Saw Palmetto

Also known as:
Sabal serrulata, Serenoa repens

Uses:
• Enlarged prostate
• Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)

Description:
This is a small palm with fan-shaped leaves. The fruit, which is dark red, is the size of an olive and contains a volatile oil known as Saw Palmetto oil. It is the fruit that is used medicinally.

How it works:
The condition of an enlarged prostate is commonly found in men over the age of 50. This enlargement is the result of the cells in the prostate reacting to increasing levels of inflammatory hormones in the male body. Cells of the prostate enlarge, which in turn cause the whole gland to increase in size.

Saw Palmetto prevents the production of specific inflammatory hormones and dampens the inflammatory response of the prostate cells. This is a local effect, confined to the prostate gland.

Additional advice:
Medical advice should be sought if the condition persists or is accompanied by bleeding or a fever. Any lumps found in the groin region should be investigated by a Doctor.