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Saw Palmetto is a plant whose herbs have been used by Native American tribes for many issues, but mainly for urinary and reproductive system issues. It’s also a herbal supplement sold in many stores to help men with prostate issues.
It has a long history that most people don’t know about. The Mayan culture used it, as well as the Seminoles. Though it’s mainly considered as a medicinal plant, it was also used as food or as a spice in other foods. However, it’s supposed effect on urinary issues is why it’s been used most of the time. This usage is greater in Europe than it is in the United States.
Saw Palmetto was one of the first “super herbs,” promoted in 1898 as something that could address multiple issues, almost like St. John’s Wort is promoted today. For instance, it can be used as a cold medicine; it can be used to help asthma. It can help one’s appetite and digestion. It can even help reverse hair loss.
It’s definitely been touted as a legitimate treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is the fancy way to say an enlarged prostate. However, a study that was performed by the University of California, San Francisco, and the Kaiser Foundation Research Institute, Oakland, from 2001 and 2004, and reported on in 2006 by the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that they could find no significant improvement in anyone who had taken saw palmetto in their tests when compared to people who were given placebos. This was counter to a study done by the Scientific Research Institute of Urology, Moscow, which indicated significant improvement.
What does this mean? Overall, it probably means that you can try to take saw palmetto, and it will either work or it won’t. Some physicians have stated that they wouldn’t want to recommend that anyone take it without getting a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) exam first. Other physicians say the herb won’t affect those levels at all. In other words, it’s up to you to decide what to do if you have any issues you want to try to correct.
Be cautious, and pay attention to any changes, positive or negative.
See more:
Saw Palmetto Uses and Safety
How does Saw Palmetto work on enlarged prostate?
History of Saw Plametto Uses
Dr. Michael J. Murphy has been serving the East Valley communities of Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler at 2 locations since relocating from Wisconsin in the spring of 2006. Dr. Murphy graduated Magna Cum Laude from the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport Iowa and practiced for over 20 years in the Madison area.