Herbal Hub

Never heard about saw palmetto until there was a rave about it that helps men with enlarged prostate. Sadly, enlarged prostate gland is now common not just in older men but men as young as in their 40’s. Nobody knew how this came about but it helps to know that there are alternative ways aside from the common drugs to shrink enlarged prostate glands.

About the plant: Saw palmetto is a garden ornament as a ‘”fan palm.” Its a tropical looking palm that is hardy, drought-resistant and the only species in its genus Serenoa. It is native in the southeastern part of the U.S., especially in Florida. Its scientific name honors the American Botanist Sereno Watson who initially made a detailed description of plants in North America.

What I discovered: The palm-looking saw palmetto bear fruits and from these fruits extracted remedies used for various conditions. Saw palmetto extracts have properties such as diuretic, antiseptic, expectorant, sedative, tonic and warming. The fruits were discovered high in fatty acids and  cholesterol-lowering (phytosterols). Saw palmetto is considered a body-builder – boosting the important mucous membranes in good condition to keep the reproductive, respiratory and digestive systems healthy. This plant is not just for men but for women as well.

I bet you are curious how saw palmetto became a natural “sex pill,” here it is folks, it is said that it acts in the body’s hormonal system, aside from prostate-related problems (specifically benign prostatic hyperplasia) but as well as loss of libido and impotence. Maybe, its the “warming” properties of saw palmetto that makes it happen but nobody knows for sure. But there were stories that Native Americans in the southeast use the fruit of saw palmetto to treat impotence, testicular problems, poor lactation, female infertility, painful menstruation, tender breasts and low libido.

What’s hot: Saw palmetto extracts boasts in affecting the endocrine system, especially its action on prostate gland and for libido. Maintains healthy tissues and mucous membranes of the body, treat cystitis, uterine inflammation, poor lactation, colds, asthma.

What’s not-so-hot: If you don’t want to take saw palmetto supplements and want to go natural by eating saw palmetto fruits, go ahead, its edible but they said its unpleasant tasting. And that is if you can grow this herbal plant in your garden. If you live in temperate countries you can always have a greenhouse. Who knows? You might get lucky growing this interesting plant.

Photo source: Kalyx, Art.com

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