Conscious Choice: Prostate Health

July 1998 | Herbs for Health

Prostate Health

by Meg McGowan

This column is dedicated to Bob Mullen, my sister’s father-in-law, who died of prostate cancer last year. Bob was kind, generous, and funny. He also raised some wonderful children.

Currently, the majority of men over 45 years of age are plagued by an enlarged prostate. Health problems that are experienced by a large number of people as they age are often thought of as inevitable, rather than treatable. This, coupled with the reluctance of many men to seek medical attention unless they are in acute distress, means that the early indicators of prostate trouble are often ignored or dismissed.

Partly muscular, partly glandular, the prostate encircles the urethra at the point where it leaves the bladder. Consequently, the first signs of an enlarged prostate tend to be problems related to urination: inability to completely empty the bladder, weak urinary flow, difficulty in urination, frequent urination — particularly at night — and incontinence. Before self-treating, a medical diagnosis is strongly recommended. It should be determined that you are treating a benign condition. Additionally, urinary distress can lead to bladder or kidney infections.

The primary cause of prostate enlargement is a change in hormone levels. As men age their hormone production is altered. Excessive amounts of one form of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), causes prostate cells to multiply at abnormal rates. An increase in the production of DHT is thought to be a normal part of the aging process, but environmental factors also play a significant role. Chemicals such as dioxin, polyhalogenated biphenols, and hexachlorobenzene have been found to cause DHT to accumulate in the prostate.

As yet, diet and lifestyle are only peripherally linked to prostate health. Men who suffer from discomfort are advised to curtail alcohol and caffeine consumption and to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. It is likely, as more information is gathered, that recommendations for men at mid-life will be the same as the emerging recommendations for women at mid-life (which are so similar as to be taken for the general tenets for a healthy, disease-free life).

It’s probably no coincidence that several of the herbs listed for prostate by John Lust, in The Herb Book — blind nettle (Lamium album), lady’s mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris), nettle (Urtica dioica), parsley (Petroselinum sativum), and thuja (Thuja occidentalis) — also provide relief for various menstrual discomforts. As discussed in last month’s column, we are only beginning to understand the actions of numerous herbs that act as hormone regulators, helping our bodies to find equilibrium when we are out of balance.

Research in France, Japan and Germany has confirmed the effectiveness of nettle root in treating prostate inflammation. Studies suggest that it is best when taken in the early stages or in mild cases. A diuretic, nettle treats the symptoms of urinary discomfort and also provides substantial amounts of b-sitosterol, a hormone-like substance which may stem the cause.

Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo) and saw palmetto berries (Sabal serrulata syn. Serenoa serrulata) are two other rich sources of b-sitosterol. Saw palmetto, like nettle, has diuretic properties. It’s most well known, however, as an herbal boost for the male reproductive system. Though saw palmetto is indigenous to North America, it is not yet a widely accepted treatment in the United States. In Germany, saw palmetto is available as an over-the-counter treatment and is recognized by the medical community.

Approximately 80 percent of all cases of enlarged prostate in France are treated with pygeum (Pygeum africanum), which increases glandular secretions and reduces levels of cholesterol within the organ. Derived from the bark of a tree native to Africa, pygeum is available in capsules and tinctures. Combined with other herbs, it may be beneficial in treating prostatic cancer. Be advised, pygeum should be taken under the direction of a health care professional.

Damiana (Tunera diffusa syn. T. diffusa var. Aphrodisiaca) is considered a strengthening tonic for the nervous and hormonal systems. It has mild laxative, diuretic, and testosterogenic effects. The Myans have traditionally used it as an aphrodisiac, hence its Latin nomenclature — T. diffusa var aphrodisiaca. Research is sketchy, but it appears that the alkaloid in damiana acts like male hormone, testosterone. Used to treat reproductive concerns of both men and women, damiana is best used in moderation to avoid over stimulation.

Several herbs act more specifically on the urinary-tract symptoms of prostate enlargement. Buchu (Barosma betulina) treats enlarged prostate, urinary-tract and prostate infections. It is often used in combination with uva-ursi or bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), a tonic which soothes and strengthens the urinary system. Prepare and use carefully: Boiling buchu leaves renders them virtually ineffective, and neither uva-ursi nor buchu should not be used by anyone with kidney trouble, painful urination, or blood in their urine. Uva-Ursi may turn urine a dark green color — a harmless side effect. If you experience nausea or ringing in your ears, however, consult an herbal professional.Do not take uva-ursi for more than seven days at a time.

Nor is horsetail (Equisetum arvense) appropriate for long-term use. It should not be taken for more than six weeks, lest it irritate the digestive tract. The active constituent is silica, which makes it effective in treating urinary-tract problems. It is often recommended in conjunction with damiana and saw palmetto. Do not confuse horsetail with marsh horsetail (E. palustre), which is a similar, but larger plant. Marsh horsetail contains toxic alkaloids. Hydrangea root (Hydrangea arborescens), joe-pye weed (Eupatorium purpureum), pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium) are other alternatives for treating urinary infections.

In Back to Eden, Jethro Kloss states that constipation almost always accompanies an enlarged prostate. Rather than follow Kloss’ suggested course of treatment, however (which involves hot catnip or valerian enemas administered as often as three times a day), you may prefer alfalfa (Medicago sativa) taken orally, which can relieve constipation as well as inflammation of the prostate. Alfalfa has an overall tonic function and is used to treat acute or chronic cystitis. It may have hormonal properties, as it can increase the flow of breast milk in nursing mothers. Alfalfa leaves are more effective than alfalfa sprouts. Alfalfa seeds contain a toxic amino acid and should be avoided entirely. Available in tea or capsule form, alfalfa may also reduce blood cholesterol levels, which not only play a role in prostate inflammation, but in heart disease and strokes.

The body of writing about of women’s mid-life health concerns has greatly increased over the past few years. I hope the information available for men will continue to grow as well. It is likely that what we learn about health at mid-life will ultimately affect what we know about health throughout life — for everyone.

NOTE: An enlarged prostate can indicate cancer. If you experience any of the symptoms discussed in this column, please, as your first course of treatment, seek a diagnosis from a health care professional.

DISCLAIMER: Choosing a holistic approach to medicine means choosing personal responsibility for your health care. Herbs for Health offers a doorway through which to enter the realm of herbal healing, an invitation to further investigation on the part of the reader. It is in no way intended as a substitute for advice from a health care practitioner.

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