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Natural Prostate Remedies
Enlarged Prostate Treatments
Natural prostate remedies using herbs and other nutritional supplements are effective treatments for prostate enlargement.
The prostate is a male reproductive gland that produces semen, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. It sits at the outlet of the urinary
bladder and surrounds the urethra - the tube that carries urine from the bladder.
The normal size of the prostate is about that of a walnut. However, many men have a period of prostate growth in their mid- to late 40s. At this time, cells in the
central portion reproduce more rapidly, resulting in prostate gland enlargement. When this happens, the prostate compresses the urethra and partially blocks urine flow,
causing difficulty urinating.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for prostate gland enlargement. Although prostate enlargement can cause discomfort and inconvenience, in most cases
it is not a sign of a more serious disease. However, in some cases, the prostate is so enlarged that the bladder can rarely empty itself completely. This can result in
an infection of the bladder or the kidneys. Therefore, maintaining prostate health using natural prostate remedies is essential for men over 40.
Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement
Depending on the degree of severity, prostate enlargement does not always pose a problem. Only about half the men with prostate enlargement experience symptoms that
are noticeable. These symptoms may include:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Stopping and starting while urinating
- Dribbling in-between urination
- Straining while urinating
- Not being able to completely empty the bladder
- Increased frequency of urination at night
In more serious cases:
- Infection of the urinary tract, bladder, or the kidneys
- Kidney failure
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Causes of Prostate Enlargement
The cause of prostate enlargement is not exactly certain.
One prevailing theory is that it is caused by hormonal changes. Specifically, as men age, changes in the
ratio of male hormone (testosterone), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and female hormone (estrogen) levels stimulate the prostate to grow.
Another theory is that with aging, the prostate gland becomes more sensitive or responsive to normal levels of male hormone and grows more rapidly.
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Natural Prostate Remedies
Prostate enlargement responds well to natural prostate remedies using herbs and other nutritional supplements which can balance the hormones and reduce the swelling of
the prostate. Before using these natural prostate remedies, however, it is advisable to have a medical check-up to rule out any other possible conditions that may
have caused the symptoms.
In addition, some herbs for prostate, especially saw palmetto, may suppress your baseline PSA level, which can interfere with the effectiveness of the PSA test for
prostate cancer. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you decide to take herbs for prostate.
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Natural Prostate Remedies - Herbs
Several herbs have been found to be very effective natural prostate remedies. These include:
- Saw Palmetto: Saw palmetto has been found in several studies
to be effective in improving the symptoms of prostate enlargement. It contains a compound that inhibits the action of the enzyme (testosterone-5-alpha-reductase) that
turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). One study has shown that a daily dose of 320 mg of the herb extract produced substantial easing of the symptoms
caused by prostate enlargement.
- Pumpkin Seed Oil: This is often used in combination with saw palmetto for the relieve of BPH symptoms. Pumpkin seeds contain chemicals
called cucurbitacins that appear to prevent some transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. A dosage of 160 mg three times daily is suggested.
- Nettle Root: Studies have shown that extracts of stinging nettle roots can successfully treat BPH. Nettle apparently has some inhibitory effect
on the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Two to three teaspoons of nettle extract a day is recommended.
- Pygeum: This herb is an extract from the bark of an African tree. Pygeum has been approved in Germany, France, and Italy as a remedy for BPH.
This herb contains three compounds that may help the prostate: pentacyclic triterpenoids, which have a diuretic action; phytosterols, which have anti-inflammatory
activity; and ferulic esters, which help rid the prostate of any cholesterol deposits that accompany BPH. A daily dosage of 160 to 200 mg is recommended.
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Natural Prostate Remedies - Nutritional Supplements
It has also been found that certain nutritional supplements are effective in treating prostate enlargement. In particular:
- Zinc: It has been found that zinc can reduce the size of the prostate, presumably by inhibiting the conversion process of testosterone into
dihydrotestosterone.
- Amino Acids: Amino acids - alanine, glycine and glutamic acid - relieve urinary symptoms of prostate enlargement. A study has shown that
200 mg of each of these amino acids a day significantly relieved BPH symptoms.
- Beta-sitosterol: Beta-sitosterol is a compound found in many edible plants. It has been found that a dose of about 130 mg a day had a
significant improvement in urinary flow and other prostate-enlargement symptoms.
- Rye Pollen Extract: Rye pollen extracts have been used for years in Europe and Asia to maintain prostate health. Several research results
indicate that pollen extracts help maintain a healthy prostate because of their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and smooth muscle-relaxing effects.
- Essential Fatty Acids: EFAs reduce inflammation and has been found to be able to relieve BPH symptoms. One tablespoon of flaxseed oil or
evening primrose oil a day is suggested.
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Natural Prostate Remedies - Homeopathy
Quite a few homeopathic remedies are available to relieve BPH symptoms. Choose a remedy that most closely matches your symptoms. Use a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X,
or 30C). Follow the instructions for use and dosage printed on the label.
- Apis mellifica: This remedy is for prostate enlargement when stinging pain accompanies urination. The pain is worse when
the final drops are passing.
- Causticum: This remedy is indicated when a person loses urine while coughing or sneezing. Once urine has started passing, the person may
feel pressure or pulsation extending from the prostate to the bladder.
- Chimaphilla umbellata: This remedy is indicated when the prostate is enlarged, with urine retention and frequent urging. The person may
feel as if a ball is lodged in the pelvic floor. He may also feel pressure, swelling, and soreness especially when sitting down.
- Clematis: This remedy is specifically for swelling of the prostate that seems to have narrowed or tightened the urinary passage, resulting in
a dribbling of urine.
- Pulsatilla: This remedy is effective for prostate problems with discomfort and bladder pains after urination.
- Sabal serrulata: This remedy is made from saw palmetto and is effective for urine retention, especially in elderly men. People needing
this remedy may have a frequent urge to urinate at night, with difficulty passing urine, and a feeling of coldness in the sexual organs.
- Selenium: This remedy is for an enlarged prostate and the involuntary dribbling of urine or prostatic fluid. Impotence is another indication
for this remedy.
- Thuja: This remedy is for an enlarged prostate and a frequent urge to urinate. People needing this remedy may have cutting or burning
pain near the bladder neck. After urine passes, a dribbling sensation may be felt. Sometimes a forked or divided urine stream is seen.
Also See
Natural Prostatitis Treatments
References
Balch and Stengler, Prescription for Natural Cures, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2004).
Duke, J.A. The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2002).
MayoClinic.com (http://www.mayoclinic.com).
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