UPDATE - Issue 26 - Summer 2006
A reader writes
May 2006
Dear Sir
The article Herbs for BPH (Update 25) commented that although saw palmetto is often prescribed in France and Germany, it is only considered a useful supplement in the United Kingdom. I write, based on my own experience, to encourage men with BPH to try saw palmetto (Serenoa Repens) and GPs to consider prescribing it. I started to suffer the effects of BPH in my late forties. The treatment options appeared to be drugs or surgery. Both options had unpredictable side effects, so I lived with the condition for a number of years.
After reading an American booklet, bought from a Kuala Lumpur airport bookstall, I spoke to my GP who arranged for me to visit the London Homeopathic Hospital. Consequently my local Primary Care Group gave approval for me to have a regular prescription for twice daily usage of 160mg saw palmetto capsules. Additionally, my GP recommended I take a daily dessert spoonful of pumpkin seeds with my breakfast cereal. I have now been taking these for over three years and find my BPH condition to be greatly improved, so much so that I have bought a road bike and joined my local South Bucks cycling club.
Based on my experience, I would commend all those who are suffering silently from BPH to try saw palmetto. It takes about three months for the benefit to be felt.
Yours truly,
George Thackray