Saw Palmetto: A Natural Drug to Treat Prostate Symptoms

Saw Palmetto Treats Health Problems for Women and Men

Saw palmetto is an herbal remedy used for generations not only as an aphrodisiac but also to treat symptoms of urinary tract and testicular infection, coughs and respiratory congestion. Although there are unsupported reports that it helps with metabolism, digestion, appetite and sexual dysfunction, it is best known for treating enlarged prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH), which across their lifetimes affects about half of all men, who dread its symptoms of painful urination. Prescribed for women and men for various symptoms, in herbal tradition and modern medicine it is an asset for men's health.

Saw palmetto does not directly reduce an enlarged prostate, but it does affect the levels of various hormones believed to be responsible for such enlargement. Clinical trials have shown saw palmetto works better than common prescription drugs, such as Proscar. Saw palmetto is effective in nearly 90% of patients after six weeks of use, while Proscar is effective in fewer than 50% of patients. Also, saw palmetto is much less expensive.

The saw palmetto palm (Serenoa repens), indigenous to the southern United States, is particularly common in Florida. Saw palmetto berries have been used traditionally for centuries as an aphrodisiac and for treating prostate symptoms, both by Native Americans and whites. Juice from the berries (which, by the way, have a terrible taste) was used as an all-purpose tonic, to stimulate weight gain, to promote a relaxed mood, and to treat sexual dysfunction.

Dr. J.B. Read, a physician in Savannah, Georgia, first documented medicinal uses of saw palmetto in the April 1879 issue of The American Journal of Pharmacy: "By its peculiar soothing power on the mucous membrane it induces sleep, relieves the most troublesome coughs, promotes expectoration, improves digestion, and increases fat, flesh and strength. Its sedative and diuretic properties are remarkable."

Saw palmetto tea, made from the berries, was also used as an aphrodisiac, although there is no scientific evidence to support that claim today.