Hebal Remedies for an Enlarged Prostate

Many inexpensive and easily obtained herbal remedies and common-sense nutritional support are available for the health of the prostate gland, and to relieve the pain and inflammation of an enlarged prostate.

Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for an enlarged prostate gland. Symptoms include abdominal pain, lower back pain, a burning sensation upon urination, difficult urination, fatigue and fever. Most of the discomfort is caused by the swollen gland pressing on the bladder and the urethra, interfering with the functioning of the urinary tract and sometimes leading to a painful urinary tract infection. Herbs can address the causes of the enlargement of the prostate gland. Many of the herbs cited as being most efficacious in studies are phytohormonal herbs, such as two of the most popular herbs, saw palmetto and pygeum africanus. Other herbs address the discomfort caused by the malfunctioning of the urinary tract.

Most Studied Herbs for an Enlarged Prostate

• One to two grams of saw palmetto berries taken once or twice per day can apparently improve overall prostate health and reduce swelling. According to a March 15, 2003, article by Gordon and Shaughnessy in the magazine American Family Physician: "Saw palmetto appears to have efficacy similar to that of medications like finasteride, but it is better tolerated and less expensive."

  The efficacy of saw palmetto may be enhanced by taking pygeum africanus along with it at 100mg to 200 mg, twice a day. According to a 1998 study by Wilt and Ishani, members of the VA Medical Center of Minneapolis, Minn.: "Africanus pygeum is one of several popular herbal remedies for BPH. The review found that pygeum africanum is well tolerated, cheaper than many prescription medicines used for BPH, and provides moderate relief from the urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate."

Other Herbal Remedies With Suggested Dosages

• Many herbal remedies are less researched, but their efficacy is known through popular usage. Here are some common ones, along with suggested dosages.

  A decoction of 2 tsp. couch grass rhizomes boiled for 10 minutes and taken 1 to 3 times daily can reduce swelling and inflammation.

  Two capsules of echinacea taken twice daily may remedy a swollen prostate gland. If you live where echinacea grows, make a tea using 1 to 2 tsp. of the fresh or dried petals.

  To help support prostate health, consider supplementing the diet with magnesium, which can also be obtained from the following herbs that naturally provide this trace mineral: mullein leaves, stinging nettle and evening primrose. Try to get 1 or 2 tsp. of one of these herbs into your daily diet.

  Nettle, a commonly known remedy for prostate health, can be obtained in capsule form or in the form of the loose dried herb. Try 450mg per day in capsule form or use the loose herb to make a tea by using 1 to 2 tsp. of nettles in a cup of boiled water.

  Evening primrose is known as a natural pain reducer.

  One to 2ml of gravel root tincture 3 times per day, or 1 to 2 tsp. of the loose herb made into a tea and consumed 3 times a day, may have a positive effect on an enlarged prostate gland.

  Also, consider supplementing with the trace mineral zinc, which be obtained from the following herbs: horsetail, paprika, shepherd's purse and fenugreek seeds.

  Sprinkle these herbs in soups, season other dishes with them, or make them into teas by infusing 1 to 2 tsp. of the herb into a cup of boiling water.

  A daily tbsp. of flaxseed oil incorporated into a salad dressing or simply taken on a spoon can provide relief for an enlarged prostate as well.

Other Herbal Remedies

• Numerous other herbs may prove efficacious in the maintenance of prostate health, the reduction of the swelling of the gland and the maintenance of a healthy urinary tract. These herbs, available in capsule form, can be taken according to the recommended dosage on their individual bottles: Andrographis, or Chuan XinLiang; Autumn Crocus; catuba; cleavers; cranberries; fireweed; flaxseeds; hydrangea root; pumpkins seeds; Uva Ursi; and varuna.

Topical Remedies for Immediate Relief

• According to Carlson Wade in "Natural and Folk Remedies," a "poultice of slippery elm applied to the crotch" was used for prostate enlargement long before the ailment had a name. To make a poultice, crush 1/4 cup of the dried herb and add enough warm water to make a paste. Apply the mixture to the painful area and gently cover it with gauze.

  An aromatic massage oil can be made by combining 5 to 10 drops each of a combination of herbal essential oils that includes any of the following: Chamomile, evening primrose, lavender, cypress, thyme and eucalyptus oils. Place the drops of these essential oils into a 12-oz. bottle of carrier oil, such as olive oil, grape seed oil, apricot oil, jojoba or sesame seed oil. Massage this into the lower abdomen and lower back to provide fast relief for an inflamed prostate.

Side Effects

• All of these herbs and dietary additions have few, if any, negative side effects. There's always the rare possibility of allergies to certain substances or classes of herbs in sensitive individuals. Saw palmetto has rarely caused some stomach upset, but all side effects were mild according to the study by Wilt and Ishani. The two drugs studied most, saw palmetto and pygeum africanus, have not exhibited any drug interactions.

  When compared to pharmaceuticals and surgeries, the side effects of herbal remedies are very low in general. Herbal remedies are also generally less expensive.

  Fortunately, allopathic doctors have been getting more training with regard to the use of herbs in their patients. Although the possibility of drug interactions is low, if you are already under the care of a physician, it's recommended that you tell her before you begin taking herbal supplements so that she can further advise you.