Saw Palmetto

2006-09-13T00:12:00.000-07:00

Health Article

Saw Palmetto for Men and Women

Saw Palmetto is a fan palm that grows in warm climates. The plant produces berries that when ripe, dried partially and used medicinally. Saw Palmetto is widely used in Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and now the U.S. for nutritionally benefit.Saw palmetto berries mainly be composed of carbohydrates, fixed oils (free fatty acids and their glycerides), steroids, flavonoids, resin, pigment, tannin, and volatile oil. Saw Palmetto berries to treat stomachache and dysentery, and used the fruit for diuretic and sexual tonic. It has been marketed as an aphrodisiac for both men and women.

What Is Saw Palmetto Good For?

During the last century, according to folk medicine, women have used the saw palmetto to stimulate breast enlargement, lactation as well as support of ovarian uterine health. Native Americans used it for reduced or absent sex drive, impotence and frigidity. Because of its potential hormonal effects, pregnant women should not use it. It may be useful in treating other hormone related disorders, such as male baldness, acne, under- or over-developed breasts, hormone imbalances, low libido, PMS, low sperm count, and reproductive issues, etc.

What Is The Side Effects And Precautions Of Saw Palmetto?

Side effects are rare, but may include headache, nausea, light-headedness and abdominal pain and a very small number of men taking the herb developed breast enlargement. It is always important that your doctor monitors your health when you self-prescribe herbal treatments and you should check with your pharmacist to see if the herbs you are taking may have any interaction with any prescription medications or pre-existing medical conditions that you may have. Once again, if you are experiencing the symptoms of BPH, and especially if there is blood in your urine, you should see your doctor right away to be tested for the possibility of prostate cancer.

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