help to lower androgen hormones in the blood, which may help to reduce the size of the prostate gland or keep it from getting larger. Unlike some treatments for BPH, it does not appear to have effects on estrogen in men, which may reduce side effects such as impotence. Recommended dosage is 50 to 100 mg twice daily. Discuss using pygeum with your physician before treating your condition.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle use has been documented since the time of ancient Greece for treating a variety of conditions, including cough and arthritis. It also has anti-inflammatory activity and may show some benefit in the treatment of BPH. It may work to decrease the rate of cell division by binding to receptors that respond to growth hormone. It may also have an effect on levels of circulating testosterone. Recommended dosage is 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg daily. Talk to your doctor before taking stinging nettle to ensure your safety.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Prostate Enlargement
- MayoClinic.com: Prostate Gland Enlargement: Alternative Medicine
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Saw Palmetto
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2005
