Thomas: It’s common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man ages. Doctors call this condition benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or benign prostatic hypertrophy. As the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the gland to press against the urethra like a clamp on a garden hose. The bladder wall becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder begins to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination. Eventually, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty itself, so some of the urine remains in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and partial emptying of the bladder cause many of the problems associated with BPH. The herb Saw Palmetto has been used by millions of men to ease BPH symptoms and is often recommended as an alternative to medication. Saw Palmetto eases the urinary difficulties that develop when an enlarged prostate obstructs the exit from the bladder. Although this herbal remedy promotes normal urination, it will not cure an underlying disease. This means it will not cure your enlarged prostate, so it's advisable to see your doctor about other forms of treatment, if or when this becomes necessary. Because of the herb's hormonal effects, caution is advisable if you have any form of cancer that's stimulated by hormones. Check with your doctor if you are taking any hormonal medications or adrenergic drugs such as the asthma medications Alupent, Brethine, Proventil, or Ventolin. Your dosage may need adjustment. These links below may be of interest to you: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000381.htm http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/herbaldrugs/102510.shtml
It’s common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man ages. Doctors call this condition benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or benign prostatic hypertrophy. As the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the gland to press against the urethra like a clamp on a garden hose. The bladder wall becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder begins to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination. Eventually, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty itself, so some of the urine remains in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and partial emptying of the bladder cause many of the problems associated with BPH.
The herb Saw Palmetto has been used by millions of men to ease BPH symptoms and is often recommended as an alternative to medication. Saw Palmetto eases the urinary difficulties that develop when an enlarged prostate obstructs the exit from the bladder. Although this herbal remedy promotes normal urination, it will not cure an underlying disease. This means it will not cure your enlarged prostate, so it's advisable to see your doctor about other forms of treatment, if or when this becomes necessary. Because of the herb's hormonal effects, caution is advisable if you have any form of cancer that's stimulated by hormones. Check with your doctor if you are taking any hormonal medications or adrenergic drugs such as the asthma medications Alupent, Brethine, Proventil, or Ventolin. Your dosage may need adjustment. These links below may be of interest to you:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000381.htm
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/herbaldrugs/102510.shtml