Alison Odey

As men age changes take place in the prostate gland, often by 50 years enlargement of the prostate gland is evident. The glands muscle fibres are replaced with connective tissue, which reduces the glands ability to contract and expand. Also the amount of seminal fluid produced by the prostate gland is significantly reduced.

The symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement) are:

1)   unusual difficulty starting and stopping urination, caused by the enlargement exerting pressure on the neck of the bladder.
2)   decreased force of the urine stream.
3)   increasing frequency of urination and
4)   often having to get up in the night to urinate.

If left untreated the condition will stop the bladder emptying completely and bladder infections can result. Complete stoppage can also occur which results in the urine having to drawn off.

The causes are a little unclear, but are thought to involve hormonal imbalance associated with ageing.

Also it has been shown that increasing zinc levels can reduce the size of the prostate and therefore low zinc intake or absorption may contribute to this condition. Increasing zinc intake is paramount to the natural treatment of any benign prostate enlargement, and is best taken with 25-50mg of vitamin B6 to improve absorption.  See page on ‘Zinc’.

The most effective herbal combinations would be ones that combined Saw Palmetto with pumpkin seed (high in zinc) or have extra zinc and vitamin B6 added.

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa) is a South American Palm which produces a berry from which the extract is made and has long been used to treat prostate enlargement, inflammation and difficult urination. Couchgrass, Buchu, Horsetail or other urinary herbs may also be added.  Pygeum is also commonly used for prostatic enlargement.

A combination that I have found to be very effective contains Saw Palmetto, Hawthorn and Nettle. I usually use this combination with Colloidal minerals to supply the necessary Zinc.