Tag Archives: saw palmetto

Herbs That Increase Semen Count

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Today, there are scientifically engineered pills to cure a number of sexual ailments from erectile dysfunction to low sex drive. For those who are interested in taking a more natural approach to boosting their fertility, the good news is that certain natural herbs and tonics that–along with a healthy diet–have been known to increase sperm count. Many not only improve the quantity of sperm, they improve the quality of sperm, while boosting overall sexual health. Horny Goat Weed, for example, does just what you’d expect–it increases sperm count and revs up the libido. Continue reading →

Recent Discoveries Shed New Light on Saw Palmetto

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It is a promising herbal remedy, a common sight in the natural supplements aisle of your pharmacy. Principally, men use it most because it is believed to reduce a swollen prostate. But sometimes alternative health news isn’t so rosy, and Doctors Health Press must let you know: saw palmetto may not be the best bet for the prostate.

A new study, in the prestigious “Journal of the American Medical Association” found that saw palmetto does not relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, even when taken in very high doses.

Many older U.S. men take saw palmetto extract in an attempt to reduce bothersome symptoms of a swollen prostate, including frequent urination and a sense of urgency. Its use in Europe is even more widespread, because doctors often recommend saw palmetto Continue reading →

Introducing – Saw Palmetto

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What is Saw Palmetto?

Alternate names: Sabal, Shrub palmetto, Sabal serrulata, Serenoa repens

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens or Sabal serrulata) is a dwarf palm plant native to North America. It grows to about two to four feet in height, with fan-shaped leaves and berries. The oil of saw palmetto is medicinally active.

Why Do People Use Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto is used primarily as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Symptoms of BPH include frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, dribbling after urination, weak urinary stream, and waking up several times at night to urinate.

Safety

The most common side effects associated with saw palmetto use are mild digestive distress, including stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or bad breath.

There have been rare case reports describing liver inflammation, pancreatitis, jaundice, headache, dizziness, insomnia, depression, breathing difficulties, muscle pain, high blood pressure, chest pain, abnormal heart rhythm, blood clots, and heart disease, but they haven’t been clearly caused by saw palmetto.

Some men taking saw palmetto have reported erectile dysfunction, breast tenderness or enlargement, and changes in sexual desire. Although it hasn’t been well-demonstrated in humans, saw palmetto may influence levels of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Until we know more, people with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer, should use caution.

At least two case reports have linked saw palmetto with severe bleeding. People with bleeding disorders or who are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (“blood-thinners”) such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, or clopidogrel (Plavix) should avoid taking saw palmetto unless under medical supervision. It should also be avoided at least two weeks before or after surgery.

The safety of saw palmetto for pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease hasn’t been established.