Herbal Remedies for Enlarged Prostate

The prostate gland is located in males beneath the bladder and is responsible for creating semen, which provides nourishment to sperm in the testicles. According to The Mayo Clinic, men in their mid- to late-40s experience some form of prostate gland enlargement. When the prostate is enlarged, it places pressure onto the urethra, which can make urinating difficult. Prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is not a symptom of prostate cancer, and in most cases medication and herbal remedies reduce the swelling.

Saw Palmetto

• Saw palmetto is locally grown in the United States along the gulf coast and its appearance is much like a palm tree. Saw palmetto works as an anti-adrogenic, which reduces to the amount of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, from being created within the prostate. DHT is converted from testosterone in the prostate and when this chemical is overproduced, the prostate begins to enlarge.

  As a treatment for an already enlarged prostate, consuming 160 mg of saw palmetto twice per day with 8 oz. of cold water is recommended by the Connecticut Center for Health. The total daily dosage of saw palmetto should never exceed 320 mg. As a prevention remedy, consuming 200 mg of saw palmetto every day will reduce the amount of DHT in the system and lower the risk of future prostate enlargement.

Anti-Inflammatory Oil

• Prostate inflammation is not only a main cause for overall discomfort, but it can make urinating difficult. St. John's wort as well as lavender and rosemary essential oils contain properties that increase blood circulation to the area that they are applied. By enhancing the flow of blood to the enlarged prostate, inflammation will slowly decrease, which will reduce the amount of pressure on the urethra.

  To make an anti-inflammatory oil, mix half a teaspoon of lavender essential oil and half a teaspoon of rosemary essential oil. Combine the ingredients with 2 oz. of St. John's wort oil and stir for one minute. Wash hands to ensure they are sterile and generously massage this solution directly to the skin between the anus and the scrotum. Massage twice per day, once in the morning and once before bed for inflammation relief.

Zinc

• Zinc is classified as an essential trace element, and its use within the body is to boost cell growth and enhance the immune system. A zinc deficiency is believed to be one of the causes for prostate enlargement. It is recommended that men consume at least 15 mg of zinc directly from foods. As a supplement, consuming 75 mg of zinc per day will provide the immune system with the necessary nutrients to reduce inflammation, which will begin to lower the size of an enlarged prostate.