Saw palmetto ( Serenoa repens) has long since been recognised to be a popular herbal remedy, which is extracted from a small palm tree found in North America and the West indies. The herbal benefits relating to saw palmetto are found by extracting elements from the blue-black berries.
Health Benefits of Saw Palmetto
Native Americans and early colonists have identified that saw palmetto has multiple healing properties, especially for treating men's health problems. In Healing Supplements, Lakin et al. (2006) highlight key health benefits associated with saw palmetto, to include the following:
- eases frequent night-time urination
- reduces other enlarged prostate symptoms
- relieves prostate inflammation
- helps boost the immune system
- reduces urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- acts as a general health tonic for frail people
- relieves persistent coughs
- improves digestion
- is routinely prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia
- reduces tissue swelling
- reduces levels of cancer-promoting hormones
Further health benefits relating to taking saw palmetto supplements, as identified by Brewer (2010) in The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements, may include:
- reduces urinary tract obstructions
- blocks prostate enzyme action
- relaxes smooth muscle cell
- reduces spasm
How to take Saw Palmetto – Dosage and Guidelines
Saw palmetto supplements come in various forms, including as a capsule, dried herb (for saw palmetto herbal tea), softgel, tablet and tincture. Lakin et al. (2006) recommend taking 160 mg of saw palmetto twice daily and to choose supplements derived from extracts which contain 85-95% fatty acids and sterols, while Brewer (2010) recommends 150 mg-3 g daily in divided doses.
It is best to steer clear of cheap brands of saw palmetto supplements, which may include inactive leaf extracts instead of saw palmetto berry extracts. Before taking saw palmetto supplements, seek medical advice from the family doctor.
Saw Palmetto Side-Effects
While side-effects associated with taking saw palmetto supplements are recognised as being relatively uncommon, they can affect some people. According to Lakin et al. (2006), possible side-effects of saw palmetto extracts, may include the following:
- mild abdominal pain
- nausea
- dizziness
- headache
Once such side-effects have occurred, they may be reduced through either reducing the dose or simply stopping treatment. This herbal remedy should not be taken when on other medications such as coagulants, without medical supervision.
As highlighted above, saw palmetto berry extracts have long since been identified as having healing properties. Key health benefits include improved prostate, UTIs, prostatic hyperplasia symptoms as well as better digestion and stronger immunity. While side-effects of saw palmetto are rare, they may cause mild abdominal pain and headaches.
Sources:
Brewer, S. (2010) The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements London: Constable Robinson
Lakin et al. (2006) Healing Supplements London: Reader's Digest
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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