Many men who suffer from prostate problems use herbs to alleviate the symptoms of prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). So, what are the most common herbs for prostate health? In most herbal formulation for prostate health, you find common botanical plants such as pygeum africanum, equisetum arvense, hydrangea arborescens, and saw palmetto.

Pygeum africanum

This herb originates from a large evergreen tree found in Africa. Traditionally, it has been used to treat urinary tract difficulties. It is effective in relieving the urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The herb contains potent ingredients such as beta-sitosterol, plant estrogens, triterpenes, and ferulic acids believed to benefit your prostate health. Men in France, Germany, and Austria who suffer with benign prostatic hyperplasia have used the extracts over 30 years.

Cautions: You may experience constipation, diarrhea or nausea may occur. If the product comes in liquid form, it may contain sugar or alcohol. This may not be suitable if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease.

Equisetum arvense

It grows in moist waste places throughout temperate regions of the world. It is also known as horsetail, which contains a natural source of silica. Medical professionals say that this botanical plant helps to minimize prostatic inflammation and it associated symptoms such as urinary problems.

Cautions: It may cause thiamine deficiency. Pregnant and nursing women or men with prostate cancer should not take it. It is not recommended that you should not use this herb for prolonged duration or in high dosage. Daily consumption of the powdered equisetum arvense should not be more than 2gm. If you use more than 5 gm a day, you should take it during meals. Older adults, children and people with cardiac disorders or high blood pressure should not use the herb without first consulting a doctor.

Hydrangea arborescens

It grows wildly on the banks of rivers in the United States. In the late of nineteenth century, it treats any irritable condition of the urinary tract. This herb is always used together with Equisetum arvense and saw palmetto in treating inflamed and enlarged prostate. The active ingredients include glycosides (hydrangin), saponins, resins, rutin, essential oils, and flavonoids. It contains no tannins.

Cautions: High dosage may cause dizziness, nausea, and bronchial congestion.

Saw palmetto

Another name for it is serenoa serrulata or serenoa repens. It grows in the Atlantic coast and the West Indies. Traditionally, the American Indians eat it as a tonic in their diet to improve their male reproductive systems especially the prostate.

BHP is the result of accumulation of testosterone-derivative “dihydrotestosterone” in the prostate. Saw palmetto blocks the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the ability of DHT in binding receptor cells in the prostate. This prevents the prostate from getting bigger and helps to reduce enlarged prostate. It also alleviates BPH symptoms by improving urinary flow and reducing the volume in the bladder after urinating. Some sources say that it accelerates the breakdown and elimination of other hormones that cause prostate enlargement.

Cautions: Saw palmetto has not caused any health concerns except some rare cases of stomach problems. You should not use it if you are using hormone therapy. As it contains anti-androgen and oestrogenic properties, it may interact with oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy.

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