Herbal Prostate Remedies

A whole host of health problems can potentially arise from the prostate--from an enlarged prostate to prostate cancer. The latter is serious and affects one in six men in the United States. While a variety of conventional medications and supplements are available to treat these prostate-related maladies, a number of herbal solutions also exist to help treat such conditions. These include the intake of pygeum, flaxseed oil, zinc, saw palmetto and lycopene.

Pygeum

• Consider an intake of pygeum, an herb used widely in Europe (especially France) for its prostate-healing properties. Pygeum is particularly helpful when it comes to prostate swelling and uncontrollable urination. If dealing with an enlarged prostate condition, pygeum works to reduce the size of the prostate. This herb is available at any herbal or natural products store, and typically comes as either a tincture or a pill. Take 100 to 200 mg each day for as long as the prostate swelling persists.

Flaxseed Oil

• Flaxseed oil helps to naturally balance the hormones in the prostate. Ground flaxseed can be purchased at any health food store or herbal store. Add 1 tsp. of flaxseed to a glass of orange juice or any other drink once a day.

Zinc

• Incorporating zinc into your diet can be a powerful preventative of prostate health problems. The prostate requires 10 times more zinc than any other organ in the body. Therefore, a zinc deficiency can eventually lead to health complications. Foods that are high in zinc include chicken, lobster, crab meat, peanuts, beans, pork, beef, brown rice, yogurt and lamb.

Saw Palmetto

• Saw palmetto is a natural antiseptic and astringent that can be used to address prostate pain, inflammation or an enlarged prostate condition. Saw palmetto naturally shrinks the inflamed tissue of the urinary system and helps rid the body of toxins and irritants through regular, healthy urine flow. According to a Consumer Reports survey, a majority of men who used saw palmetto said it helped ease their prostate issues "somewhat" or "a lot."

Lycopene

• Lycopene is a nutrient that gives some fruits and vegetables their color and has antioxidant properties. It is known to shrink the prostate while stimulating prostate glands. Regular administrations of lycopene reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer and also slow tumor growth if a tumor already exists there. Lycopene is found in especially high quantities in spaghetti sauce, watermelon, tomatoes, grapefruit and salsa.