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Herbal Treatment for Prostate Problems

The prostate glad is a small organ about the size of a walnut at the neck of the bladder surrounding the urethra. When men have trouble with this gland, they often have a hard time urinating and emptying their bladders, causing them to feel like they need to urinate frequently. Other symptoms include backaches, sleeping difficulties, and a feeling that the bladder is full even when it is, in fact, empty.

  1. Saw Palmetto

    • Since the 1800s, saw palmetto has been used by men with enlarged prostates to help with weak urine flow and frequent urination. According to a survey by Consumer Reports, more than half the men who took saw palmetto said that it helped them. However, scientific evidence does not back up this survey. In a study of 85 men reported in the December 2001 issue of Urology, saw palmetto seemed to have only a very strong placebo effect on the men who took it. Another study published in 2006 showed that this herb had no effect on enlarged prostates. However, if you decide to try saw palmetto, take only the recommended dose of 320 mg a day. Also look for brands that have the "NF" seal, which stands for the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary.

    Lycopene

    • Lycopene is a carotenoid that can help men be less likely to develop prostate cancer. In fact, a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men who ate 10 or more servings of cooked tomato products a day had a 45 percent lower chance of getting prostate cancer. Cooking the tomatoes seems to be the key since the heating process breaks downs the cell walls in the tomatoes, releasing more lycopene. Other foods rich in lycopene are watermelons, grapefruits, and guava fruits.

    Selenium and Zinc

    • When men have low levels of selenium or zinc, they can experience prostate problems. Eat foods rich in selenium like shellfish, garlic, chicken, and a variety of grains or take a selenium supplement. Similarly, men should eat zinc-rich foods like clams, lamb chops, oysters, oatmeal, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and wheat germ or take a zinc supplement.

    Foods

    • Eating a diet high in fat and cholesterol can contribute to prostate problems. Therefore, red meats like beef should be avoided along with high-fat dairy products and hydrogenated oils. Foods good for the prostate are fruits, vegetables, chicken, soy products, fish oils, and garlic. Also drink six to eight glasses of water every day, since staying well-hydrated can help men with prostate problems.

    Other Remedies

    • A flavonoid found in foods like apples, onions, and capers, quercetin has been shown to block the growth of prostate cancer cells and to significantly improve the symptoms of chronic prostatitis. Other possible remedies you might try include Asian ginseng, flower pollen, horsetail, nettle, true unicorn root, and powdered bark of pygeum. Also, pipsissewa and horsetail are used to treat chronic infections associated with prostatitis. Thuja and pasqueflower may also help reduce inflammation of the prostate. Berberis vulgaris and staphysagria are also used by homeopathic practitioners to treat both prostatitis and prostate enlargement.

      Always consult a physician before trying any herbal treatment to make sure what you are doing won't interfere with other medications or health conditions

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