Saw palmetto herb is an herb that has been shown in clinical studies to have an important role in maintaining a healthy prostate. Saw palmetto berry (Serenoa repens, sometimes referred to as sabal in Europe) grows naturally in the southeast United States, including Georgia, Mississippi, and particularly Florida. Saw palmetto is not the only herb that has an influence on the prostate gland. Several other herbs and plant compounds that is potentially useful in maintaining a healthy prostate gland including pygeum, stinging nettle, isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein, rye pollen, phytosterols such as beta sitosterol, and carotenoids such as lycopene.

It appears that urinary symptoms resulting from mild-to-moderate prostate enlargement respond more readily to saw palmetto than symptoms due to severe enlargement. It often takes several weeks of continual use for the effects of saw palmetto and other herbs to be fully appreciated. Saw palmetto and herbs have fewer side effects than drugs used for prostate enlargement.

The Saw palmetto herb is a low, scrubby palm that grows in the coastal plain of Florida and other southeastern states. Its fan shaped leaves have sharp, saw toothed edges that give the plant its name. Dense clumps of saw palmetto can form an impenetrable thicket. The abundant, 2cm long berries are harvested from the wild in the fall and are dried for medicinal use. They also serve as a source of nutrition for deer, bears, and wild pigs.

Native tribes of Florida relied on saw palmetto berries for food; however, Europeans often found the taste of the berries objectionable. While native medicinal use of saw palmetto is not recorded, it was introduced into Western medical practice in the 1870s and was a favorite of Eclectic medical practitioners for prostate and other urologic conditions. Saw palmetto berries were official in the US Pharmacopeia in 1906 and 1916, and in the National Formulary from 1926 to 1950. While use in the US declined after that time, saw palmetto has long been a staple phytomedicine in Europe.

Saw palmetto was used by Native American tribes in the South for sore eyes. The dried root was used to lower high blood pressure, and the crushed root was applied to sore breasts in women. An early American botanist, John Lloyd, noticed that animals eating the berries were fat and healthy. This herb has also been known in folk history as an aphrodisiac and stimulant. Saw palmetto was used to treat urination problems, inflammation of the bladder, and prostate enlargement.

This herb has been used to treat conditions of the genitourinary system. Saw palmetto is also used as an antiseptic, for excessive mucus in the head and sinuses, and for both male and female reproductive organs. This herb is known for its ability to help with male health. However, it also helps with thyroid function, regulating development of the reproductive system, stimulating glandular function, removing excess mucus accumulation in the sinuses, and for colds, sore throat, whooping cough, bronchitis, and asthma.

The berries of the saw palmetto plant are useful for improving digestion, increasing weight, and building strength. This herb has even been reported for its ability to increase the size of breast in women of child-bearing age. Often, this herb is found in herbal combinations for diabetes, thyroid function, digestion, nutrition, female reproductive problems, and prostate difficulties.

Saw palmetto berries come in capsule, tablet, and softgel forms at your local or internet health food store. Always look for name brands that are standardized to the fatty acid sterols generally 80 to 90 percent to ensure quality of the product you buy.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Saw palmetto berries is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.