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What is Saw Palmetto?
Saw palmetto is used in several forms of
traditional medicine. Aboriginal Americans used the fruit for food
and in the treatment of a variety of urinary and reproductive system
problems. The Mayans drank it as a tonic, and the Seminoles used the
berries as an expectorant and antiseptic.
The taste of
saw palmetto fruit is reported to
be repugnant A book by Susan Hales (1898) describes the saw palmetto
fruit as a staple food item for the Seminole Indians. The aboriginal
American medicine man also kept a medicine bag of saw palmetto
around to treat illness and to nourish the body. Other historical
uses have included the treatment of infertility in women, treatment
of underdeveloped breasts, increased lactation, painful menstruation
cycles, reduce prostate, appetite stimulant, and as a tonic
Health
Benefits
The active ingredients in
saw
palmetto berries are phytosterols from a variety of fatty
acids. Phytosterols prevent conversion of testosterone to
DHT, which is thought to be responsible for causing the
prostate to become inflamed.
Studies have indicated that
saw
palmetto also boosts the immune system's ability to kill
bacteria and can be used in the treatment of urinary tract
infections. Saw
palmetto is also used for other conditions, including
chronic pelvic pain, bladder disorders, decreased sex drive,
hair loss, and hormone imbalances. Side Effects
Side effects, though rare, may
include stomach pain, nausea, dizziness and headache. To
reduce or avoid side effects, the herb can be divided into
two doses and taken with food.
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