Saw Palmetto
Also known as- Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata
Introduction
A miniature palm growing 2 to 4 feet (60 to 130 cm) high, the saw palmetto occupies sandy flatlands of the US from South Carolina to South Texas. Once the preferred treatment for prostate disease in American medicine, saw palmetto fell into disfavor in the 1960Ís until French researchers isolated specific compounds with statistically demonstrable effects on the prostate. The whole berries, however, continue to be used with success in herbal medicine.
Constituents
Beta-sitosterol, capric acid, ferulic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid.
Parts Used
Berries, dried and cut or powdered.
Typical Preparations
Teas, tinctures, encapsulations.
Summary
Saw palmetto extracts help heal benign prostate enlargement and prostatitis by stopping the converstion of 5-dehydrotestosterone into testosterone, but the whole berries have a gentler effect on the hormone producing effects which help preserve male potency, while offering a wider range of effects to treat the conditions. In cases of prostate infection, the berries gently stimulate urination, causing the infectious microorganisms to be "flushed out" with urine.
---Medicinal Action and Uses---
Diuretic, sedative, tonic. It is milder and less stimulant than cubeb or copaiba, or even oil of sandalwood. Like these, it has the power of affecting the respiratory mucous membrane, and is used for many complaints which are accompanied by chronic catarrh. It has been claimed that sabal is capable of increasing the nutrition of the testicles and mammae in functional atony of these organs. It probably acts by reducing catarrhal irritation and a relaxed condition of bladder and urethra. It is a tissue builder.
---Dosages---Of fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm. Of solid extract, 5 to 15 grains.
Benefits of Saw Palmetto & its Extract
- Hair Care
- Treats Impotence
- Increases Libido
- Reduces Kidney Disorders
- Reduces Prostate Enlargement
- Increases Muscle Mass
- Boosts Immunity
Precautions
Precautions for the use of saw palmetto extract do not apply to the use of saw palmetto berries. Even tinctures of saw palmetto berries do not contain large doses of the testosterone-modifying chemicals that can be a problem in using most products.
This herb is sold by the Ounce