Men's Health

Natural remedies for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Natural remedies for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is also known as prostate gland enlargement. It is quite a common condition that men are diagnosed with as they grow older. There are uncomfortable urinary symptoms like difficulty in voiding, urinary leakage, urinary tract infections, and frequent urination caused due to the same. There are some natural remedies that have been effective in relieving the BPH symptoms, below are some of the most popular ones-

  • Stinging nettle

The stinging nettle has sharp leaves that may cause intense pain. However, the same when used as medicine has several benefits. Nettle root is known for improving and relieving BPH symptoms. It is usually used in combination with other natural remedies as well to increase the effectiveness. Skin rash and stomach ache are some of the common side-effects of using this natural remedy.

  • Beta-sitosterol

Beta-sitosterol is a mixture created from different plants that contain cholesterol-like substances called phytosterols or sitosterols (plant-based fats). The urinary symptoms of BPH like frequent urination are relieved with the help of beta-sitosterol. They usually don’t have a major side-effect and are quite beneficial to use. However, the long-term side-effect of this natural remedy is not known.

  • Pygeum

Pygeum is one of the most popular traditional medicine that is used to treat urinary problems. It is obtained from the bark of the African plum tree. There are various pieces of research that indicate that pygeum is effective for treating BPH. These supplements are great for urine flow and bladder emptying. Pygeum causes mild side-effects like a headache and stomach upset but it is safe to use overall.

  • Ryegrass pollen extract

Rye, corn, and timothy are the three types of grass pollens are used to make rye grass pollen extract. An improvement in the BPH symptom especially nighttime symptoms like constant urination has been observed by various studies. However, it is still not known which is more effective, using this supplement or consuming prescribed medications.

  • Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is absorbed from the fruit of a tree that is similar to that of a palm tree. It acts as a herbal remedy and has been used through the ages to specifically relieve the urinary symptoms that are caused due to enlargement of the prostate. There are few studies that have indicated that saw palmetto is quite effective for relieving BPH symptoms. Its hormone-blocking and anti-inflammatory properties are also used in combination with other medicines for the treatment of BPH. Saw palmetto is usually considered safe to use. However, it does have some minor side-effects like a headache or an upset stomach.

  • Foods as a treatment for BPH

The function of diet in treating the symptoms of BPH and preventing the same cannot simply be ignored. Men that consume a diet which contains major portions of vegetables and fruits like dark, leafy vegetables and tomatoes were not diagnosed with BPH as compared to others. Also, in case an individual was diagnosed despite a healthy diet, they experienced fewer symptoms and less severe ones at that. It is not about one specific nutrient, rather an overall combination of a healthy diet and lifestyle that is beneficial for preventing and coping with BPH symptoms.