Blog Category
Prostate health is one of the most important men's health topics in herbal medicine, and one that is often not discussed openly enough. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that occurs in many men from middle age onwards — is one of the most well-studied conditions in the entire herbal literature. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is probably the most commercially successful herbal medicine of the past 30 years for exactly this reason. But saw palmetto is one of several herbs relevant to prostate health, and the articles here explore the full range — along with the lifestyle and dietary approaches that matter just as much.
ASOHM News
14 January 2020
Belonging to the rose family, raspberries are native to many parts of Europe, growing wild in woodland and hilly thickets. With a pleasant smell and taste, the fruit of the wild plant differs from today’s cultivated varieties, mainly in its size. Recognised as a delicious food, it is also an excellent source of iron and […]
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ASOHM News
17 September 2019
The German healer Sebastian Kneipp (1821–1897) once said: “Many people died while the herbs that could have cured them, grow on their graves” and I wholeheartedly agree with him. The finest books in the world have remained unread for centuries, which makes me wonder how effective some of the hidden herbal cures are, if used in place […]
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ASOHM News
15 April 2019
It’s surprising to me how many younger men are unaware of their prostate and its function! In fact, most men only find out that they have an enlarged prostate, when they go to their doctor complaining about their symptoms, and the conventional treatment they are offered prompts their desire for a natural alternative. The prostate […]
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ASOHM News
1 December 2017
I have a love of researching and discovering. My library is crammed with books on herbs as I buy virtually every publication on the subject. Whenever I return to Germany I search for herbal books and manuscripts which have been locked away in libraries and that is where I first discovered Epilobium for prostate problems. […]
Read article →Prostate complaints range from the mild inconvenience of BPH to the serious concern of prostate cancer. Herbal medicine is most appropriate and effective for the former. Any significant urinary symptoms, PSA changes, or prostate cancer diagnosis requires medical assessment and management.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is the most studied herbal treatment for BPH. It appears to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase (the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, DHT — the primary driver of prostate cell proliferation) and also has anti-inflammatory and anti-estrogenic effects in prostate tissue. Clinical trials have shown improvements in urinary flow, reduction in nighttime urination, and improved quality of life, though findings on overall effectiveness have been mixed in larger trials.
Pygeum (Prunus africana) bark extract has multiple clinical trials supporting its use for BPH, with evidence for improving urinary symptoms, particularly nighttime urination and bladder emptying. Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica root, distinct from the leaf) is used for BPH in European herbal medicine and is often combined with saw palmetto. Pumpkin seed oil has some evidence for reducing urinary symptoms of BPH.
Lycopene — the red carotenoid in tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit — has been extensively studied for prostate health and shows protective associations in observational research. Zinc is concentrated in the prostate and supports its function; found in pumpkin seeds, oysters, and meat. A diet low in processed meats and dairy, and rich in plant foods, is consistently associated with better prostate health outcomes.
Bacterial prostatitis requires antibiotic treatment. Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis — which accounts for the majority of prostatitis cases — has an inflammatory and sometimes neuromuscular component. Anti-inflammatory herbs, quercetin (which has specific evidence for chronic prostatitis), and pelvic floor physiotherapy are the most evidence-supported approaches for the chronic non-bacterial form.
Men over 50, or over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer, should discuss prostate screening (PSA testing and digital rectal examination) with their doctor. The decision to screen should be made in consultation with a doctor — the benefits and limitations of PSA screening are well established and the conversation is important.
The prostate is a hormone-sensitive organ. The conversion of testosterone to DHT by 5-alpha-reductase drives benign growth. Oestrogen, which increases with age as testosterone declines, also plays a role in prostate tissue changes. Maintaining healthy testosterone-to-oestrogen ratios through diet, exercise, and weight management is a relevant strategy for long-term prostate health.
Men's reproductive and urinary health is covered across Lessons 4 and 8 of our course — giving a comprehensive picture of the herbs and physiological knowledge relevant to prostate health. View lesson packages and enrol today.