Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a low growing palm found on the southern coast of the United States. Used widely during World War II, it fell out of popularity until the 1990's. The berries the plant produces contain oils that reduce inflammation, particularly in the prostate.

Potential Uses

Saw palmetto is generally used by men whose testosterone levels are too high. This in turn stimulates swelling of the prostate. The urinary tract becomes disrupted or blocked, and urination becomes painful or unpleasant.

Saw palmetto reduces swelling in the prostate by absorbing excess hormones and easing inflammation. Urination can proceed unhindered.

Dosage

Saw palmetto tastes extremely bitter, and raw consumption is not recommended. In powder form 3-12 grams are to be taken three times daily.

Commercial pills are available with specific doses of their own.

The oil can be extracted from the seeds but not in a tea. The oil will not mix with the water.

Dangers

Beyond complaints of light stomach pain, saw palmetto does not cause side effects. However, its hormonal properties make it unfit for cancer patients. It can stimulate certain types of cancer and interfere with prostate cancer tests.

Women rarely use saw palmetto extract. Pregnant or breast feeding women should not use it under any circumstances.