Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto is also known by the names Sabal, Pan Palm, and Dwarf Palmetto. It is a small palm tree found in the West Indies and the Atlantic Coast of the United States. The plant grows from 6 to 10 feet high with a crown of large, 2 to 4 foot high foliage forming what is called the "palmetto scrub". The berries of this impressive palm are gathered from September through January.
The genus name, Serenoa, is named after the American botanist, Sereno Watson (1826-1892). Saw Palmetto was once used in love potions. Saw Palmetto is an old American tonic, dating back to the Maya Indians or even further. John Lloyd, a famous early American medicinal botanist, observed that animals fed on these berries grew sleek and fat.
The Saw Palmetto berry, when eaten, has a noticeable effect on body weight, general health and disposition, tranquillisation, appetite stimulation and reproductive organ health.
Saw Palmetto berries historically have been used to treat several related disorders of the genito-urinary system, including inflammation, rupture and blockage. These historical uses prompted European researchers to investigate the clinical use of Saw Palmetto berry extracts in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The educated guesses of the time, based on clinical findings concerning the cause of BPH, is that testosterone levels build up in the prostate. Within the prostate, testosterone is converted to an even more potent compound (dihydrotestosterone). This compound causes cells to multiply excessively, which leads to prostate enlargement. Studies have shown that the fat-soluble Saw Palmetto berry extract prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Saw Palmetto continues to be an herb that effectively acts to tone and strengthen the male reproductive system. It may be used with safety where a boost to the male sex hormones is required, as is obviously specific in cases of enlarged prostate glands. Primary chemical constituents include essential oils, caprylic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, carotene, tannin, sitosterol, beta-sitosterol, polysaccharides, dextrose, and resins.
Most patients reported obtaining some relief of symptoms within the first 30 days of treatment with a Saw Palmetto supplement. However, Saw Palmetto had no demonstrable effect on the serum prostatic specific antigen levels. In addition to its primary application to support prostate problems, this herb is useful for asthma and all kinds of throat troubles, colds, bronchitis, la grippe, whooping cough, and throat irritation. It is especially useful when there is excessive mucous discharge from the sinuses and nose. It is considered a reproductive tonic for both men & women, and can even help treat "honeymoon cystitis", where irritation occurs from excessive sex.
Saw Palmetto also strengthens the thyroid, which controls overall gland function. This herb can also reduce breast tenderness related to breast feeding and menstruation. There is evidence that Saw Palmetto may also be used to balance the metabolism, aid digestion, and stimulate appetite to increase weight gain.
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