Description
Botanical: Serenoa repens (also known as Serenoa serrulata and Sabal serrulata)
Other common names: Pan Palm, Dwarf Palmetto, American Dwarf Palm Tree, Cabbage Palm, Sabal, Serenoa, Palmetto Berry
Saw Palmetto. The herb is said to be helpful in treating many prostate disorders, including prostate enlargement and the discomforts of frequent urination. As an overall herbal tonic for good health, Saw Palmetto is helpful for those who are convalescing or who suffer from wasting diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, and it is an expectorant that helps clear chest congestion and an old-time remedy for bronchitis and asthma. Many herbalists consider Saw Palmetto to be an aphrodisiac for both men and women.
Country of Origin: United States
Beneficial Uses:
Saw Palmetto has been used to treat impotence and other diseases of the prostate gland. It is administered to men to increase the function of the testicles and relieve irritation in mucous membranes, particularly in the urinary tract and prostate. Saw Palmetto is used primarily for symptoms related to prostatic conditions and is thought to have anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Results from early clinical studies suggested that Saw Palmetto can improve urinary flow rate and reduce nocturia in patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
Administered to women, Saw Palmetto is said to support mammary gland health. It may also help women with polycystic ovarian disease, cystitis and help to decrease androgen (a hormone that stimulates male characteristics in women).
Saw Palmetto is regarded as an herbal diuretic and a urinary antiseptic.
As a fine expectorant, Saw Palmetto clears the chest of congestion. It has been useful in treating bronchial complaints (coughs due to colds, asthma and bronchitis), and it is especially beneficial when there is an excessive discharge of mucus from the sinuses and nose.
Saw Palmetto is an overall herbal tonic that builds strength during convalescence from an illness and has been helpful for those who suffer from wasting diseases, such as HIV/AIDS. Long ago, an American medicinal botanist, John Lloyd, noted that animals fed Saw Palmetto berries grew sleek and fat. In human diets, Saw Palmetto is said to stimulate the appetite and have a beneficial effect on body weight.
Saw Palmetto is said to regulate hormones and is considered to be beneficial to the reproductive organs of both sexes. It is also considered an aphrodisiac.
Saw Palmetto is recommended as a tonic promoting good general health. As a mild sedative and tranquilizer, it is said to improve the disposition.
Contraindications:
Men taking the prescription drugs Propecia® and Proscar® should inform their doctors if they are also taking Saw Palmetto. Saw Palmetto may counter the efficacy of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and birth control pills. Pregnant women should not use Saw Palmetto. Saw Palmetto may have additive anticoagulant effect and prolong bleeding time. Thus, it is not wise to take with blood-thinning medication (aspirin, warfarin/Coumadin®, etc.) without first speaking with a physician.
