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Men are notoriously leery of doctors, especially when it comes to “sensitive” topics like the prostate. So when over-the-counter herbal products claim to “promote prostate health,” many men will listen. Over two million men in the United States use saw palmetto for prostate problems, an herb that, among other things, has the reputation of easing the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH). Thousands of men have also sought out herbal remedies for prostate cancer.
Here’s a look at the latest information on these herbal prostate remedies.
Saw Palmetto
This herb, derived from the berry of the American dwarf palm tree, has been used to treat prostate problems since the 1800s. Today, saw palmetto is especially popular among men who experience the weak urine flow and frequent urination symptomatic of an enlarged prostate. According to a survey in Consumer Reports, more than half of all men who tried the remedy said it eased their symptoms “a lot” or “somewhat.”
Chris Woolston
Writer
Chris Woolston is a self-described "recovering biologist" who has enjoyed his reincarnation as a freelance science and health writer. He covers health and science topics for the journal Nature, AFAR, Knowable magazine, and the Los Angeles Times, and he recently gave a TED Talk about the pressures on young researchers at the University of Luxembourg.. He has contributed hundreds of stories to the Limehealth health and wellness library.
