That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Some studies show that saw palmetto is able to relieveBPH symptoms, but not all studies agree.
Saw palmetto may also be safer than Flomax.
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The recommended dosage of saw palmetto is 160 to 320 micrograms (mcg) two times a day.
Pygeum
Pygeumis a remedy sourced from the bark of the African cherry tree.
Pygeum bark extracts have been used in prescription drugs in Europe since 1969 to treat BPH.
The recommended dosage of Pygeum supplements for BPH is 50 to 100 mcg two times a day.
The medicinal benefit of rye grass is found in the pollen.
Studies show rye grass pollen extracts can provide moderate relief for people with BPH.
Rye grass pollen can also improve lower urinary tract symptoms.
More research is needed to better understand the effects of rye grass pollen on enlarged prostate.
Soy
Many claims have been made regarding soy’s ability to improve BPH symptoms.
However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support them.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acidsare essential fats found mainly in fish and fish products.
Lycopene
Lycopene is a carotenoid produced by tomato plants.
Scientific research shows that tomato-based and lycopene supplements may be able to help reduce symptoms of BPH.
This finding is attributed to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties of lycopene.
Green Tea
Green teacontains a polyphenol calledepigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG).
EGCG has many beneficial properties.
Among them are its anti-inflammatory effect, antioxidant capabilities, andimmune system boost.
Nettles
Nettles(Urtica dioica) contain compounds such as phytosterols,lignans, and polysaccharides.
These compounds can be used to reduce the symptoms of BHP.
In addition, nettles have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-viral effects.
One scientific review found nettles can help improve symptoms and decrease prostate size.
Some scientific evidence even suggestszinc deficiencymay increase the risk of both prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.
For prostate health, the recommended dosage for zinc is 25 to 50 mcg a day.
This can also benefit people withprostatitis.
Cranberries
Cranberries(Vaccinium macrocarpon) can help improve prostate health.
The effect was greater in people taking the higher dose than the lower one.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds can help treat lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH.
In a scientific study, unprocessedpumpkin seedswere able to considerably reduce enlarged prostate symptoms and improve quality of life.
However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The high level of zinc in pumpkin seeds may also be able to help shrink an enlarged prostate.
Fireweed
Fireweeds (members of theEpilobiumgenus) have a long history of use in treating BPH symptoms.
Herbs used in combination with fireweed include lycopene, Pygeum, and saw palmetto.
This allows you to reap multiple benefits of various herbs at the same time.
More severe symptoms require further medical treatment.
This may involve medication, surgery, and non-surgical therapies.
Summary
Natural remedies for enlarged prostate can help provide relief from symptoms.
More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between natural remedies and enlarged prostate, however.
If you’re considering using supplements, talk to your healthcare provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits.
Keep in mind that alternative medicine should not be used as a substitute for standard care.
Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
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