Does This Natural Remedy for an Enlarged Prostate Actually Work?

Many men who are dealing with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) are looking for a natural remedy for an enlarged prostate. As such, they may try to relieve BPH symptoms by taking supplements such as saw palmetto, an herbal-medicine staple with rumored anti-inflammatory properties. However, supplements such as this are unregulated and their safety may be questionable. Moreover, there is little scientific evidence to suggest their efficacy. So, does saw palmetto have any benefit for someone with an enlarged prostate? Let’s take a closer look.

Saw Palmetto: An Effective Natural Remedy for Enlarged Prostate?

For hundreds of years, saw palmetto has been touted as a supplement that’s beneficial to prostate health. Over the years, some findings suggested it could mimic the effects of finasteride in the body, helping shrink your prostate gland. More recently, however, that idea has been called into question.

Today, the American Urological Association points out the flaws in studies highlighting saw palmetto as a natural remedy for enlarged prostate: they were small, lacking a placebo control group, and conducted for a short duration. As such, this 2024 study sought to correct those flaws. And, despite being conducted over a 17-month period, and despite including a placebo group, researchers concluded that, on its own, taking saw palmetto (also known as Serenoa repens or SR) alone “provides little to no benefits for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic enlargement.” But, while this supplement may not relieve your BPH symptoms, there are some other natural remedies that may help you manage LUTS without seeking medical intervention.

Lifestyle Measures for BPH Relief

While saw palmetto may not shrink your prostate, some natural remedies can help you reduce your BPH symptom burden. First, you can manage your fluid intake—making sure to stay hydrated, but cutting off your fluid intake at least two hours before you go to bed. (Note: you should not drink less with BPH, since dehydration can actually worsen LUTS.) You may also feel better if you follow this diet for enlarged prostate relief.

Feeling better after trying an effective natural remedy for enlarged prostate? It’s fine to wait and see how you feel before considering a medical intervention like the minimally invasive PAE procedure. But when such measures fail to relieve your symptoms of BPH, the experts at the Texas Prostate Institute are here to help you consider the full range of your treatment options. Simply reach out to our team and request a consultation.