The prostate is a small gland that wraps around the urethra, the tube through which urine flows out of your body. Because of the prostate's proximity to the urethra, prostate disorders also cause urinary problems. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. Symptoms may include burning when you urinate, frequent urination, fatigue and fever. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is an enlargement of the prostate. With BPH, you may have an urgent need to urinate, frequent urination, a weak urine stream and blood in your urine. Herbal tea remedies may help relieve prostate problems. Consult your health-care provider before starting herbal treatment for prostate conditions.
Herbal Actions
Herbal teas for the prostate work in several ways. Antibacterial herbs may help fight the infection if your prostatitis is caused by bacteria. Anti-inflammatory herbs can help combat inflammation. Several herbs affect the synthesis of male hormones that are associated with BPH. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about usage, dosage and preparation of herbal teas for your prostate.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto, or Serenoa repens, is a small palm native to the southeastern United States. Herbalists use the dried seeds to treat the urinary problems associated with BPH. The seeds are rich in lauric acid and plant sterols. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink say that saw palmetto inhibits the enzyme that is responsible for synthesizing dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a hormone involved in prostate growth. Saw palmetto also has anti-inflammatory action. Consult your doctor if you experience headache, nausea or vomiting.
Pygeum
Pygeum, or Prunus africanum, is an African tree with glossy leaves and small white flowers. Traditional healers use the bark from the stem to treat urinary problems and BPH. The active ingredients include plant sterols, terpenoids and tannins. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster note that pygeum has been used in Europe for more than 30 years to treat BPH. It blocks DHT, reduces swelling and inflammation and improves urinary flow. This herb may cause stomach upset.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal, or Hydrastis canadensis, is a North American perennial with beneficial effects for the prostate. It contains potent alkaloids called hydrastine, berberine and canadine, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. In their 2001 book, "Herbal Remedies," naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli note that goldenseal acts as an antibiotic for prostatitis infection and helps heal the urinary tract. It may also help shrink an enlarged prostate. Do not use goldenseal if you have hypertension.
References
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
