7 Natural Remedies for an Enlarged Prostate

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If you’re a man over a certain age, you’re probably familiar with the nightly trips to the bathroom, the sudden urgency, or the feeling that you can’t quite empty your bladder. You’re not alone. These are the common, often frustrating signs of an enlarged prostate, medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

While it’s a normal part of aging for many men, the symptoms don’t have to control your life. Before turning to medication or procedures, many are looking toward nature’s pharmacy for support.

As a nutrition and wellness expert, I’ve seen firsthand how strategic lifestyle and dietary changes can make a world of difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore seven of the most well-researched natural remedies that can help you manage BPH symptoms and reclaim your comfort and confidence.

First, A Crucial Disclaimer

Important: Always consult with your doctor or a urologist before starting any new supplement or remedy for BPH. Your symptoms need a proper diagnosis to rule out other conditions, and some natural supplements can interact with medications. This information is for educational purposes and should be part of a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Understanding the Enemy: What is an Enlarged Prostate?

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). As men age, it’s common for the prostate to grow larger. When this growth is non-cancerous, it’s called BPH.

This enlargement can squeeze the urethra like a pinched garden hose, leading to a host of urinary symptoms. The goal of natural remedies isn’t to shrink the prostate back to its teenage size, but rather to reduce inflammation, support hormonal balance, and relax prostate tissue to alleviate the pressure and ease symptoms.

The 7 Natural Remedies for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Here are seven of the most effective, science-backed natural approaches to managing prostate health.

1. Saw Palmetto: The Prostate Powerhouse

Perhaps the most famous herb for prostate health, Saw Palmetto is a staple in many natural BPH protocols.

How it Works: It’s believed to work by blocking the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that stimulates prostate growth. By inhibiting this process, Saw Palmetto may help prevent further enlargement.
The Evidence: Studies have shown it can be particularly effective for improving urinary flow, reducing nighttime urination, and easing the overall symptom score of BPH.
How to Use It: Look for a high-quality, lipid-sterol extract. The typical dosage is 160 mg, taken twice daily. Consistency is key, as it may take several weeks to months to notice significant improvements.

2. Pumpkin Seed Oil: A Nutrient-Rich Tonic

Don’t just save these for Halloween! Pumpkin seeds and their oil are a treasure trove of nutrients beneficial for the prostate.

How it Works: Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, a mineral that plays a crucial role in prostate function and hormonal balance. They also contain unique plant sterols and antioxidants that are thought to help reduce inflammation and support urinary health.
The Evidence: Research, including several clinical trials, has found that pumpkin seed oil can significantly improve urinary symptoms and quality of life for men with BPH.
How to Use It: You can take it in liquid form or as softgel capsules. Alternatively, make a habit of snacking on a handful of raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds daily.

3. Pygeum Africanum: The Bark with Bite

Derived from the bark of the African plum tree, Pygeum has a long history of use in European medicine for urinary problems.

How it Works: Pygeum is rich in phytosterols and anti-inflammatory compounds. It’s thought to work by reducing cholesterol buildup in the prostate (which can fuel growth) and by decreasing inflammation that contributes to swelling and discomfort.
The Evidence: Multiple analyses have concluded that Pygeum provides a statistically significant improvement in urinary symptoms, especially in reducing nighttime urination.
How to Use It: A standard extract is often used, with a typical dosage ranging from 50 to 100 mg taken twice a day.

4. Stinging Nettle Root: Not Just a Weed

While you might curse it in your garden, the root of the stinging nettle plant is a powerful ally for prostate health.

How it Works: Stinging Nettle Root is believed to work in two ways: by binding to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which can influence prostate growth, and by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. It may also help relax the smooth muscle tissue at the neck of the bladder, making urination easier.
The Evidence: It’s often used in combination with Saw Palmetto in Europe, and studies on these combinations show excellent results for symptom relief.
How to Use It: It is commonly taken as a dried root in capsules or as a tincture. Follow the dosage instructions on the product label.

5. Lycopene: The Red Antioxidant

This powerful antioxidant is what gives tomatoes, watermelon, and grapefruit their vibrant red color.

How it Works: Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that accumulates in the prostate gland. It helps protect prostate cells from oxidative damage and inflammation, which are key drivers of BPH.
The Evidence: Observational studies have linked a high dietary intake of lycopene with a reduced risk of BPH and lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
How to Use It: The best way to get lycopene is through your diet! Cooked tomatoes (like in tomato sauce, paste, or soup) provide a more bioavailable form than raw tomatoes. Watermelon and guava are also excellent sources.

6. Beta-Sitosterol: The Plant Sterol

Beta-Sitosterol is a plant sterol found in many of the remedies already listed, including Saw Palmetto, Pygeum, and Pumpkin Seeds. It’s also available as a standalone supplement.

How it Works: It’s thought to improve urinary symptoms by reducing inflammation in the prostate and improving the flow of urine through the urethra.
The Evidence: Clinical studies have consistently shown that Beta-Sitosterol significantly improves urinary symptom scores and peak urine flow rates in men with BPH.
How to Use It: It is taken as a supplement, with a common dosage of 60-130 mg per day. Since it’s fat-soluble, take it with a meal for best absorption.

7. Rye Grass Pollen Extract: The Surprising Contender

Marketed under names like Cernilton or Gramisol, this extract comes from a specific type of rye grass pollen.

How it Works: Its exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it appears to relax the smooth muscles in the bladder and prostate while also exerting a strong anti-inflammatory effect.
The Evidence: Research has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing residual urine volume (the amount left in the bladder after urination) and decreasing the frequency of nighttime urination.
How to Use It: This is typically taken as a standardized extract in capsule form according to the product’s specific instructions.

Building a Prostate-Healthy Lifestyle

Remedies work best within a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few additional tips to support your prostate:

Stay Hydrated, But Be Smart: Drink plenty of fluids during the day, but try to limit your intake in the two hours before bedtime to reduce nighttime trips.
Limit Bladder Irritants: Caffeine and alcohol can irritate the bladder and worsen urgency. Pay attention to how your body reacts.
Move Your Body: Regular exercise can help prevent BPH and manage its symptoms.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a known risk factor for BPH, as it can influence hormone levels.

The Final Word

Managing an enlarged prostate is a journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. These seven natural remedies offer a powerful, evidence-based toolkit for finding relief. Start by having an open conversation with your doctor, consider which of these options resonates with you, and be patient as you find the right combination that helps you feel your best.

Remember, taking a proactive approach to your health is the most powerful remedy of all.

References and Sources:

Mayo Clinic. “Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).”
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). “Saw Palmetto.”
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. “Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia.”
National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Office of Dietary Supplements – Zinc.”
Nutrition Research and Practice. “Effects of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil in Korean men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.”
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. “Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia.”
Planta Medica. “Stinging nettle root for benign prostatic hyperplasia.”
Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. “Lycopene and beta-carotene contents in tomato fruits and their relation to prostate cancer.”
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “Dietary and supplemental lycopene and risk of prostate cancer.”
European Urology. “Beta-sitosterol for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review.”
BJU International. “Rye grass pollen extract in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.”