When a patient is dealing with a case of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), loosely referred to as enlarged prostate, there are a number of different treatments that can be administered to help the patient deal with the various complications, conditions, and symptoms that they deal with. Perhaps the most effective means of treating bad cases of BPH are those that fall under surgical treatments, such as minimally invasive procedures and open surgery procedures. In practically all cases of enlarged prostate, from mild cases to severe ones, medication can play a huge role by relieving symptoms. Aside from surgery and medication, patients can also opt for another form of treatment: naturopathic medicine. While the term “naturopathic medicine” may be quite intimidating at first ring, the truth is that naturopathic medicine is just a form of alternative medicine in which natural remedies are used. When it comes to treating enlarged prostate, some natural herbal remedies have proven to be quite effective in relieving symptoms and aiding in the shrinking of the prostate gland. In this article, we will cover some of the basics on the naturopathic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate.
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Basically, benign prostatic hyperplasia is when the prostate gland increases in size, but the increase in size is not caused by cancer. The fact that the enlargement of the prostate gland is benign means that it is not capable of spreading to other tissues and instead it is confined to the prostate alone. The problem, however, is that the enlarged prostate can lead to other symptoms and conditions that may be discomforting and, in severe cases, quite painful. Some of the most common symptoms of enlarged prostate include frequent urination, voiding at night, urgency, incontinence, hesitance to urinate, dribbling, and a weak urinary stream.
The reason that most of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia have to do with urination is because the prostate is part of the male reproductive system and enlargement of the gland can lead to obstructions in the urinary system. Because the prostate surrounds the urethra (where urine passes from the bladder), an increase in the size of the prostate can restrict the flow of urine and cause pressure on the bladder. If a BPH case is left untreated, it can lead to other serious medical complications, including urinary tract infection, urinary bladder stones, and urinary retention.
Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia usually starts with medication. Alpha-blocker and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are the two main classes of drugs used to treat an enlarged prostate. Alpha-blockers relax the smooth muscles in the body, specifically those in the prostate and bladder neck, to help relieve symptoms. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, on the other hand, try to stop the production of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (which stimulates the prostate), in order to help in shrinking the prostate. Aside from these medications, patients can also try a number of herbal remedies that may relieve symptoms and treat BPH.
An introduction to herbal remedies for treating BPH
The concept of using herbs to treat physiological complications is nothing new. In fact, it is widely accepted that the science of medicine actually originated from the ancient practice of herbal remedies. Today, herbal remedies and other forms of natural treatment are becoming commonplace in clinics and hospitals around the world. Some of the many benefits attributed to herbal remedies include the fact that they are natural remedies and, thus, they usually have less side-effects or complications in comparison to medications that are scientifically concocted from chemicals and substances.
Saw palmetto
Herbal remedies of various kinds have been tested for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. The three most common herbs that are used to treat enlarged prostate are saw palmetto, pygeum, and stinging nettles. Saw palmetto, scientifically known as serenoa repens, is a small palm that can be found growing along sandy coastal lands, in pine woods, and in hardwood hammocks. Extracts from the fruits of the serenoa repens are rich with phyosterols and fatty acids, making them ideal for use in treating both BPH and urinary tract infections. Saw palmetto has been found to relieve symptoms, inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT, and it has an antiestrogenic effect, all of which help in treating an enlarged prostate.
Pygeum
Another herbal remedy for BPH is known as pygeum, otherwise known as pygeum africanum. The evergreen tree known as pygeum africanum can be found in their natural habitats in southern and central Africa. For thousands of years, our ancestors have used the bark from the pygeum africanum for medical purposes. The main use of the bark was for treating urinary problems and bladder conditions. African healers would use the bark by turning it into powder and then making a tea from the powder. This has been deemed effective in improving symptoms of frequent nighttime urination, urine retention, and urine flow problems.
Stinging nettle
The third herbal remedy on our list is the stinging nettle, also known as urtica dioica. This flowering plant is native to North America, northern Africa, Asia, and Europe. When combined with other herbs, the stinging nettle can be used as an effective herbal remedy for BPH, improving urine flow, stopping dribbling problems, relieving the frequent urge to urinate, and aiding in avoiding urinary retention.