If you have prostate problems, your healthcare provider may recommend medication or surgery, but you can also discuss natural remedies for an enlarged prostate. In fact, herbs, supplements, and lifestyle changes may correct an enlargement of the prostate gland (often referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).
Symptoms of this condition, which becomes increasingly more common with age, include difficulty starting to urinate or an inability to go altogether, painful urination, incontinence, or nighttime urination.
This article reviews various natural treatments for an enlarged prostate and changes you can make to your everyday life to support your overall health.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is an herb that may work as a natural remedy for enlarged prostate.
Some studies show that saw palmetto is able to relieve BPH symptoms, but not all studies agree.
One 2021 study found evidence that saw palmetto extract is a valid treatment option for people with lower urinary tract symptoms and BPH. Compared to medication with Flomax (tamsulosin), saw palmetto extract was able to provide adequate symptom relief for moderate to severe symptoms.
Saw palmetto may also be safer than Flomax. It caused fewer side effects, namely ejaculation dysfunction and lower blood pressure when standing up from sitting or lying down (orthostatic hypotension).
The recommended dosage of saw palmetto is 160 to 320 micrograms (mcg) two times a day.
Pygeum
Pygeum is a remedy sourced from the bark of the African cherry tree. Pygeum has a history of medicinal use by African tribes as a treatment for urinary symptoms, bladder discomfort, and enlarged prostate.
Pygeum bark extracts have been used in prescription drugs in Europe since 1969 to treat BPH.
While supplements can't claim to treat, cure, or prevent diseases because they haven't been as rigorously tested as pharmaceuticals, they may still provide some relief. The recommended dosage of Pygeum supplements for BPH is 50 to 100 mcg two times a day.
Rye Grass Pollen (Secale cereal)
Rye grass (Secale cereal) is also used to treat BPH. The medicinal benefit of rye grass is found in the pollen.
Studies show rye grass pollen extracts can provide moderate relief for people with BPH. Rye grass pollen can also improve lower urinary tract symptoms.
However, many of these studies used a supplement containing not only rye grass pollen extract, but other types of pollen as well. More research is needed to better understand the effects of rye grass pollen on enlarged prostate.
Soy
Many claims have been made regarding soy's ability to improve BPH symptoms. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support them.
A review of the effects of soy on the prostate in healthy people and people with BPH was unable to find a benefit for soy in regard to an enlarged prostate. The study did find, however, that soy may be able to reduce the risk of prostate cancer in people who are at risk of developing it.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats found mainly in fish and fish products. They are known for boosting heart health and helping fight cancer and inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids may have potential prostate benefits as well.
One scientific study showed that omega-3 fatty acids can boost the effects of standard prostate medications, namely tamsulosin and finasteride. The men in the study who took omega-3 fatty acids along with medication had improved prostate symptoms and a smaller prostate size compared to those who didn't take omega-3s.
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Lycopene
Lycopene is a carotenoid produced by tomato plants. Scientific research shows that tomato-based and lycopene supplements may be able to help reduce symptoms of BPH. This finding is attributed to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties of lycopene.
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Green Tea
Green tea contains a polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG has many beneficial properties. Among them are its anti-inflammatory effect, antioxidant capabilities, and immune system boost.
Research found green tea supplements helped improve BPH symptoms like urine flow, physical function, and sexual desire in men with moderate to severe BPH. Still, more studies are needed to determine how safe and effective green tea is in treating BPH and related urinary symptoms.
Nettles
Nettles (Urtica dioica) contain compounds such as phytosterols, lignans, and polysaccharides. These compounds can be used to reduce the symptoms of BHP. In addition, nettles have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-viral effects.
One scientific review found nettles can help improve symptoms and decrease prostate size. At a dosage of 400 to 600 milligrams per day, the plant extract appears to be a safe and effective treatment for BPH, but more research is needed.
Zinc
Zinc is an element found throughout the body, with the largest concentrations occurring in the prostate. Some scientific evidence even suggests zinc deficiency may increase the risk of both prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.
While zinc supplements may be able to protect against BPH, there hasn't been enough research in this area to make any solid conclusions.
For prostate health, the recommended dosage for zinc is 25 to 50 mcg a day. This can also benefit people with prostatitis.
Cranberries
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) can help improve prostate health.
One study found taking 250 and 500 milligrams of cranberry powder for six months was able to improve lower urinary tract symptoms, including urine flow rate and residual urine volume after bladder emptying. The effect was greater in people taking the higher dose than the lower one.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds can help treat lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH.
In a scientific study, unprocessed pumpkin seeds were able to considerably reduce enlarged prostate symptoms and improve quality of life. People who took pumpkin seeds also saw a reduction in nighttime urination (nocturia) compared to people who received a placebo. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The high level of zinc in pumpkin seeds may also be able to help shrink an enlarged prostate.
Fireweed
Fireweeds (members of the Epilobium genus) have a long history of use in treating BPH symptoms. Any part of the plant above the soil (stems, leaves, petioles, flowers, fruits, and seeds) can be made into a tea or used alongside other herbs to help treat symptoms such as difficulty starting to urinate and a frequent need to urinate.
However, most scientific studies of fireweed have looked into products containing fireweed combined with other agents known for their anti-BPH activity. Herbs used in combination with fireweed include lycopene, Pygeum, and saw palmetto.
Using a combination of natural remedies, including lifestyle changes, can be an effective strategy to manage mild to moderate cases of enlarged prostate. This allows you to reap multiple benefits of various herbs at the same time. More serious conditions require prescription medicines or other medical treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking a new herb or supplement.
Lifestyle Changes to Help With an Enlarged Prostate
Your healthcare provider may suggest using the following self-care strategies to manage your BPH symptoms:
- Urinating as soon as you get the urge
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, especially after dinner
- Avoiding drinking a lot of fluid all at once
- Avoiding drinking fluids within two hours of bedtime
- Getting regular exercise
- Staying warm
- Decreasing your stress with the help of practices like yoga and meditation
- Avoiding or monitoring the use of medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics
- Training the bladder to hold more urine for longer periods of time
- Exercising pelvic floor muscles
- Preventing or treating constipation
Lifestyle changes can work for mild or moderate symptoms. More severe symptoms require further medical treatment. This may involve medication, surgery, and non-surgical therapies.
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Summary
Natural remedies for enlarged prostate can help provide relief from symptoms. These remedies can be used alone but may be more effective when combined together, especially when coupled with lifestyle changes. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between natural remedies and enlarged prostate, however.
If you're considering using supplements, talk to your healthcare provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits. Keep in mind that alternative medicine should not be used as a substitute for standard care. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
