1. A Manly Herbal Remedy
Saw palmetto, also known as cabbage palm or the American dwarf palm tree is a plant Native to the Southeastern United States, growing along the coastlines of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Saw palmetto is also native to Central America. For herbal remedies, the actual fruit of the saw palmetto plant is used to make extracts or crushed to make capsules and tablets as well as teas. Saw palmetto is thought to affect levels of testosterone in the body, therefore it is most commonly used for and by men.
2. Ancient Medicine for Prostate Health
Saw Palmetto was first used by Native American Indians for treating enlarged prostate glands, and has gained considerable respect in traditional medical circles. Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have reported that after taking 320 mg of saw palmetto for as little as 30 days that they found relief from their uncomfortable urinary symptoms. While saw palmetto cannot cure BPH, nor do studies show conclusive evidence that it can help in the fight against cancer, it does indeed decrease the size of the prostate gland, helping to greatly reduce symptoms.
3. Cool the Inflammation
Tradition tells us that Native American Indians and Mayans also used extracts of saw palmetto for treating inflammation of the lungs, as it is an expectorant with anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, saw palmetto can help to soothe the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain and bladder disorders in which the bladder has become inflamed and urination has become painful. While saw palmetto is most commonly used by men, because of its anti-inflammatory properties it has also been used by women to treat cystitis, urethritis and other inflammatory vaginal and uterine disorders.
4. The Versatile World of Saw Palmetto
Studies have shown that saw palmetto may block some of the effects of testosterone in the body, particular those that are common with age. Therefore, saw palmetto may help to stimulate a decreased sexual drive, can help to control hormonal imbalances and may even help prevent the effects of male-pattern baldness.
5. Get the Proper Dosage
When taking saw palmetto for BPH, generally 320 mg daily is recommended in capsule form. Occasionally rectal saw palmetto extracts are also used; however, these will be provided by your doctor. For treating other conditions you may take 1 to 2 g of dried berries daily, 2 to 4 ml of tincture three times daily or 12 oz. of tea make with 1 tsp. of dried berries daily. While side effects and allergies to saw palmetto are rare, you should see your doctor if you experience stomach pain, difficulty breathing, headaches or depression.
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