Every Herb Has A Story: Saw Palmetto

Reader Contribution by Staff
1 / 2
2 / 2

Randy Buresh (Register Nurse and Herbalist), is the co-owner and founder of Oregon’s Wild Harvest. Oregon’s Wild Harvest grows, harvests and produces their own medicinal herbal products, many of which use the herbs grown on their certified Biodynamic® and Organic farm in Sandy, Oregon. www.oregonwildharvest.com

As an aging baby boomer, one herb you will always find on my shelf is saw palmetto. Several years ago, I began to notice that I was waking up during the night to go to the bathroom. It was quite the wake-up call. Even with a healthy diet and moderate exercise, my prostate was starting to cause some problems.

Having worked as a health-care provider, I knew immediately what it was.

I had a condition called BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The diagnosis was confirmed after getting some blood work done to check my PSA levels and seeing my naturopathic physician for an exam. It is important to always get an exam by a qualified health-care professional, as those same symptoms can be a sign of prostate cancer. 

As with most men over the age of 40, my prostate had begun to enlarge. Nearly 60 percent of men between 40 to 60 years of age have this condition.

The prostate gland begins to enlarge, pressing on the bladder while constricting the flow of urine. Symptoms include frequent urination, difficulty to start urinating, and reduced urine flow.

My choice for promoting healthy prostate function was saw palmetto. This potent berry has been scientifically proven to be very effective in restoring healthy cell activity within the prostate gland.  This herb is exceedingly safe and clinical trials have proven that no toxic build up or significant side effects have been reported.

Saw palmetto is known for supporting a healthy prostate.
Photo by bob in swamp/Courtesy Flickr

Saw palmetto comes in the form of a berry from a little palm tree that grows in the southeastern parts United States (along the coast). These berries are very high in phytosterols and helpful fatty acids. It also has a rich and well-documented history.

Another healthy choice offered by nature. As I have always said, these plants were put on this earth for us to use, and once again, nature is providing nutritional support in many profound ways. 

  • Published on Apr 22, 2011
Tagged with: Reader Contributions
Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-800-456-6018
Free health and natural beauty tips from Mother Earth News!