Focus on Herbs: Saw palmetto

by Lynne Latella

A palm tree that grows to about ten feet, the saw palmetto is prevalent in the Southeast, particularly around the Everglades. Predating the Mayans, its berries have been used medicinally to relieve many ailments. Seminole Indians consumed them to support urinary tract health. Animals that fed on them grew sleek and fat. Early American botanists noticed that eating the berries positively affected body weight, general health, disposition, calmness, appetite and reproductive organs.

Saw palmetto has many uses. During the early part of the century, it was considered a popular tonic that increased sperm production and sex drive. It is purported to prevent hair loss, build the thyroid, increase blood flow to sex organs, relieve excessive mucous, Because saw palmetto is not well known, Americans continue to spend millions of dollars on drug counterparts to a natural treatment that is safer, more effective, less expensive and has no side effects. On average, those who use saw palmetto often feel less urgency to urinate, get up less often at night to go to the bathroom and/or have greater urine flow. It is best to select fat-soluble preparations of saw palmetto made by reputable companies (rather than saw palmetto tea, a water based preparation that provides little benefit). The Coop carries tinctures and compounds.

Although the herb may offer a solution to a common condition, it is always advisable to seek medical advice to rule out any serious condition. asthma and bronchitis. It is an excellent glandular tonic. But as a remedy for prostate problems, it is considered the premier herbal treatment. A buildup of testosterone converts to a c o m p o u n d which causes cell enlargement. As the gland enlarges with age, it blocks the urethra, which inhibits urinary flow. The berries can counteract the effect of male hormones that cause prostate problems. 

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