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accept the bitter to get better

Saw Palmetto Leaf

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Saw Palmetto Leaf

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:

The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Saw Palmetto

The medicinal herb Saw Palmetto as an alternative herbal remedy - Saw palmetto grows in the southern United States.Common Names--saw palmetto, American dwarf palm tree, cabbage palm

Latin Names--Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata

Saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) has long been utilized by the Seminole Indians as a tonic to promote strength. The main constituents include glycerides, steroids, flavonoids, and volatile oil.

What Saw Palmetto Is Used For

Saw palmetto is used mainly for urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate gland (also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). *Saw palmetto is also used for other conditions, including chronic pelvic pain, bladder disorders, decreased sex drive, hair loss, and hormone imbalances.

Herbal Remedy Products with Saw Palmetto as part of the ingredients

Thanda Passion Booster™ - Herbal remedy to naturally increase libido, sexual pleasure & orgasmic strength in women
- Increases libido, sex drive and desire
- Enhances female sexual pleasure
- Increases orgasmic strength
- Achieves optimal sexual health and vitality
- Supports circulation and hormonal balance

How Saw Palmetto Is Used

The ripe fruit of saw palmetto is used in several forms, including ground and dried fruit or whole berries. It is available as a liquid extract, tablets, capsules, and as an infusion or a tea.

What the Science Says about Saw Palmetto

Several small studies suggest that saw palmetto may be effective for treating BPH symptoms.
In 2006, a large study of 225 men with moderate-to-severe BPH found no improvement with 320 mg saw palmetto daily for 1 year versus placebo. NCCAM cofunded the study with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of saw palmetto for reducing the size of an enlarged prostate or for any other conditions.
Saw palmetto does not appear to affect readings of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. PSA is protein produced by cells in the prostate. The PSA test is used to screen for prostate cancer and to monitor patients who have had prostate cancer.

Side Effects and Cautions of Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto may cause mild side effects, including stomach discomfort.
Some men using saw palmetto have reported side effects such as tender breasts and a decline in sexual desire.
Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including saw palmetto. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

News About Saw Palmetto

Using Saw Palmetto to Treat an Enlarged Prostate

Source:http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/using-saw-palmetto-to-treat-enlarged-prostate.htm

(How Stuff Works)

Although it is native to the United States, saw palmetto, like other alternative medicines, first became popular in Europe, where herbal remedies are big sellers.

In many European countries, a number of prescription and over-the-counter remedies for prostate enlargement contain saw palmetto extract. In Germany, for example, saw palmetto is an approved drug often recommended by physicians. This is because using saw palmetto to treat an enlarged prostate can be quite effective. Now saw palmetto is also very popular in the United States.

Saw Palmetto Studies

In Belgium, researchers gave saw palmetto extract to 505 men with benign prostate disease. At the end of the trial, the researchers concluded that saw palmetto had aided urinary flow, reduced residual urinary volume and prostate size, and otherwise improved the patients' quality of life. Saw palmetto, moreover, began to produce results within 45 days. Finasteride, on the other hand, can take six months to a year to work, if indeed it works at all.

After 90 days of saw palmetto treatment, 88 percent of patients and their physicians said they considered the therapy to be effective. Said the Belgian researchers: "The extract of saw palmetto appears to be an effective and well-tolerated pharmacologic agent in treating urinary problems accompanying benign prostate hypertrophy."

In a two-year study conducted in Germany, 88 men with mild BPH were randomly assigned saw palmetto or placebo (dummy pill). By the end of the study, the men taking saw palmetto were much less likely to have had their symptoms worsen compared to those men who were on the placebo.

But not all the studies of saw palmetto have been as encouraging. In one double-blind trial, 110 patients took either a placebo or an extract of saw palmetto for one month. The patients who received saw palmetto showed statistical improvement, but not enough for the researchers to conclude that saw palmetto was an effective treatment.

A very large trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006 found no effect for saw palmetto compared to placebo. However, the men in this study had significantly more severe BPH symptoms than in previous studies. This research seemed to confirm that saw palmetto is best for mild-to-moderate BPH symptoms and is unlikely to help in more serious cases.

How Saw Palmetto Works

According to the late pharmacognosist Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., former professor emeritus at Purdue University School of Pharmacy in Indiana, an extract from saw palmetto berries appears to counteract the effects of certain male sex hormones, called androgens, that may cause prostate enlargement. He said it also has an anti-inflammatory activity.

Just how saw palmetto achieves results remains unclear. Studies in mice have shown that an extract of saw palmetto berries inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. That's the chemical, you'll recall, that spurs production of DHT, which causes prostate tissue growth.

Saw palmetto extract also appears to inhibit DHT from binding to cell receptor sites. This increases the breakdown of DHT and encourages its excretion. Other studies show saw palmetto can relax the prostate tissue by blocking the same receptors as alpha-blockers like tamsulosin.

Other research suggests saw palmetto appears to reduce the effects of excess estrogen. In a subsequent human trial, 80 percent of men with benign prostate enlargement reported significant improvement in symptoms after using saw palmetto extract.

How Does Saw Palmetto Compare?

Medications used to treat BPH typically cost twice as much (or more) as saw palmetto. Prices vary from region to region, but as far back as 1993, the U.S. Office of Alternative Medicine concluded that $2.78 billion per year could be saved by using saw palmetto more widely. The savings would certainly be much more today.

Nonetheless, it's unlikely that you'll see saw palmetto as a federally approved drug any time soon. In 1990, a company called Enzymatic Therapy petitioned the FDA to have saw palmetto approved for treatment of BPH. The federal agency rejected the application. FDA officials said they recognized results of clinical trials that showed "statistically significant" improvements in men who took the herbal extract. But the FDA concluded that such data was not "clinically significant." What Should You Take?

So where does that leave you if you're suffering from symptoms of prostate enlargement? The first thing to do is to see your doctor to rule out other conditions, including prostate cancer. Then the two of you can determine whether it would be in your best interest to try prescription medications, saw palmetto extract, or a combination to treat your enlarged prostate.

When purchasing saw palmetto, be sure to buy an extract standardized to contain 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols. Berries alone, although cheaper than the extract, would have to be taken in much greater amounts to achieve beneficial effects. Only standardized fatty acid sterols have been studied for their ability to shrink prostatic tissue.

As discussed in this article, there are many steps you can take on your own to ease the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. But remember to see your doctor regularly -- don't let an enlarged prostate go untreated.

The Benefits of Saw Palmetto

Source:https://www.verywell.com/the-benefits-of-saw-palmetto-88334

By Cathy Wong, ND

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens or Sabal serrulata) is a plant used in herbal medicine. It's often used to fight hair loss. Saw palmetto is also frequently taken for the treatment of conditions affecting the prostate.

Saw palmetto supplements typically contain extracts of the fruit of the plant.

Uses for Saw Palmetto

In alternative medicine, saw palmetto is said to aid in the treatment of the following health problems: asthma, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), chronic pelvic pain syndrome, colds, coughs, migraine, prostate cancer, and sore throat.

Saw palmetto is also thought to increase libido, as well as alleviate stress.

1) BPH

One of the most common uses of saw palmetto is the treatment of BPH, a condition marked by enlargement of the prostate. BPH is not considered a serious health issue, but it often causes symptoms such as increased need to urinate. It also may lead to urinary tract infections and other complications.

Several small studies have shown that saw palmetto may help relieve BPH symptoms. However, a report published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2012 found that saw palmetto may be ineffective in treating urinary symptoms associated with BPH.

For this report, researchers analyzed 32 previously published clinical trials with a total of 5,666 participants. Their analysis determined that use of saw palmetto did not improve urinary flow measures or prostate size in men with BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms.

2) Hair Loss

Saw palmetto is said to inhibit the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme involved in converting testosterone to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone appears to play a key role in the development of androgenic alopecia, a condition more commonly known as male-pattern hair loss.

While research on saw palmetto's effects against hair loss is limited, there's some evidence that it may help treat androgenetic alopecia.

In a pilot study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2002, for instance, a group of males with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia showed a "highly positive response" to treatment with saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol. The study's authors partly attributed this finding to saw palmetto's possibly blocking the activity of 5-alpha reductase.

More Benefits of Saw Palmetto

Emerging research suggests that saw palmetto shows promise in the treatment of certain other health conditions.

For example, a small study published in the Swiss journal Urologia Internationalis in 2010 found that saw palmetto may be of some benefit to patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

In the study, 102 patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome were split into two groups: the first group received a combination of saw palmetto, selenium, and lycopene; the second group received saw palmetto alone.

After eight weeks of treatment, both groups showed a significant improvement in symptoms.

There's also some evidence that taking saw palmetto prior to undergoing prostate surgery may reduce the time spent in surgery (as well as blood loss, the development of problems during surgery, and total time spent in the hospital).

Side Effects & Safety Concerns

Saw palmetto may cause a number of side effects, including:

• bad breath

• constipation

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• fatigue

• headache

• nausea

• stomach

• vomiting

Additionally, some men taking saw palmetto have reported erectile dysfunction, breast tenderness or enlargement, and changes in sexual desire.

Although it hasn't been well-demonstrated in humans, saw palmetto may influence levels of sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. Therefore, people with hormone-sensitive conditions (including breast cancer and prostate cancer) should consult their physician prior to using saw palmetto.

There have been rare case reports describing liver inflammation, pancreatitis, jaundice, headache, dizziness, insomnia, depression, breathing difficulties, muscle pain, high blood pressure, chest pain, abnormal heart rhythm, blood clots, and heart disease, but they haven't been clearly caused by saw palmetto.

At least two case reports have linked saw palmetto with severe bleeding. People with bleeding disorders or who are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin (Coumadin®), aspirin, or clopidogrel (Plavix®) should avoid taking saw palmetto unless under medical supervision. It should also be avoided at least two weeks before or after surgery. Where to Find It

You can purchase dietary supplements containing saw palmetto in many natural-foods stores, drugstores, and stores specializing in herbal products. Saw palmetto is also widely available for purchase online.

Saw Palmetto Benefits Prostate Health

Source:http://universityhealthnews.com/daily/prostate/saw-palmetto-benefits-prostate-health/

(UHN Staff)

In men, the prostate gland often gets bigger with age, and this enlargement usually beings around age 40 to 45. A condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the medical term for a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, is very common and occurs in more than half of all men. While medical professionals believe that BPH does not increase your risk for prostate cancer, the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer are similar and prostate cancer can go undiagnosed. Symptoms of BPH include the frequent urge to urinate, difficulty starting and maintaining a steady stream of urine, dribbling after urination, and the inability to fully empty the bladder.

Conventional treatments

There are many drug treatments available to treat prostate enlargement. They usually work by relaxing the muscles located near the prostate or by blocking the enzyme 5-α-reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT, a compound that stimulates growth of the prostate. These drugs can have many unpleasant side effects like dizziness, low blood pressure, syncope, erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and impotence. In some cases, surgery is used to decrease the size of the prostate if it becomes too big. Fortunately, natural treatments like saw palmetto can be very effective at treating BPH.

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is extracted from the fruit of the plant Serenoa repens. Saw palmetto benefits are related to its content of many health-promoting nutrients including fatty acids, sterols, flavanoids, and more. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and it can also act as a relaxant to the muscles of the bladder and those surrounding the prostate, helping to relieve pressure and symptoms. Saw palmetto also may block hormone receptors, and can prevent fluid build up as well.

In laboratory studies, saw palmetto has been shown to have anti-proliferative actions. This causes a reduction in prostate size due to an inhibition of cell growth. This characteristic also prevents the spread of human prostate cancer cell lines.

Saw palmetto also can block the enzyme 5-α-reductase. As mentioned earlier, this enzyme converts testosterone to DHT, which is a more potent form of the hormone that promotes growth of the prostate. The sterols and fatty acids in saw palmetto inhibit the activity of this enzyme, much like many drug treatments aim to do.

Saw palmetto benefits BPH symptoms

There are numerous controlled, clinical studies that provide strong evidence for the effectiveness of saw palmetto for prostate health, especially for reducing prostate size and symptoms of BPH. In one study, patients with BPH were given 320 mg of saw palmetto or placebo each day for 12 months. Symptoms of BPH significantly improved for all patients receiving the saw palmetto treatment.

Using saw palmetto for prostate health

The recommended dose for saw palmetto to treat BPH and other prostate problems is 320 mg/day. Research suggests that taking saw palmetto along with added beta-sitosterol might be even more effective than saw palmetto alone. Beta-sitosterol is a type of compound called a phytosterol, and it is found in saw palmetto. However, some studies show that supplementation with beta-sitosterol itself, and as an addition to saw palmetto extract, can be very effective. Find a combination supplement with these two ingredients for best results. It may take time for effects to be seen and for symptoms to reduce. Work with your doctor to monitor your prostate health and discuss your treatment options

How to Care for a Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens) Plant

Source:http://homeguides.sfgate.com/care-saw-palmetto-serenoa-repens-plant-71202.html

By Jessica Westover (Demand Media)

The saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a fitting choice for mixed shrub beds, foundation plantings or mass plantings in the landscape. A type of fan palm, the saw palmetto produces star-shaped bluish-green leaves with a mature width of 2 feet. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, saw palmetto thrives in full sunlight and will endure partial shade. It grows well in any soil type with either an acidic or alkaline pH, as long as the media is fast draining.

1 Pull weeds and remove rocks and debris located around the saw palmetto. Use a rake to spread a 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch over the ground surrounding the plant. Keep the mulch 4 to 6 inches from the plant's base to prevent its stems from rotting.

2 Water the saw palmetto when rainfall is absent or less than 1 inch for 10 to 14 days. Apply water from a garden hose directly to the ground around the plant, watering the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. Water the palm during the morning hours to allow wet foliage to dry before nightfall; this helps prevent fungal diseases from forming. Never allow the soil to become soggy.

3 Attach a misting nozzle to the end of a garden hose. Spray the foliage with mist to increase the humidity level around the saw palmetto during periods with little to no rainfall. Mist the leaves during the morning to early afternoon hours to give them time to dry before dark.

4 Prune off dry, yellow to brown dead leaves as they appear. Cut horizontally through the base of the leaf's stem, 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the point where it joins the trunk or emerges from the soil. Remove yellowing leaves that contain less than 50 percent green tissue.

5 Check the leaves periodically for the presence of whiteflies, tiny webbing spun by spider mites or green, soft-bodied aphids. Wash small populations of these insects off the saw palmetto leaves with a steady stream of water. Spray heavily infested foliage with insecticidal soap to eradicate these pests.

The Health Benefits of Saw Palmetto

Source:http://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/health-benefits-of-saw-palmetto.aspx

By Steven Foster

Good news for men with prostate problems

Dosage: Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

What It Does: Relieves symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), especially the urge to urinate during the night. Preliminary research shows that it may also help women suffering from ovarian and uterine irritations.

How We Know: For BPH—clinical trials. For ovarian and uterine irritations— preliminary research.

Dosage: For BPH, up to three 585-mg capsules daily or 20 to 30 drops of tincture four times daily; products standardized to 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols are taken one or two times a day for a total daily dose of 320 mg. Dosages for treatment of ovarian and uterine problems haven’t been established.

Cautions: Reports of discomfort linked to taking saw palmetto are rare. One source suggests that because of saw palmetto’s possible impact on estrogen, it may affect hormonal treatments, including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, the safety of saw palmetto for women who are pregnant or nursing hasn’t been established, so using it during these times should be avoided.

As I write this, the saw palmetto harvest is under way in Florida, where workers will handpick about seven million pounds of berries this season, according to University of Florida field observers. Most of the crop will be sent to Europe, but a large portion will return to the United States in the form of standardized extracts.

Saw palmetto is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate gland that affects about half of all men older than fifty. The herb has become a popular BPH treatment in the United States, where it’s the fifth top-selling phytomedicine on the market, according to a 1998 survey by Whole Foods magazine.

Still, standard U.S. medical treatment of BPH generally consists of prescribing synthetic drugs or surgery to remove some prostate tissue. The drugs can help offset frequent urination and pain, but they can also have side effects, including hypertension, dizziness, and decreased sex drive.

In Europe, medical doctors for years have prescribed saw palmetto and other herbs to treat mild to moderate cases of BPH. Today in Germany alone, the sale of BPH products totals about $400 million, and 90 percent of those sales are herbal preparations, including saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, and stinging nettle root. Each of these herbs is believed to regulate hormone metabolism, mediate the immune system, fight congestion, and affect bladder muscles.

Given this history, then, it’s no surprise that most scientific research on saw palmetto as a BPH treatment comes from Europe. Last August, just as the saw palmetto harvest was in full swing in Florida, European and U.S. doctors, pharmacists, and researchers gathered in that state to bring each other up to date on the latest research.

A Little Background, Some Recent Research

BPH is a noncancerous growth of the prostate gland. The prostate sits under the bladder and, if the prostate grows in mature men, it pinches the urethra, or urine tube, and problems begin, including painful urination and frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom. Researchers estimate that BPH affects about ten million men in the United States—some in their forties, half of all men older than fifty, and four out of every five men older than eighty.

Research conducted in Europe since the beginning of the 1980s shows that saw palmetto is an effective treatment for BPH. A 1984 clinical trial in France, for example, showed that saw palmetto reduced by nearly 50 percent the number of times BPH sufferers had to get up to go to the bathroom during the night and significantly reduced painful or difficult urination. More recently, researchers compared a saw palmetto extract with finasteride, the conventional BPH drug. The study involved 1,098 men diagnosed with BPH, and researchers concluded that both treatments relieved BPH symptoms in about two-thirds of the men. But while finasteride significantly reduced prostate size, it also decreased sex drive and potency. Saw palmetto didn’t reduce prostate size, but the men taking the herb complained less about decreased sex drive and impotence.

At the Florida conference, German researchers said that a three-year study involving 315 men with BPH showed that nearly three-fourths of the men using saw palmetto found relief from frequent nighttime urination, and more than half found relief from frequent urination during the day. Further, more than a fourth of them experienced a reduction in prostate size, and nearly all of those using saw palmetto—98 percent—experienced no side effects.

To date, researchers believe that saw palmetto’s fatty acids and sterols contain the active ingredients that relieve BPH symptoms. These active compounds, some researchers say, prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the agent thought to be responsible for prostate enlargement.

Don’t Bypass Cancer Screening

While much of the news about saw palmetto is good, some medical practitioners say they are concerned that its use could be risky: The symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer are similar, so using saw palmetto—which is sold over the counter—may simultaneously relieve symptoms and mask signs of a more serious problem.

However, saw palmetto doesn’t impact a man’s PSA count, a measurement doctors use to test for prostate cancer. Therefore, say medical practitioners, stay in touch with your health-care provider, and don’t bypass screening for prostate cancer. 8

Not Just For Men Anymore?

Last August, when doctors, pharmacists, and other professionals gathered at the International Saw Palmetto Symposium in Florida, much of their discussion focused on saw palmetto as a treatment for men. However, they also turned their attention to preliminary research showing that it may help women who suffer from painful menstruation and other uterine discomforts.

Dr. D. Paul Barney, a medical doctor from Utah, says he has prescribed saw palmetto preparations for women who are seeking relief from premenstrual syndrome. Common PMS symptoms include menstrual cramps, bloating, heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area, and headaches.

“Sixty to seventy percent of my patients who use it say that it worked very well for them . . . that it’s better for PMS symptoms than the standard anti-inflammatory medicine,” Barney says.

Barney bases his belief that saw palmetto can offer effective medicine for women as well as men on multiple layers of research, including historic use. Written records show that herbalists of the 1800s credited the herb with having a tonic effect, lauding its powers to stimulate the bladder, prostate, and testicles—as well as the ovaries and uterus.

But historic use provides only a clue. Barney also studies the scientific research, most of which focuses on saw palmetto as a treatment for prostate problems. Yet this evidence encourages him to believe that the herb may work for conditions beyond those linked to the male reproductive system.

“From the existing research [on men], we know a lot about its safety in terms of its impact on overall body systems,” Barney says. “It doesn’t affect the liver or kidneys, important considerations, but it does alter the function of hormones—testosterone, progesterone [also present in women]—and has a buffering effect.”

Additionally, Barney points to a recent Argentine study indicating that a preparation made from saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and pygeum (Pygeum africanum), derived from an African evergreen tree, provides relief from pelvic congestive syndrome, a condition of the female reproductive system. Sixty women between the ages of eighteen and forty-five took part in the study; each suffered from moderate to severe pelvic pain, with symptoms such as painful menstruation, urinary disorders, bloating, and/or painful intercourse.

The researchers divided the women into three groups. Twenty women were treated with the saw palmetto/pygeum combination, twenty with anti-inflammatory drugs, and twenty with a placebo. The researchers followed the participants’ progress through two menstrual cycles, then reported that nineteen of the women who took the herbal treatment experienced relief from or an end to their symptoms, which included nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Ten of those taking anti-inflammatory drugs experienced relief, and four of those on the placebo felt better, according to the study.

The researchers—the chief of the gynecology division at the Dr. J. M. Ramos Mejia General Hospital in Buenos Aires and another medical doctor working in that division—attributed the results of the study to saw palmetto’s ability to increase blood mobility, which relieves bloating and pain, and the ability of pygeum to block substances that stimulate smooth-muscle contractions.

Barney acknowledges that large-scale clinical trials may be necessary for many in the medical profession to recognize saw palmetto as an effective treatment for conditions related to the female reproductive system. But he says that his first concern is the safest route to good health, and often herbal medications can provide that.

“I have the ability to follow people along closely [in my practice] and see how [patients] respond,” he adds. “I may not require as many studies as some, but I am willing to read all I can about something and consider whether it is better than the alternatives.”

The safety of saw palmetto for women has yet to be established, however, especially for pregnant or nursing mothers. To be on the safe side, women of childbearing age should use it only under the supervision of a medical doctor. In Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals (The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996), the authors suggest that because of saw palmetto’s reported estrogenic activity, it may affect hormonal treatments, including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.

Homeopathy for alopecia and hairloss — Everything you need to know

Source:http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/homeopathy-for-alopecia-and-hairloss-bs915/

By Bhakti Paun Sharma

Dr. Batra answers common queries on homeopathy for alopecia.

Hair loss or baldness is medically termed as alopecia. Hair fall cannot always be termed alopecia, and various factors are responsible for this condition. Some of them can be medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy, and there are other reasons where a person can start losing hair naturally. Alternative treatment is one of the effective resorts to treating alopecia. To know whether homeopathy can help treat alopecia, we consulted Dr. Batra with a few common queries. Here are his responses:

Can alopecia be treated with homeopathy?

Yes, certainly. This is primarily because homeopathy is, by far, the safest and most humane form of medical sciences. It aims to treat the whole person, rather than just the physical, or apparent symptoms like hair loss.

Proven results: Homeopathic remedies such as Thuja Occidentalis or Sabal Serrulata have been used for treating hair loss in homeopathy for over a 100 years. International clinical studies have proven that the two homeopathic remedies are natural dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-inhibitors, i.e., they can control hair loss caused by DHT, the primary trigger — without side-effects.

Mind-body medicine: Homeopathy treats not only the physical complaints, but also targets the mind and gently restores mind-body equilibrium — thus, it treats patients as a ‘whole’. This makes it an excellent solution for hair problems related to the mind, such as stress-related patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair-pulling disorder (trichotillomania), or stress-induced massive hair shedding.

Verified by studies: A study conducted in Scotland revealed that 90 percent of patients with patchy hair loss opted for homeopathy as the first choice of treatment. Homeopathy actually helps to slow down the progression of the bald patches and fill them up with new hair. A complete recovery is possible in most cases.

A study conducted in-house at Dr.Batra’s on 1.9 lakh patients taking treatment for hair loss has shown ‘improvement’ in 94.1 percent of patients; ‘no change’ in 4.3 percent of patients; and, ‘not better in spite of treatment’ in 1.6 percent of patients. These figures are in conformity with authenticated survey results, published by reputed external sources such as A C Nielsen and American Quality Assessors — a validation no other healthcare group in the area of hair loss treatment can show, or match. You should also know about acupressure points for healthy hair growth.

2. Different homeopathic remedies for alopecia

Homeopathy prescribes a different remedy for a given illness, depending on a multitude of factors, such as personality of the individual, their state of mind and lifestyle. In other words, the illness may be the same by name, but the presentation of the illness in no two individuals is the same — so, they are given two different homeopathic remedies that suit their distinctive personality, or individuality.

3. Who can or should not use homeopathy for baldness?

Anyone can; there are no contra-indications. Did you know children can have hair loss problems too?

4. How soon can you expect to see the results?

There is every chance — in fact, a high percent chance — that your hair will re-grow, more so with timely homeopathic treatment. However, it may also fall out again. No one can predict outcomes of hair re-growth in patchy hair loss, because the course of the disorder varies from person to person. Some people develop just a few bald patches — their hair re-grows and the condition seldom recurs. A few may lose all the hair on the scalp, face and body. Yet, even in people who lose all their hair, the possibility for full re-growth remains a bright prospect. In some people, the initial hair re-growth, with medical treatment, is white — along with a slow return of their original hair colour. In others, however, the re-grown hair bears the same colour and consistency as the original hair.

What’s more, most people expect miracles. It is imperative to ‘weigh’ out treatment outcomes — in other words, understand beforehand what topical (that you apply on your head) and internal homeopathic medications can do for you. Remember, the hair you’ve lost years ago isn’t likely to start growing quickly. Instead, consider the idea of stopping excessive hair loss and, perhaps, experiencing some mild re-growth and you’d be happy with the results. Well, if your expectations are sky-high, disappointment is inevitable. Having patience will help because results take many months — not just days, or weeks. Remember, hair grows slowly, so it will take a good deal of time before you notice any visible change.

5. Side-effects of homeopathy for alopecia?

None. No side-effects have been recorded or reported so far. Homeopathic medicines are free from side-effects. Not only do homeopathic remedies reduce hair loss, but they also protect the body from harmful effects (such as decreased libido, ejaculation problems) that are common with conventional drugs used for hair loss.

The prostate, homeopathy and Sabal serrulata

Source:http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/bha-charity/how-we-can-help/articles/the-prostate-homeopathy-and-sabal-serrulata/

By Brian Kaplan

The first thing that should be said about the prostate is that it is one of the most mispronounced words in the entire English language. So many people pronounce it as “prostrate” which of course means “stretched out on the ground” – nothing to do with the prostate gland. Most men know very little about the prostate and a survey once showed that 89 per cent of men didn’t know where the prostate was located. Embarrassingly studies have also shown that women know more about the prostate and prostatic problems than men!

So what exactly is the prostate? It is an important walnut-shaped organ about the size of a golf ball, which surrounds the beginning of the urethra at the base of the bladder. And as everyone knows, only men have prostates. Its main function is to produce about 25 per cent of the semen in every ejaculation. This prostatic secretion protects and nourishes the sperm (produced by the testicles) and helps to prevent the urethra from becoming infected. It thus plays an important part in the male reproductive system. The prostate can be examined by the physician putting an index finger in the rectum – a slightly uncomfortable, but not painful medical procedure. Examination can reveal if the prostate is enlarged or hard in places. The prostate gland can be affected by three major types of problems.

Infection (prostatitis)

Acute prostatitis is caused by a bacterial (and occasionally viral) infection usually as the result of a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhoea or sometimes as a complication of a urinary tract infection. Treatment is to identify the offending bacteria and prescribe the appropriate antibiotic. I see no place for homeopathy in the treatment of acute prostatitis.

Chronic prostatitis is more mysterious and troublesome to treat. Initial treatment in orthodox medicine is with antibiotics but even surgery is resorted to on occasion. I believe that homeopathy is well worth trying before resorting to the rather drastic option of surgery. Such treatment should only be attempted by an experienced homeopathic doctor.

Cancer

Prostatic cancer is the most common cancer affecting men. In the UK, 27,000 new cases are diagnosed and over 10,000 men die of this dangerous cancer. It is much more common in elderly men with 80 per cent of cases occuring in men over 65 but it is not uncommon in men as young as 40. If left untreated it can spread to other parts of the body such as the spine and cause death. Rectal examination may or may not give a clue to the diagnosis. Fortunately there is a simple blood test that can screen for the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA). Levels above 10 do not prove cancer but indicate further investigations to be necessary. (Initially a repeated blood test and then a biopsy). There are those who believe all men over 40 should be screened for prostatic cancer but economic factors make this impossible for most of the world’s population. Even in prosperous countries, this severe (but often highly treatable) cancer goes undiagnosed because of ignorance. In his column in The Times 17 May 2004, Dr Thomas Stuttaford points out that 90 per cent of British men do not know the function of the PSA test (fortunately, 70 per cent of British women do) and he informs readers that a new help-line dedicated to prostate problems has just been set up, aptly called Ignorance isn’t bliss (020 8582 0248).

The management of prostatic cancer should always be in the hands of a qualified urologist. It may comprise surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and drugs. Homeopathy can be used in conjunction with these treatments but never instead of them. This is a serious and potentially lethal disease and needs to be treated with the utmost respect.

Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy or BPH) This is the most common problem affecting the prostate as it will eventually affect every man if he lives long enough! The enlarging prostate starts to press on the urethra and slowly obstruct it. BPH can present with any of the following symptoms all of which gradually increase if nothing is done about it:

•a feeling that the bladder never completely empties;

•a desire to pass urine much more frequently;

•waking at night to pass urine (nocturia);

•difficulty in getting started when urinating (hesitancy);

•pain when passing urine or blood in the urine;

•poor flow of urine.

Orthodox treatment of this condition is with drugs in milder cases and surgery in more severe cases. The main drug used is finasteride, which can sometimes slow down the enlargement of the prostate. There are two types of surgical operations for BPH: removal of the prostate or boring a hole in it to ease the flow of urine, an operation known as a transurethral resection or TUR. The drugs can of course have side effects and the surgery almost always has a downside. Removal of the prostate prevents normal ejaculation and can result in impotence, especially in older men. TUR usually does not affect potency but often results in retrograde ejaculation (into the bladder instead of out through the penis), which obviously has an effect on a man’s sex life. However I believe that homeopathy has a big role to play in the treatment of prostatic enlargement.

The homeopathic medicine Sabal serrulata is an excellent and specific treatment for BPH. When I first studied homeopathy a quarter of a century ago, Sabal had been used for many years for this condition. It was also used by herbalists who knew it by the name saw palmetto or serenoa repens. Native Americans have been using the berries of this plant for urinary tract problems for many centuries. It also once had a good reputation as an aphrodisiac but alas no more! The early American homeopaths of whom many were “eclectic” physicians had knowledge of the world of herbs and quickly included Sabal serrulata into the homeopathic materia medica, where clinical experience made it the most well-known specific homeopathic remedy for BPH. At the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital I was taught to use it in mother tincture rather than in potency. As results have been rather good with this form of the remedy, I have never changed although I have heard of homeopaths getting good results with various potencies.

After making a diagnosis of BPH, I take a full homeopathic history in the usual classical way. My aim is to find a remedy that suits his constitution and prescribe this remedy in a high potency as well as Sabal serrulata in mother tincture. So a typical case may receive Lycopodium 200c three doses in the first 24 hours followed by six drops of Sabal serrulata mother tincture three times a day. Such an approach is consistent with the French homeopathic methodology known as “drainage”. I am a classical homeopath and don’t use this approach routinely at all; in fact Sabal serrulata is one of the few homeopathic remedies I prescribe in this way.

Herbal Treatments for Prostate Problems

Source:http://www.irishnews.com/lifestyle/2015/09/02/news/keeping-your-prostate-in-good-working-order-248130/

By Chris Woolston, M.S.

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."

What does science have to say? Some research has found that saw palmetto really does seem to ease urinary symptoms. A study of 85 men published in the December 2001 issue of the journal Urology found that men who took capsules of saw palmetto for six months reported slightly fewer symptoms than men who took a placebo (a "dummy" pill). Other studies, however, have found that saw palmetto and placebos work about equally well.

According to an editorial that accompanied the Urology report, it's still possible that saw palmetto is, in fact, simply an extra-powerful placebo. Perhaps it works because men expect it to work. A study published in 2006 found that saw palmetto had no effect on enlarged prostates, adding more weight to the idea that the benefits of saw palmetto are all in the mind.

If you do decide to try saw palmetto, here are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, you should stick with the generally recommended dose of 320 milligrams each day. The herb is safe at this level, and there's no evidence that an extra-large dose will work any better. Also, be aware that herbal supplements tend to vary widely in their purity and potency. You can help protect yourself by choosing products marked with "NF," the seal of the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary. Finally, saw palmetto is no substitute for a doctor. If you have urinary problems, get a thorough checkup and talk to your doctor before trying saw palmetto or any other herbal product.

PC-SPES

The "PC" stands for prostate cancer, and "spes" is Latin for "hope." PC-SPES had been shown to shrink prostate tumors, but it was taken off the market in February 2002 after it was found to contain traces of the prescription drug warfarin (a blood thinner). Subsequent tests found additional traces of strong drugs in PC-SPES, including an artificial form of estrogen and a pain reliever called indomethacin that may act against tumor cells.

For a time, it looked as though the product might actually live up to its name. Several scientific studies found the combination of herbs -- including saw palmetto, panax pseudo-ginseng, and six assorted Chinese herbs -- to be an effective treatment for prostate cancer. But even before the product was recalled, there was cause for concern.

Like some already established prostate cancer treatments, PC-SPES cut off supplies of the male hormone testosterone, a major source of fuel for prostate cancer. According to a report in the August 2001 issue of Urology, the concoction can reduce testosterone dramatically. For patients with prostate cancer, this drastic measure has real benefits. As the level of testosterone plummets, the tumor stops growing (at least temporarily) and may even begin to shrink.

Of course, anything that reduces testosterone to that level is bound to cause side effects. Nipple tenderness and swelling in the breasts are very common. About one-third of patients had diarrhea, and another one-third had cramps in the legs or muscles. Blood clots in the legs or lungs were the most serious potential side effect, but they were also very rare.

In summary, the supposed herbal supplement PC-SPES carried all of the punch of a prescription drug -- because it actually contained drugs. The supplement ran afoul of authorities only after tests by the California Department of Health Services turned up traces of warfarin, a prescription blood thinner that can raise the risk of serious bleeding. BotanicLab Inc., the company that distributed PC-SPES, voluntarily recalled the product nationwide. The California Department of Health Services urged anyone using PC-SPES to stop taking the product immediately and seek medical advice.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid that is found in capers, apples, onions and many vegetables and fruits. Lab studies have found that quercetin helps to block the growth of prostate cancer cells, and at least one small study showed significant improvement in symptoms of chronic prostatitis. More research is needed, however, before it can be recommended.

Saw palmetto: Natural hormones regulator

Source:http://www.financialexpress.com/article/healthcare/trade-trends/saw-palmetto-natural-hormones-regulator/221223/

(Financial Express)

A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs is called a hormone. Hormones are essential for every activity of life, including the processes of digestion, metabolism, growth, reproduction, and mood control. Many hormones, such as neurotransmitters, are active in more than one physical process.

Problems of hair are also related to hormonal imbalance. The general scientific term for hair loss is alopecia.

Subtypes of alopecia include:

Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disease that causes the body to form antibodies against some hair follicles. Alopecia Areata causes sudden smooth, circular patches of hair loss. There are no known cures and in many cases the hair grows back on its own.

Alopecia Totalis: An autoimmune disease similar to Alopecia Areata but that results in the loss of all hair on the scalp. It may begin as Alopecia Areata and progress into Alopecia Totalis.

Alopecia Universalis: An autoimmune disease that results in the complete loss of all hair over the entire body, including eyelashes and eyebrows.

Telogen effluvium: Telogen effluvium is an abnormal loss of hair due to alteration of the normal hair cycle. Normally, most of the hairs are in the growth stage and only one hundred hairs per day fall from the scalp. When telogen effluvium occurs, a greater proportion of the hairs enter the resting phase of the cycle and hair shedding is greater than normal.

Androgenetic Alopecia: It is the most common cause of hair loss, presenting as loss of hair over the top (vertex) and the anterior mid-scalp area (receding hairline) in affected men. The term androgenetic alopecia denotes that both a genetic predisposition and the presence of androgens are necessary to cause expression. AGA is also referred to as male pattern hair loss and typically begins gradually in men in their 20s with incidence increasing 10 per cent per decade. This is the most common form of hair loss and can also affect women. Other terms for this condition include: MPB, male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, hereditary Alopecia and Androgenic Alopecia.

Chronic inflammation of the hair follicle (HF) is considered a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). (R. M. Trüeb, Experimental Gerontology, vol. 37, no. 8-9, pp. 981–990, 2002)

Hirsutism

Hirsutism is the presence of excess hair in women. This phenomenon is usually an androgen-dependent process. 25 to 35 per cent of young women have terminal hair over the lower abdomen, around the nipples, or over the upper lip. Most women gradually develop more androgen-dependent body hair with age. Nevertheless, normal patterns of female hair growth are unacceptable to many women. At the other extreme, severe hirsutism may rarely be the earliest signs of masculinising diseases. More often, however, severe hirsutism reflects only increased androgen production in women with a non serious underlying disorder.

It’s often caused by genes, hormones, or medication. Sometimes, hirsutism runs in families. It’s also more common in people from the Middle East, South Asia, and the Mediterranean. Many times, the condition is linked to high levels of male hormones (called androgens). It’s normal for women’s bodies to make these, and low levels don’t cause excess hair growth. But when these amounts are too high, they can cause hirsutism and other things, like acne, a deep voice, and small breasts. High levels of male hormones and hirsutism are common in women who have Polycystic ovarian syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome etc.

Acne and Seborrhoea: There are other diseases associated with 5a reductase activity such as acne and inflammatory skin disorder (seborrhoea) and eczema.

The key for treating all of these diseases is the modulation of 5a reductase activity.

5 -Alpha Reductase inhibitors: Drugs in this class work by inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha reductase, which limits the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

Finasteride: The first drug in this class to undergo extensive clinical trials in men. Finasteride has selective activity against 5 alpha reductase. As a result, serum and follicular DHT levels are significantly reduced.

Saw palmetto extract: Studies have shown that Saw palmetto is an effective anti-androgen. It acts in a similar way that Finasteride does. Firstly it lowers levels of DHT in the body by blocking 5 alpha-reductase. Secondly, Saw palmetto blocks receptors sites on cell membranes required for cells to absorb DHT. Studies have been performed on the use of Saw palmetto in the treatment of benign prostatic disease, which is similar to androgenetic alopecia in that it also depends on the production of dihydrotestosterone.

What is Saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto is an extract derived from the deep purple berries of the saw palmetto fan palm (Serenoa repens), a plant indigenous to the coastal regions of the southern United States and southern California. There is an estimated one million acres of wild saw palmetto palms in Florida, where the bulk of commercial saw palmetto is grown.

Pharmacology of Saw palmetto: Saw palmetto is widely used as a therapeutic remedy for urinary dysfunction due to enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the US and more so in Europe.

Based on mechanisms of action, Saw palmetto extracts are also used for male pattern baldness (alopecia), excess hair in women (hirsutism), acne, inflammatory skin disorder (seborrhea) and eczema.

Mechanisms of action

Anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory activities: Saw palmetto extracts inhibit 5a-reductase, which is an enzyme responsible for conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Inhibition of such conversion maintains prostate health.

There are two commonly associated male physiological events that have a similar etiology. Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness are both related to the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.

Studies with a liposterolic extract of Saw palmetto berries showed that it reduced the uptake by tissue specimens of both testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by more than 40 per cent suggesting anti-androgenic activity.

Further, the extract inhibited binding of DHT to its receptor and blocked the conversion of testosterone to DHT by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha-reductase. The berries also inhibit cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase pathways, thereby preventing the biosynthesis of inflammation – producing prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Hirsutism in women is also related to this enzyme.

Role of Saw palmetto

Recently, a number of clinical trials have confirmed the effectiveness of saw palmetto in treating BPH. Many of these trials have shown saw palmetto works better than the most commonly used prescription drug, Finasteride. Saw palmetto is effective in nearly 90 per cent of patients after six weeks of use, while finasteride is effective in less than 50 per cent of patients. In addition, finasteride may take up to six months to achieve its full effect. Since finasteride blocks the production of testosterone, it can cause impotence and breast enlargement. Other prescription drugs used to treat BPH are doxazosin, terazosin, and tamsulosin hydrochloride. Originally prescribed to treat hypertension, doxazosin and terazosin can drop blood pressure, causing light headedness and fainting. Presently, saw palmetto is being evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of BPH. If approved, it would become the first natural derived product to be licensed by the agency as a treatment for a specific condition.

Since the 1960s, extensive clinical studies of saw palmetto have been done in Europe. A 1998 review of 24 European trials involved nearly 3,000 men, some taking saw palmetto, others taking finasteride, and a third group taking a placebo. The men taking saw palmetto had a 28 per cent improvement in urinary tract symptoms, a 24 per cent improvement in peak urine flow, and 43 per cent improvement in overall urine flow. The results were nearly comparable to the group taking finasteride and superior to the men taking a placebo.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was also conducted to determine the effectiveness of a preparation, containing 50 mg ß-sitosterol and 200 mg saw palmetto extract (standardised to contain 85-95% liposterols) per capsule, two capsules daily, in treatment of AGA (85). Healthy male subjects with moderate to severe AGA were randomly assigned to either the treatment arm (n=10) or the placebo arm (n=9) for a treatment period of approximately 21 weeks. At study completion 60 per cent of the men in the treatment group reported improvement, compared to only 11 per cent in the placebo group. Significance was neither reported nor achieved.

Saw palmetto has been extensively studied and is seen to lessen hair loss and improve hair density in women with hair loss related to testosterone levels. For women with PCOS especially if they have elevated DHT, saw palmetto helps to block 5-alpha-reductase activity – thereby reducing the amount of testosterone converted to DHT. It does not change hair that is already altered by excess testosterone back to fine, soft light coloured hair; it prevents new hair growth, or dark coarse hair re-growth in women who have had laser therapy or electrolysis.

It is suggested for use over a six-week period, taking notes of any improvements over that time. In case of improvement, may be continued on for best results. Saw palmetto has been found safe for long-term use in most cases

Suggested dosage: 400mg a day

According to the Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines and Catalina Lifesciences, researchers have found that when testosterone undergoes the conversion process to DHT, the shifting in hormone levels can result in acne in both men and women. The cause of an increase in pimples is due to the overproduction of sebum within your oil glands. This overproduction clogs your pores, which results in inflammation and pimples.

Although initial research of saw palmetto for the treatment of acne is promising, Dr Richard Fried writes in the report ‘Saw palmetto as a Treatment for Acne’ that the effectiveness of saw palmetto for acne treatment varies from person to person.

Conclusion

Saw palmetto is better known for its ability to help treat BPH in men; however, the primary active constituents within saw palmetto also help reduce the severity of acne. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center the primary constituents of saw palmetto include plant sterols, fatty acids and flavonoids. Saw palmetto contains a high concentration of polysaccharides, which are used by the human body to enhance the immune system as well as work as an anti-inflammatory. One of the primary benefits of saw palmetto is its ability to hinder the transformation of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is also known as DHT.

Saw palmetto has been proven safe to use. It has no known drug interactions and is well tolerated by most people. The only noted side effect in a very small percent of people is upset stomach. Saw palmetto can be taken with zinc, vitamin b6, and azelaic acid for a synergistic effect.

Prostate Problems Saw Palmetto as Health Support and Benefits

Source:http://emfnews.com/prostate/prostate-and-gallbladder-problems-saw-palmetto-as-health-support-and-benefits/

(EMF News)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), more commonly known as the Benign Enlargement of the Prostate (BEP) is best described as a non-cancerous increase in the size of the prostate. This swelling of the prostate gland obstructs the urethra, thereby resulting in various degrees of urinating difficulties. Some of which are, difficulty starting and stopping the flow of urine, reduced urine flow, painful urination, dribbling after urination and more frequent nighttime urination. Besides causing the patient embarrassment and pain, BPH can also lead to serious kidney problems if it is left undiagnosed and untreated.

As severe as this disease is, “it is a common problem in men over the age of 40 and it is estimated that between 50 to 60% of all men will get BPH in their lifetimes.” In fact, “it was one of the most prominent and costly diseases in men older than 50 years of age in a study in the United States.”

Saw palmetto is extracted from the deep purple berries of the saw palmetto fan palm (serenoa repens). Saw palmetto is a plant indigenous to the coastal regions of the southern United States and southern California.

According to Herb Wisdom saw palmetto medicinal uses were first documented in 1879 by Dr. J.B. Read, a physician in Savannah, Georgia. He published a paper on the medicinal benefits of the herb in the April 1879 issue of American Journal of Pharmacy. He found the herb useful in treating a wide range of conditions. “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.” “Considering the great and diversified power of the saw palmetto as a therapeutic agent, it seems strange that it should have so long escaped the notice of the medical profession.”

Research has shown that saw palmetto improves some of the symptoms exhibited by patients with BPH such as frequent urination at night and trouble starting and maintaining urination. And according to the University Of Maryland Medical Center , some studies suggest that saw palmetto is also effective in improving libido in patients. They may actually shrink the size of the prostate gland. The active ingredients in saw palmetto include flavonoids, plant sterols and fatty acids. Saw palmetto contains high molecular weight polysaccharides, which helps reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system. More importantly, beta-sitosterol that helps suppresses enzymes 5 alpha-reductase and aromatase. However, even though saw palmetto is the most recognized source of beta-sitosterol, the beta-sitosterol needed for this purpose must be concentrated. This makes it difficult to get the required dose of beta-sitosterol from eating saw palmetto.

This makes Endosterol a fantastic option when trying to rid yourself of an enlarged prostate and its attendant symptoms. Endosterol contains 150mg of saw palmetto extract per dose that includes high grade and concentrated beta-sitosterol and the other beneficial ingredients in saw palmetto.

Endosterol is a suppository and is ingested into the body system by insertion into the rectum. It dissolves at body temperature once it has been inserted. It gradually spreads to the lining of the rectum and subsequently absorbed into the bloodstream.

Top 6 Benefits of Saw Palmetto For Women

Source:http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/womens-health/top-6-benefits-of-saw-palmetto-for-women

By Dr. Michael Kessler, DC

Saw palmetto is a low-growing palm tree that is typically used as an herbal treatment for men with enlarged prostates. But research shows that saw palmetto can also be beneficial for women, particularly when it comes to counteracting the physical manifestations of too much testosterone (i.e. baldness, acne, excess body hair, etc.)

Let’s take a further look at the health benefits of saw palmetto for women.

Benefits of Saw Palmetto For Women

1. Treats bladder disorders: According to the National Center for Complementary Alternative Medicine, women who experience bladder disorders, such as urinary tract infections, may benefit from taking saw palmetto. Studies show that saw palmetto is beneficial for reducing inflammation of the bladder and soothing painful urination.

2. Blocks the overproduction of testosterone: Saw palmetto helps reverse hirsutism, which is the unusual growth of facial or body hair, particularly in women. This is usually caused by an overabundance of hormones in the body. Saw palmetto has the ability to block the overproduction of testosterone in the female body, which will alleviate unwanted hair.

3. Treats hair loss: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is derived from the male hormone testosterone—it is also the primary cause of hair loss in men and women. When DHT builds up in the hair follicle, it causes a gradual thinning of the hair shaft. Depending on one’s tolerance to this hormone, effects can include minimal hair loss, hair thinning, or balding. Research shows that saw palmetto can block 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.

4. Treats acne: The same DHT hormone that leads to hair loss also has the ability to cause an excess of sebum in the skin. The increased production of oil on your skin increases the chances of clogged pores. This can lead to blackheads and acne. As mentioned above, saw palmetto can block 5-alpha-reductase.

5. Treats menopausal symptoms: During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, while the testosterone levels remain steady. Saw palmetto helps prevent weakening of the vaginal and uterine tissues, an uncomfortable side-effect menopausal women experience.

6. Reduces effects of polycystic ovarian syndrome: This is an endocrine system condition that affects a woman’s hormones. It causes excess facial and body hair, trouble losing unwanted weight, irregular menstruation, and infertility. Testosterone imbalance is associated to this condition. Saw palmetto may help reduce the effects of these symptoms mainly because of its hormonal effects. Side Effects and Warnings

Some people who take saw palmetto complain of stomach pain, nausea, bad breath, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, and indigestion. To reduce these symptoms, it’s best to take saw palmetto with food.

Reports indicate that saw palmetto may cause breast tenderness or enlargement, eye problems, mouth and teeth issues, inflammation of the pancreas, sexual dysfunction, and genital or urinary problems. Should I Take Saw Palmetto?

Consult with your doctor first before introducing saw palmetto into your diet. Avoid taking saw palmetto if you:

• Are scheduled to undergo surgery or dental work, have a bleeding disorder, or are taking prescription drugs that may induce bleeding

• Have high blood pressure or are taking medication that may affect your blood pressure

• Have hormone-sensitive conditions or are taking hormone agents

• Have a liver disorder or are taking medication for a liver disorder

• Have stomach disorders

• Are pregnant (to avoid any adverse effects on the fetus)

• Are breastfeeding

• Are a child

How to Take Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto can be consumed as a tablet, capsule, or even as a tea. Herbs are naturally very potent and can counteract certain medications, so it is essential that you speak to your doctor before adding saw palmetto to your diet.

If you are taking saw palmetto supplements to treat bald spots, it is generally recommended that you consume 200 milligrams (mg) twice a day, combined with 50 mg of beta-sitosterol twice a day. Interactions

Saw palmetto might reduce the effects of estrogen levels in the body and thus the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Again, make sure to first consult your doctor before introducing saw palmetto to your diet.

Saw palmetto shown to benefit prostate health

Source:http://www.mysteinbach.ca/blogs/6440.html

By Pamela Thiessen

As the body ages, changes can be expected. Skin becomes less elastic which brings on wrinkles, and hair thins and turns gray as pigment cells decline. Internally, bones lose mineral content which means greater danger of osteoporosis, and heart, lungs and kidneys become less efficient. How early these changes set in and how they develop – in other words, how your body ages – is different for different people. One change that affects almost all men over age 50 is some degree of prostate enlargement which leads to multiple problems with the urinary and reproductive systems, including an increase in the risk of prostate cancer. While prescription medications are available to reduce symptoms of an enlarged prostate, some men turn to a natural remedy called saw palmetto which in certain cases appears to be better tolerated than pharmaceutical products, is very affordable and in small studies has shown to have some efficacy. What is saw palmetto and does it have potential to mitigate symptoms of enlarged prostate?

First, a quick look at the role of the prostate in the body and what happens when it enlarges. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland just below the bladder which produces seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. A man’s prostate grows during his life which is considered normal, but on reaching their 60s, nearly half of all men experience symptoms from a condition known as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate. Once they reach eighty, 90 percent of men will experience this condition.

Bladder weakens

When one considers where the prostate gland is located, it is no surprise that the urinary system will be affected as the gland enlarges. What happens is the layer of surrounding tissue prevents the gland from expanding which causes a clamping effect on the urethra. The bladder usually weakens, resulting in symptoms such as obstructed urine flow, frequent urination, inadequate voiding, frequent discomfort and excessive night urination.

While BPH is inconvenient and even painful, it is a benign (not harmful) condition. However, changes to cells of the prostate can also cause precancerous conditions, meaning that the risk increases that the abnormal changes will become cancer. While prostate cancer usually grows slowly – and physicians inform patients they will probably die of some other cause – it can metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body. Statistics tell us that prostate cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among men in North America. Symptoms begin with difficulty in urinating (which may be attributed to BPH), blood in the urine, and pain in the pelvic area and back.

Saw palmetto is best known for its use in decreasing symptoms of BPH or enlarged prostate (particularly assisting with healthy urination). It has been used to treat prostate infections as well as prostate cancer (often in combination with other herbs). The question, of course, is how effective is saw palmetto in dealing with these conditions?

Saw palmetto is a low-growing plant, resembling a dwarf palm tree. The fruit of the plant or the berries are rich in fatty acids and phytosterols which have been extracted over the years and used in folk medicine to treat a variety of problems including migraine headache and chronic bronchitis but more often as a diuretic (increasing urine flow) and other problems with the bladder.

Shrinks the lining

How does saw palmetto do its work? It appears the herb doesn’t reduce the overall size of the prostate, but rather seems to shrink the inner lining that puts pressure on the tubes that carry urine. The saw palmetto berry also shows anti-inflammatory activity. Thus it makes sense that some studies have shown saw palmetto modestly mitigates conditions such as frequent urination. Research has also shown that ingesting saw palmetto daily for several months before prostate surgery can reduce time spent in surgery and amount of blood flow. However, in both cases there are conflicting reports on the success of saw palmetto and more research is needed.

Since saw palmetto affects testosterone levels – it appears to block conversion of the hormone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) a substance that encourages prostate cell growth – it has been concluded that the herb might help in preventing prostate cancer. However, there have been no conclusive studies that have shown this to be true.

How does one take saw palmetto? Although it is available in the dried form, it is much more convenient to purchase softgel capsules or tablets from stores that carry herbal remedies. Read the labels carefully since saw palmetto often appears in combination with other herbs that may increase its effectiveness.

Saw palmetto is safe for most people, although some have reported side effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, constipation and diarrhea, but these are usually mild. Caution should be exercised if one is on anticoagulant drugs since saw palmetto may slow blood clotting (and thus increase risk of bleeding and bruising).

Natural health guide: saw palmetto

Source:http://www.abc.net.au/health/library/stories/2014/07/17/4031251.htm

(ABC Health and Wellbeing)

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is called 'the old man's friend' because of its traditional use for urogenital irritations, impotence and male infertility. It is not fully clear how it works but it is believed to have anti-inflammatory activity and an inhibitory effect on androgens. What is it used for?

Non-cancerous prostate enlargement, called benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy (BPH), which can cause frequent or painful urination, reduced flow or volume. How is it used?

The berries of saw palmetto can be used whole or dried, made into extracts, teas and over the counter supplements.

Scientific evidence?

There are mixed results from studies. Numerous studies previously showed fair to good evidence that saw palmetto improves symptoms of mild to moderate BPH. Three previous reviews of between 17-21trials found there was some mild to moderate improvement in symptoms of BPH. However, a 2013 update of one of these reviews looked at 32 trials involving 5666 men and showed even using double or triple doses of saw palmetto did not improve symptoms of BPH.

The US based National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says there is currently not enough evidence to recommend using saw palmetto for BPH. Side-effects and interactions

Saw palmetto appears to be relatively safe. It may cause mild side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation and nausea.

Some men using it have reported tender breasts or a decline in sexual desire.

Don't use saw palmetto during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Saw palmetto might slow blood clotting, so stop using saw palmetto at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Saw Palmetto Photo Gallery

Young Saw Palmetto Tree
Saw Palmetto Leaves
Old Saw Palmeto
Old Saw Palmeto tree
Saw Palmetto Forest
Saw Palmetto Flowering
Saw Palmetto Fruit
Saw palmetto in Manatee Springs State Park
Saw Palmeto Las Vegas, NV