11 Natural Remedies for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
As you get older, especially passing the age of 50, you might notice that you have problems with urination.
The need to urinate frequently during the night, lack of force to the urine flow, and pain are just of the few symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH).
The good thing is you can help yourself, with natural remedies.
What is prostate?
Before we talk about natural remedies that can help you with the prostate problems, let’s learn what prostate is first.
The prostate is located in men directly under the bladder. The prostate gland has the shape of a plum or a walnut.
It surrounds the neck of the bladder and the upper part of the urethra, i.e., the conduit that flows out of the urine during urination.
The prostate is necessary for the production and flow of semen.
The fluid produced by the prostate is necessary for the spermatozoa, which are moisturized thanks to it, and thanks to it are able to survive and fertilize the woman’s egg cell outside the man’s body.
Symptoms of prostate disease
Prostate itself isn’t the main problem.
What really happens is that when prostate grows, its growth is stimulated by testosterone, it presses the urethra.
And that squeezed urethra is the root of all your problems like a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, frequent urination or pain.
When it comes to the prostate, prevention is better than cure. As soon as you noticed anything that might suggest enlarged prostate, it’s best to go to the doctor. The urologist will select the right treatment method, which will not only weaken the undesirable effects of the enlarged prostate but also prevent its further growth.
Prostate Diseases
Prostate diseases should be treated at their initial stage because untreated problems lead to impaired renal function. This can lead to the poisoning of your body with toxins. This condition can be dangerous not only for the efficiency of your organs but also can be life-threatening.
Also, not ignoring the problem on its early stage will help you avoid other prostate diseases like prostatitis, benign prostatic hypertrophy and the biggest danger – the prostate cancer.
Symptoms of prostatitis include back pain, frequent and sudden urge, even at night, difficulties in starting urination, and complete bladder emptying.
Urinating or ejaculation usually results in pain or burning sensation. Sometimes bacteria or blood appear in the urine. Acute prostatitis is characterized most often by fever, chills, pain in the joints and muscles. This form of the disease is usually seen in young men.
Benign, non-cancerous hypertrophy of the prostate, usually occurs in men over 50 years of age.
Growing prostatic hypertrophy can make it very difficult to urinate.
Two types of tests are used to diagnose it:
The first is a finger examination through the rectum. During the examination, the doctor inserts a finger in the rubber glove in the rectum, determines the size and hardness of the gland or its inequality, which may suggest cancer.
The second test involves the determination of specific antigen produced by prostate cells (PSA) in the blood.
The blood test should be taken before the finger test because compressing the prostate gland can cause a periodic increase in the concentration of PSA in the blood.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most serious male diseases.
The risk of morbidity in men increases with age. Early symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty in urinating and inability to completely empty the bladder, especially at night. There may be pain or burning when urinating, blood in the urine or blunt, chronic pain in the lower spine, pelvis or upper thighs.
It is advisable that men over 40 years of age undergo an annual examination by the rectum to exclude the prostate cancer. In men over 50 years of age, examination through the rectum should be supplemented with a blood test, which takes place once a year.
Natural Remedies for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
#1 Diet
The direct causes of prostate disease are unknown.
Researchers connect the development of prostate disease with a diet high in fat. That’s why diet full of vegetables and fruits plays a fundamental role in preventing prostate problems.
Apart from diet, herbs and other food are a good way to fight with prostate problems.
Herbs have diuretic properties and effectively reduce the difficulty in urinating. They have a beneficial effect on prostate epithelial tissues. They can reduce swelling, and their anti-inflammatory properties prevent prostatitis.
#2 Hoary Willowherb
Hoary Willowherb (Epilobium parviflorum) contains various acids such as arachidic and linolenic acid.
It has flavonoid compounds, as well as polyphenols, which consist of tannins and phenolic acids that have a disinfecting, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect.
That’s why willow herb is recommended for prostate diseases. It preferably supports urination, which is sometimes disrupted during the disease.
It also detoxifies the body and keeps the hormonal balance by reducing the activity of testosterone. It prevents the transformation of testosterone into estrogens.
#3 Bearberry
Bearberry is well-known for maintaining the proper functioning of the prostate.
It effectively alleviates the symptoms associated with abnormal changes in the size of the prostate gland.
Bearberry also helps to urinate.
Finally, Bearberry is a high alkaline food. It has strong disinfecting properties which kill bacteria in the urine tract.
#4 Nettle root
Nettle root and leaves alleviate some of the problems that occur in prostate diseases.
It has diuretic properties that protect against urinary retention, plus also heals the urinary bladder eliminating urea and harmful toxins.
The best thing is that it can also regulate testosterone, which stops the growth of the prostate. The nettle extract also protects the hypertrophied prostate cells from adverse transformations that may be cancerous.
#5 Pollen
Pollen has many advantages, including the detoxifying properties responsible for cleansing the body and bactericidal activity.
Pollen has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the myocardium and prevents atherosclerosis.
It lowers the level of blood lipids, which affects the anticoagulant effect. It has an anti-edema effect that allows you to reduce the hypertrophy of the prostate gland.
#6 Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds or pumpkin oil, not only effectively fight parasites, but also stop the growth of the prostate and heal its inflammation.
Pumpkin seeds act diuretic, affecting the functioning of the kidneys and bladder.
The seeds and pumpkin flesh strengthen the body’s immunity, thanks to the content of vitamins B1, B2, PP, E, and C.
Pumpkin is also rich in fiber, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, as well as selenium, zinc, copper, and manganese.
#7 Sabal minor
Sabal minor, also known as dwarf palmetto, supports the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy.
It eliminates the feeling of pain by reducing the tension of the muscles of the urinary tract, edema, and congestion of the bladder tissues.
It increases the resistance and endurance of the body.
The palm raises the libido, and also has antiandrogenic properties responsible for the taming of male hormones.
The best thing about dwarf palmetto is that there are no side effects.
Fruits of the palm tree reduce the retention of urine, improving its flow. They inhibit the sensation of burning, pressure, and also stop the growth of prostate cancer.
Palm fruit consumed in the form of an extract, act antiedematous and anti-inflammatory.
#8 Juniper berry and Cranberry
For medical purposes, ripe juniper berries are usually used. They contain high concentrations of essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, mineral acids, mineral salts, as well as sugars, i.e., glucose and fructose.
All these compounds produce a diuretic effect. It also has antibacterial properties, thanks to which it effectively combats inflammation of the urinary bladder, reducing its swelling and feeling of pressure.
The herb cannot be used by people with kidney problems because of the properties of the essential oils that negatively affects the renal parenchyma.
These people can use cranberries, which, like juniper, perfectly supports the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of the urinary tract and prostate.
Cranberry prevents the entry of bacteria into the epithelial walls of these organs. It should be used periodically, because longer consumption may lead to the formation of oxalate-calcium stones.
#9 Corn Silk
Corn silk is a diuretic. It increases the amount of urine and improves its flow. Corn silk is also a rich source of essential oils, tannins, saponins, phytosterols, vitamin K, and minerals.
Corn silk has a diastolic, anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling role. It is used for all ailments of the urinary system and kidney diseases, among others, in the inflammation of the kidney pelvis, prostate hypoplasia and other diseases associated with heart failure.
#10 Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the best natural remedies for prostate health.
They contain lycopene, the most valuable and the most active carotenoid pigment that reduces the unfavorable effect of free radicals and excessive activity of testosterone and which protects the prostate.
Tomatoes that underwent some heat treatment, e.g., sauces, purees, boiled tomatoes, are the best. Heat treatment makes lycopene absorb better.
#11 Soybean
Soybean has been cultivated for 5,000 years. Its seeds contain about 40% of the protein with the best amino acid composition, about 20% fat with a high content of essential fatty acids, minerals, and Isoflavonoids, i.e., genistein and daidzein.
Isoflavonoids affect the level of blood lipoproteins, reducing the concentration of HDL and VLDL cholesterol while increasing the HDL fraction.
Phytoestrogens present in soybean have antitumor activity affecting the growth, the proliferation of cells, and they are used in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer.
Key Takeaway
Natural remedies used in prostate disorders are considered safe, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t use them.
Nevertheless, remember that they should be used rationally and periodically and it’s always the best to consult with a doctor if you have noticed any problems with your prostate.