Four basic treatments of BPH are used today. The least invasive and safest is herbal treatment. After all, herbs are natural chemicals that work together with the body to make it function as normal as possible. Therefore, there are the least number of side effects with herbs as opposed to medications, hormone therapy, or surgery. If you are on a medication for BPH, do not ignore this in hopes that the herbs will eliminate the problem.
One recommended formula looks like this: 1-ounce tincture of saw palmetto berries; 1/2 ounce each tinctures of nettle root, sarsaparilla root, wild yam root, echinacea root and pipsissewa or uva ursi leaves. Combine ingredients. Take half a dropperful 3 times a day. For maintenance, take it once a day.
The first ingredient mentioned is saw palmetto. This has proven to be very effective in inhibiting DHT, the hormone mentioned above. It works not by changing the levels of testosterone in the blood but by inhibiting the tissues from using it to enlarge.
Another ingredient in this treatment of BPH is pygeum, prepared from the bark of the African cherry tree (also called Iron Wood, (Red) Stinkwood, African Plum, African Prune, and Bitter Almond). Over 75 percent of all doctors’ prescriptions in France include pygeum for treating problems related to an enlarged prostate. They report it greatly aids half the men, and does so in six weeks or less. Pygeum is most effective when used at the first signs of prostate problems. Pygeum is currently available only as a tincture or in pill form, and is often combined with saw palmetto.
A third ingredient is the common herb nettle. Nettle leaves are an excellent diuretic and are used to stop the urine retention problems. Nettle is effective for possibly two reasons: it might reduce the amount of testosterone circulating in the blood or it might inhibit the enzyme responsible for making testosterone. It seems to be most effective when used in a combination with these other herbs.
Gamma linoleic acid (GLA), found in evening primrose, borage, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, and black currant seed products, also helps relieve prostate inflammation. Echenasia is included because of its ability to boost the immune system, to speed wound healing, and especially to reduce inflammation. Time fails to discuss the other ingredients in this formula.
Another approach to prostate treatment is to prepare and apply anti-inflammatory prostate oil. It is made from 1/8 teaspoon each lavender and rosemary essential oils, 4 drops Roman chamomile essential oil (optional), and 2 ounces Saint-John’s-wort oil. Directions say to combine these ingredients and rub it on the skin under the scrotum once or twice a day.