All About Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a North American palm plant growing on the eastern coast of the United States from Florida to South Carolina. It also grows in southern California. Its Latin name is serenoa repens or sabal serrulata. Saw palmetto oil is harvested from the nut or berry and contains fatty acids and sterols. The oil from the saw palmetto has been used as a diuretic, and to treat urinary tract problems. It helps build tissues and can affect respiratory membranes. Its most well-known use is for prostate enlargement.

When the prostrate becomes swollen or enlarged, it blocks the flow of urine through the urethra. Often, this enlargement is due to excess testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate. Saw palmetto seems to reduce the hormones being absorbed into the prostate and consequently, the swelling. Urination difficulties are reduced as the prostate returns to normal size.

Although it can make urination less difficult, it will not cure an underlying condition, such as prostate cancer or other serious disease. Since saw palmetto also seems to help keep testosterone from becoming dihydrotestosterone, it also has the effect of slowing male pattern baldness, often linked to this hormone.

The lack of sexual dysfunction associated with the use of saw palmetto make it a popular choice among men. Interestingly, saw palmetto helps women balance hormone levels, and has been recommended for breast enlargement and difficulties with the uterus. Other uses of saw palmetto relate to its effect on mucous membranes. It has been used to treat bronchitis, asthma, coughing and chest congestion as well. Saw palmetto at the recommended dose is considered safe, although pregnant women should avoid it because of its hormonal effects. Patients with some types of hormone-related cancers should avoid saw palmetto for the same reasons.

Since it can affect the mucous membranes, those using prescription asthma medications should review saw palmetto use with their doctors to avoid interaction.

Recommended Saw Palmetto Supplement

We have stumbled upon a company that produces a product that provides the highest quality of Saw Palmetto is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Xtend-Life has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains standardized Saw Palmetto, along with many other potent herbal supplement extracts, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other speciality nutrients, many of which are documented in this site.

We here at www.InstantHealthSecret.com personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as the foundation of our own health regimen and have achieved excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental acuity, and general sense of well-being.