Prostate enlargement is a common problem for men in later life. They experience pain on urination, and the constant urge to urinate can produce fitful sleep and become quite exhausting. One cause can be a bacterial infection invading the prostate. But herbalist James Green tells us it mostly affects men between forty and sixty years old, which suggests a hormonal imbalance or glandular stagnation. Sometimes a dull ache will be felt in the abdominal area, from the prostate pressing into the urethra. Occasionally, blood in the semen or urine is noticeable. Treating the condition quickly is important. If it is left untreated, retained urine that cannot be expelled can eventually cause cystitis or prostatitis as it flows back into the bloodstream, while the pressure on the bladder and kidneys can become very dangerous. The prostate gland is occasionally removed if the problem has been allowed to develop too far without proper attention. If left untreated, the whole prostate could become cancerous.
Consume plenty of zinc-rich foods, as this mineral normalizes testosterone production. Use sea vegetables, organically grown pumpkin seeds, pumpkins themselves, sunflower seeds, garlic, bell peppers, mushrooms, bilberries, and soybeans.
Steer absolutely clear of coffee, tea, alcohol, sugar, and refined foods.
Eat plenty of grains, fresh vegetables, and fruit.
Drink lots of barley water and water with lemon juice.
Do not buy cheap zinc tablets. Zinc can boost the immune defenses, but excessive intake in the form of zinc tablets can undermine and impede the immune system. Herbs that are rich in zinc include skullcap leaf, Siberian ginseng root, nettle leaf, and chickweed leaf, all of which can be taken for their general tonic properties.
A herbal formula that will generally help to balance the hormones and strengthen the kidney and bladder in the long term would be three parts of saw palmetto berry and one part each of damiana leaf, dandelion root, Rehmannia root, chickweed leaf, marshmallow root, lobelia leaf, ginkgo leaf, Astragalus root, burdock root, parsley leaf, and bearberry leaf. Saw palmetto berries will also help to relax the nervous system.
To ease inflammation, use tincture or teas of gravel root, hydrangea root, corn silk, and marshmallow root in equal amounts.
For infection, use garlic cloves and echinacea root.
James Green also suggests herbal enemas—this is well worth a try, and you can use the herbs mentioned below.
Some medical practitioners feel that the cause of the enlargement is an accumulation of testosterone in the prostate itself. Using up the testosterone is possibly an answer, so continue sports, sexual activity, and work with zeal, if you can. If the prostate feels hot and unbearably inflamed and urination is a nightmare, use a clay poultice over the area at nighttime. Use equal parts of the following: bentonite clay, slippery elm inner bark, barberry root bark, and lavender leaf and flower powder, with enough castor oil to turn it all into a paste.
Take regular exercise to increase circulation and oxygen to the area.
Hot and cold showers will also increase circulation and oxygen to the area.
This Prostate Enlargement article is taken from :
The complete home guide to herbs, natural healing, and nutrition / Jill Rosemary Davies.
