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Home Remedies for Shrinking a Prostate

Almost all men experience a period of prostate growth in their 40s or 50s, according to the Mayo Clinic, which is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). But an enlarged prostate can cause decreased urinary flow, frequent urination and discomfort. There are, however, several herbs, that have been shown to dramatically effect the growth of prostate tissue and can be used as home remedies for this condition.

  1. Red Clover

    • Red clover is a common wild plant that can be seen growing in pastures and is commonly used as fodder for cattle due to its high nutrition content. Red clover has also been used in western folk medicine for a variety of health complaints as has been claimed to "purify" the blood. A study published in the journal "Reproduction, Fertility and Development" in 2001 by Gail P. Risbridger and a team of researchers found that a red clover extract was able to reduce the size of the prostates of mice. The researchers attribute this action to compounds found in red clover called isoflavones. Red clover can be found in capsule supplement form in health food stores and online, and can be found wild in most parts of the United States.

    Saw Palmetto

    • Saw palmetto is the fruit of the American dwarf palm tree that has garnered much attention in recent years due its profound effects on the human prostate gland. A study published in "Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry" in December 2004 found that saw palmetto fruit was able to return the prostate to normal size in rats that had been chemically induced to have enlarged prostates. Saw palmetto is available in capsule and powdered form from many health food stores and online retailers.

    Pygeum

    • Pygeum africanum is a shrub like tree from Africa that yields a papery bark that has been used traditionally for a variety of urinary tract complaints. A study published in the journal "Current Medical Research and Opinion" in 1998 test pygeum extract on patients suffering from BPH. The researchers found that although the pygeum extract did not seem to effect the size of the prostate gland, it did significantly improve many of the symptoms, including urinary flow and volume and nocturnal frequency. Pygeum is available in capsule supplement form in most health food stores and online.

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