Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Saw palmetto

  1. #1
    bex's Avatar
    bex
    bex is offline Banned
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Location
    england
    Posts
    1,380

    Saw palmetto

    Saw palmetto berries were eaten by Native North Americans and animals. According to legend, on seeing the animals grow "sleek and fat", European settlers tried the berries and attributed medicinal properties to them. The fruit pulp was used as a tonic from the 19th century onwards, and today it is used to help in debility, for urinary tract problems and for reducing enlarged prostate glands.




    Habitat & Cultivation

    Saw palmetto is indigenous to North America and can be found growing in sand dunes along the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts from South Carolina to Texas. It is propagated from seed in spring and needs well-drained soil and plenty of sun. The berries are harvested when ripe in autumn, then dried, often with the seeds removed.


    Key Constituents

    Volatile oil (1-2%), Fixed oil, Steroidal saponin, Polysaccharides, Tannins


    Key Actions





    Tonic
    Diuretic
    Sedative
    Anabolic
    Oestrogenic






    Research

    Need for research There has been little research into saw palmetto, despite its potential as a treatment for enlarged prostate gland, and its anabolic action. With the probable presence of steroidal constituents, and an apparent oestrogenic action, saw palmetto is a plant that could have significant hormonal actions. It needs to be researched in depth.


    Traditional & Current Uses

    Anabolic action Saw palmetto is a tonic and is one of the few Western remedies that is considered to be anabolic - it strengthens and builds body tissues and encourages weight gain. Fruit pulp or tincture is given to those suffering from wasting illnesses and for general debility and failure to thrive.
    Hormonal disorders Although it is generally considered to be a man's herb, given its probable oestrogenic action saw palmetto is also a useful herbal remedy for women. It is prescribed for impotence, reduced or absent sex drive and testicular atrophy in men, and in women it has been given to stimulate breast enlargement.

    Urinary remedy Saw palmetto has been nicknamed the "plant catheter". This is because it has the ability to strengthen the neck of the bladder, and to reduce enlarged prostate glands. It is used chiefly as a diuretic to improve urine flow, and as a urinary antiseptic in cystitis. It combines well with horsetail and hydrangea in the treatment of prostate infection.

  2. #2
    TheStromba's Avatar
    TheStromba is offline Associate Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    270
    Good Post. It is nice to know a little more about the shit I am actually putting in my body.

  3. #3
    rangerdudeleads is offline Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Posts
    1,439
    cool, didnt know that.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •