UPDATE - Issue 25 - Spring 2006
Herbs for BPH
An enlarged prostate gland, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects 50% of men over 55, and hormone changes associated with ageing are thought to be responsible. Herbal treatments are more popular than drug therapy in much of Europe, and their efficacy has been documented in several trials. The full benefit is experienced only after two or three months of taking the herbs.
There is plenty of choice. Most researched is saw palmetto (Serenoa Repens) which helps by altering hormone levels. It is often prescribed to BPH sufferers in France and Germany but only considered a useful supplement in this country. Cernilton (extract of flower pollen) has been found to reduce night-time incontinence. Pygeum, from the bark of an African evergreen tree, reduces symptoms of BPH while also treating urinary infections. So popular has this become that the tree itself is considered endangered by some botanists. Stinging nettle (Urtica Dioica) seems to enhance the action of saw palmetto. No one has yet suggested it is endangered!
Dietary factors are important here, too. BPH has been linked to a deficiency of zinc and essential fatty acids, so supplement these and snack on unroasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds, high in these nutrients. Animal fat, alcohol (especially beer), some cold and allergy drugs, stress and bicycle riding are all known to be aggravating factors.
Buchu, a South African shrub, has oils in its leaves that soothe the symptoms of painful and burning urination. It is used to treat urinary infections but on its own would not suffice in the long term. Other documented uses for Buchu, are as a pick-me-up when taken with brandy and as a body perfume (as used by the Hottentots).
Unsweetened cranberry juice or cranberry tablets protect the bladder wall from infective organisms. Susceptibility to urine infections can be reduced by avoiding sugar and alcohol, and drinking lots of pure water.
Treating BPH with one or more of the above mentioned herbs and supplements may well help the condition.
For further advice the National Institute of Medical Herbalists might be worth contacting via their web site: www.nimh.org.uk