Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Although benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate gland) is not directly related to prostate cancer, men often ask whether there are useful non-drug choices for helping relieve symptoms, such as frequent urination and nighttime urination.

The following products appear to be helpful, based on clinical trial data:

• Pygeum africanum, 100 mg daily (some people use 200 mg)
• Saw palmetto, 320 mg daily
• Cernilton (rye pollen), 6 caps daily
• Beta-sitosterols, 60 to 200 mg daily
• Stinging nettle (600 to 1200 mg daily) and raw green pumpkin seeds (1 handful a day). These may work well when used with some of the above products.

For more information:

• Learn about symptom relief for benign enlargement of the prostate.
• Good Food, Great Medicine offers further advice and recipes.
• Learn more about nutritional supplements by attending one of our public lectures.
• Make an appointment with Providence Integrative Medicine for more help with diet and exercise.
• Many other useful resources are available.
• Go back to Nutritional Support to Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk.
• Go back to Providence Integrative Medicine Program.

© 2008, Miles Hassell, M.D.