Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a low, dense fan shaped plant that is found in most parts of the southeastern United States. The saw palmetto is considered to be a nuisance plant in many locations, but it also has some amazing medicinal qualities. Effects of saw palmetto include:
- Improving surgical recovery
- Boosting the immune system
- Treating urinary tract infections
- Reducing male pattern baldness
- Decreasing prostate swelling
- Reduction of high blood pressure
Saw palmetto benefits including saw palmetto prostrate reduction formulas are being closely studied by researchers around the world. The prostrate formula with saw palmetto oils or extracts are considered to be highly effective in assisting with the treatment of prostate cancer as well as reducing the size of the prostate in conditions including benign prostrate enlargement. The drug finasteride may interact with saw palmetto since the two closely mimic the same actions on the prostrate. If you are taking a drug like finasteride be sure to consult with your physician before using the herbal supplement containing saw palmetto. This may be due to the high levels of fatty acids found in the saw palmetto berries, also known as the fruit. Typically the saw palmetto oil is extracted from the berries for treatment, but there are also formulas that use dried saw palmetto berries in a capsule composition. In addition the effects of saw palmetto on blood pressure have been positive, leading to a decrease in hypertension when used in combination with other herbs, controlled diet and stress reduction.
Saw palmetto and hair loss prevention treatments are usually used in a combination of treatment types. There are topical applications of saw palmetto for your hair and these usually include the oil and extracts in liquid form. In addition there are herbal combinations that are taken orally, usually in capsule form, to enhance the effects of the topical application. There is also an option to take the herbal product in a tea. It is not difficult to learn how to make saw palmetto tea, especially if pre-packaged herbal tea bags are used. Simply pour boiling water over the bag, allow to steep and drink either hot or cold.
There are very few saw palmetto side effects for either men or women. Women that are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use saw palmetto unless under doctor's supervision. Men using saw palmetto may experience an increase in libido, occasional nausea, and very rarely an increased risk for heart attack. These increased risk is only seen in men that have a previous history of heart disease or heart attack.
