Saw Palmetto Substitutes

Many men suffer from prostate problems and turn to natural remedies such as saw palmetto for answers; however, not everyone can take this herb, which has shown promising results in medical research for conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While generally well-tolerated; if you experience digestive discomfort, nausea or allergies to saw palmetto products, you should seek out other alternatives.

Nettle Root

• Nettle root can be either be taken as a tea, tincture or a dried extract.

  The root of the stinging nettle plant is an effective natural treatment for prostate problems in men, such as BPH, due to its modulating effects on hormones. Through reducing the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and the enzyme aromatase, nettle root helps to balance the prostate testosterones that cause disruptive growth. In a study published in The Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy by Shaheed Beheshti University in 2005, researchers discovered nettle root significantly improved symptoms and quality of life in patients suffering from BPH.

Cleavers

• Cleavers is a common creeping weed found in most gardens.

  Cleavers is a common weed in most gardens, but when used as a medicinal plant, offers a range of health benefits. According to James Green, author of "The Male Herbal," cleavers is an anti-inflammatory diuretic, which helps to increase the flow of urine and relieves prostate irritation. In addition, cleavers cools down burning or irritation of the urinary tract and aids in the natural treatment of kidney or bladder stones. Cleavers can be taken as a herbal infusion or as an extract of the whole plant.

Pygeum

• Pygeumis, another name for the African Plum tree.

  Pygeum, also known as African Plum, is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of urinary, bladder and prostate problems. According to a review analysis published in The American Journal of Medicine by the Cochrane Review Group in 2000, pygeum bark extracts were superior to placebo and helped to relieve the symptoms of prostatic enlargement in men by improving the flow of urine and symptoms of residual urine. Using this bark provides statistically significant benefits to the health and well being of those suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

• Pumpkin seeds provide holistic nutritional support for the prostate.

  Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of the micromineral zinc, which is required for the health and vitality of the prostate gland. In addition, recent medical research suggests that the oil of the pumpkin seeds may benefit the health of the prostate as well. In a study published in Nutrition Research and Practices in 2009, researcher Heeok Hong and colleagues discovered pumpkin seed oil significantly reduced the symptoms of BPH in Korean men over the span of a year. The effects of pumpkin seed oil were greater than that of placebo, and similar to that of saw palmetto.