What is Saw Palmetto? What are the benefits of this plant?
The herbal medicine saw palmetto, or Serenoa Repens (also known as Serenoa) has been used for a number of different health conditions. Most commonly, it is used to treat enlarged prostates, although other uses include treating urinary tract infection, hair loss and sexual dysfunction. Saw palmetto contains fatty acids, plant sterols and other active substances that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Numerous studies have shown that saw palmetto is beneficial for treating some conditions. It has shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia, which is an enlarged prostrate. The drug works by blocking 5-alpha reductase which turns testosterone into DHT. DHT causes the enlargement and growth of prostate cells. Therefore, reducing DHT production will help to reduce prostate size.
Saw palmetto has also been found to treat male pattern hair loss. The thought process is that it works by blocking DHT from binding to the hair follicles. This prevents them from shrinking or dying. In other studies , saw palmetto has been found to be helpful for menopausal-related symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes.
Saw Palmetto: Benefits and Uses
Saw palmetto is said to have many benefits, including:
- Reduced frequency of nighttime urination and reduced urgency in urination.
- Reducing male pattern baldness.
- Improves sexual function in men, including libido and fertility.
- Menopause symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes can be relieved.
- Treatment of urinary tract infection
- Improve prostate health
Even though research is still ongoing on saw palmetto, clinical trials and other research have supported many of the claims. One study , for example, found that saw Palmetto reduced symptoms of Bph better than placebo. In another study , saw palmetto, which is a prescription medication used to treat BPH and improve urinary flow, was as effective as the finasteride.
Saw Palmetto: Expert and professional opinions
Professionals and experts generally agree that using saw palmetto to treat BPH or other prostate conditions is safe and effective. They caution that it should not be used to treat any conditions without first consulting with a physician. Depending on an individual's medical needs and history, some doctors will recommend it for specific conditions while others might advise against. There is also not enough evidence to recommend the use of this herb for conditions such as menopause symptoms or male pattern hair loss.
What is Saw Palmetto?
It is vital to speak to your physician before taking saw palmetto. You can ask your doctor if you should take saw palmetto and he can also recommend the right dosage. Saw palmetto can be taken in tablet or capsule form. The dosage recommended is between 160-320 milligrams a day.
Most health food shops and pharmacies sell saw palmetto over-the-counter. You can also buy it online through various retailers. Make sure you purchase your saw palmetto only from trusted sources to make sure it's safe and has the correct amount of active ingredient.
What are the side effects or drawbacks to Saw Palmetto?
Saw palmetto, in general, is safe. When taken in the prescribed dosage, it has very few side effects. Most common are diarrhea, nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Talk to your doctor about the potential interactions between saw palmetto and certain drugs before you take it.
Also, it is important to know that the saw palmetto may take up to a few months before you see any results. You may have to use it for some time before seeing results. Saw palmetto does not cure all medical conditions and shouldn't be substituted for conventional treatment.
Conclusion
The herbal remedy saw palmetto has been used for a number of ailments, such as enlarged prostates, male pattern hair loss, and symptoms associated with menopause. According to studies , saw palmetto is effective at reducing the symptoms of BPH as well as male pattern hair loss. When taken in the prescribed dosage, it is considered to be safe. However, conventional treatment should still be sought.
Overall, the saw palmetto can be a very effective and safe way to treat some conditions. It is best to consult your doctor first to ensure that it's right for you, and determine the correct dosage.
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