{"id":253,"date":"2019-05-30T16:03:24","date_gmt":"2019-05-30T16:03:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bensnaturalhealth.com\/blog\/?p=253"},"modified":"2026-05-31T11:18:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T11:18:06","slug":"herbs-for-enlarged-prostate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bensnaturalhealth.com\/blog\/prostate-health\/herbs-for-enlarged-prostate\/","title":{"rendered":"Herbs for an Enlarged Prostate (BPH)"},"content":{"rendered":"Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common problem that men experience as they age.\n\n\n\n\n\nMen over 50 have a 50 percent chance of having BPH, while men over 80 have a 90 percent chance of developing the condition.\n\n\n\n\n\nIt occurs when the prostate enlarges to twice or even three times its size, pressing against the urethra and resulting in restricted\/ obstructed urine flow. This is also sometimes refereed to as prostatomegaly.\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a consequence of this obstructed flow, lower urinary tract symptoms manifest.\n\n\n\n\n\nThis article will discuss natural remedies for an enlarged prostate.\n\n\n\n\n
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Herbal Remedies for Enlarged Prostate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1) Pygeum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nPygeum comes from the bark of the African plum tree and has been used traditionally for urinary problems.\n\n\n\n\n\nResearchers believe that pygeum<\/a> helps the prostate in three ways.\n\n\n\n\n
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    1. It directly reduces the inflammation of the prostate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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        1. It suppresses prostate growth factors.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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            1. And third, it reduces prolactin levels and decreases the uptake of testosterone.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA multi-center study in Germany claims that pygeum improves urine flow. It decreases residual urine volume, urine flow rate, and increases voided volume.\n\n\n\n\n\nIt decreases night-time urination and improves bladder elasticity and prostate secretions. In short, it restores normal urination and prostate function<\/a>.\n\n\n\n\n\nPhytosterols found in plants produce an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of BPH<\/a>.\n\n\n\n\n
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              2) Rye Grass Pollen Extract<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nThe rye grass pollen extract is an emerging natural treatment for BPH.\n\n\n\n\n\nIt is studied<\/a> that rye grass pollen improved symptoms of prostate enlargement. These include the frequency of night-time urination and the amount of urine left in the bladder.\n\n\n\n\n\nRye grass pollen extracts significantly improved self-rated urinary symptoms<\/a> in men with enlarged prostates.\n\n\n\n\n\nOne study also showed that rye grass pollen extract decreased the size of the prostate when seen in an ultrasound. Multiple clinical studies support its effectiveness in the treatment of an enlarged prostate<\/a> (BPH).\n\n\n\n\n\nFurther studies have also emphasized the healing properties of ryegrass, stating that flower pollen extract could significantly improve patients\u2019 quality of life if suffering from prostatitis<\/a>.\n\n\n\n\n
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              3) Saw Palmetto<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nThe extract of saw palmetto has been used for centuries in relieving symptoms of prostate enlargement. It is derived from a fan-shaped plant that is native to North America. Experts consider saw palmetto as a gold standard for herbal prostate treatments<\/a>.\n\n\n\n\n\nThe National Institutes of Health (NIH) has compiled numerous studies<\/a> that support the benefits of saw palmetto<\/a>. Experts agree that saw palmetto contain fatty acids, flavonoids<\/a>, and beta-sitosterol that decrease prostate inflammation.\n\n\n\n\n\nSaw palmetto also alters certain hormone levels that affect prostate size.\n\n\n\n\n\nHow much saw palmetto should you take? Experts recommend a daily intake of 320 milligrams of saw palmetto split into two doses. It may take 4 to 6 weeks for you to feel its effects.\n\n\n\n\n
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              4) Shatavari<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nShatavari is a powerful herb that lowers estrogen levels it reduces inflammation and improves urinary flow. It also contains phytoestrogen compounds, which compete with natural estrogen<\/a>, reducing the potential for it to contribute to prostate growth.\n\n\n\n\n\nResearch suggests that Shatavari works to reverse Benign prostatic hyperplasia<\/a> by inhibiting protein deposits in the lumen of the prostate.\n\n\n\n\n

              5) Turmeric<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nCurcumin, the main active ingredient found in turmeric<\/a>, is an orange spice found in many a kitchen. Widely used in Asia, this spice has become primarily known for its anti-inflammatory properties.\n\n\n\n\n\nCurcumin is a powerful weapon against inflammation, even matching the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, tamoxifen, sulindac, and naproxen, but without the negative side effects. Research has also suggested that it may have anti-cancer properties.<\/a>\n\n\n\n\n\nIn a study, researchers from the University of Leicester found that curcumin and turmeric were just as effective at stopping the spread and growth of cancer cells. This was in comparison to Oxaliplatin, a drug used during chemotherapy. The National Institute of Health has also looked into curcumin as a potential cancer-inhibiting ingredient. Its benefits have been studied in over 54 studies.\n\n\n\n\n

              6) Japanese Sophora (Flower Buds) Quercetin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nQuercetin<\/a> is a flavonol, derived from plants.\n\n\n\n\n\nQuercetin has been labeled a Tier 1 Supplement. That means that quercetin has many successful clinical studies and research that support its effectiveness.\n\n\n\n\n\nMany clinical trials have shown it to be an effective anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce prostate-related pain and swelling.\n\n\n\n\n\nAs an antioxidant quercetin fights free radicals and has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. This was demonstrated in an animal study<\/a>, whereby mice were induced with cancer and treated with quercetin. Overall, they found that the size of the mice tumor cells had significantly decreased.\n\n\n\n\n\nThis supercharged antioxidant<\/a> also interacted with the mice\u2019s DNA, which further helped to kill cancer cells while leaving healthy normal cells untouched. For those thinking \u2018well animal trials don\u2019t always translate to human trials,\u2019 you\u2019re in for a surprise.\n\n\n\n\n\nOne interesting human study had very positive results. The study was a randomized, double-blind study published in Urology<\/a>. It had 28 men with CP\/CPPS<\/a> taking either a placebo or 500 mg of quercetin twice a day for one month.\n\n\n\n\n\nThe study\u2019s authors also conducted a follow-up unblind, open-label study that involved an additional 17 men who received a supplement that contained quercetin, as well as other ingredients.\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the end of the month, the men\u2019s Prostate Symptom Score fell from 21.0 to 13.1 in the quercetin group and from 20.2 to 18.8 in the placebo group.\n\n\n\n\n\nAn improvement in symptoms<\/a> of at least 25% was reported by 20% of patients taking a placebo and 67% of patients taking quercetin.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

              Vitamins for enlarged prostate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              1) Beta-Sitosterol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nBeta-sitosterol is a sterol, similar to cholesterol<\/a>, found in plant foods. It hosts a wide range of health benefits, especially when it comes to healing an enlarged prostate (BPH).\n\n\n\n\n\nIt has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of BPH<\/a>, including improving urination flow and prostatitis<\/a>.\n\n\n\n\n\nMany studies<\/a> have been conducted, reviewing the effectiveness of beta-sitosterol as a bph treatment<\/a> for enlarged prostate symptoms.\n\n\n\n\n\nOne 2000 review of four randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies examined over 500 men suffering BPH.\n\n\n\n\n\nThe results found that beta-sitosterol significantly improved urinary symptoms, post-void residual, and urine flow.\n\n\n\n\n\nBeta-sitosterol works to inhibit the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is a critical trigger in the development of prostate gland enlargement and prostate cancer.\n\n\n\n\n\nFlomax and other common prostate drugs<\/a> were designed to mimic the way beta-sitosterol works. While these drugs may hide your signs of enlarged prostate, they will in no way treat the root of the problems.\n\n\n\n\n\nA further issue is that they can cause side effects, including erectile dysfunction. Two popular alpha-blockers drugs are Proscar<\/a> (Finasteride) and Flomax<\/a> (Tamsulosin). Their side effects have been widely documented across the web, and it is strongly advised that you opt for natural and safer remedies.\n\n\n\n\n\nSeveral studies support the anti-inflammatory substances in beta-sitosterol. A double-blind trial of 519 men who took beta-sitosterol preparations showed improved urine flow.\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother systematic review claims that avocados contain bioactive carotenoids. These substances act with beta-sitosterol to fight cancer cells<\/a>, which enlarge the prostate.\n\n\n\n\n
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              2) Zinc<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nThis essential mineral helps boost our immune response and cell growth. Zinc supplements are proven to protect the prostate gland<\/a> and suppress inflammation and enlargement.\n\n\n\n\n\nExperts agree that we should take about 90 mg of zinc daily. You can also eat foods rich in zinc<\/a>. This includes seafood, fortified cereals, and cashews.\n\n\n\n\n
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              3) Boron<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nStrong evidence <\/a>has shown that boron may play an important role in protecting men from prostate cancer.\n\n\n\n\n\nThis powerful, yet often overlooked mineral has been proven to reduce prostate cancer risk as well as lowering PSA levels<\/a>. In one study reviewed the dietary intake of boron in 95 cancer patients.\n\n\n\n\n\nThe results found that men with the highest boron intake showed a 54% lower risk of prostate cancer, compared to those with the lowest intake.\n\n\n\n\n\nIt was also noted that a higher intake of boron<\/a> was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer<\/a>.\n\n\n\n\n\nAdequate levels of boron have been associated with a 64% reduced risk of prostate cancer; however, obtaining boron from food sources is difficult, with very low levels of boron being found in food.\n\n\n\n\n\nAs an example, apples are considered to be a good source.\n\n\n\n\n\nTo gain a minimum of 3mg of boron daily, you would need to eat 2.4lb of apples. As a result, many men are boron deficiency<\/a> and potentially at a higher risk of developing prostate problems.\n\n\n\n\n\nFinding effective prostate supplements<\/a> containing high levels of born, could make a big difference when it comes to your health.\n\n\n\n\n
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              4) Ellagic Acid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nIf you have a taste for berries, then you\u2019re in luck. Ellagic acid is an antioxidant naturally found in 46 different types of fruit, such as pomegranate. Many clinical studies have endorsed its cancer-fighting abilities.\n\n\n\n\n\nStudies carried out by The Hollings Cancer Institute found that ellagic acid can cause apoptosis (death of cancer cells) for prostate cancer cells within 72 hours. Normally health cells have a life cycle of around 120 days. However, cancer cells do not die but rather multiple.\n\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s where ellagic acid comes in; it has been proven to kill cancer cells without damaging healthy ones.\n\n\n\n\n
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              Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH):<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\nSome of the most common enlarged prostate symptoms men experience include:\n\n\n\n\n