HISTORY:

Saw palmetto is a common low-growing small palm with fanlike fronds and small berry-type fruits.Palmetto can be found along the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, from the Carolinas to Texas. (OK, OK, so it's not "Herbs & Plants of the Southwest"......it's from the Southeast, but at least it IS Native American!

Native Americans, like the Seminoles (a fedration of various southern tribes and some escaped slaves) recognized the saw palmetto fruits as a food, despite the tart taste, and also as a medicine. These native Floridians prepared infusions of berries to treat stomachache and diarrhea, and also for diuretic and sexual tonic.

USE:

Native Americans prepared aqueous infusions of Saw palmetto fruits for treatment of stomachache and dysentery, at a dosage of 1 teaspoon dried berries to 1 cup boiling water. They also used Saw palmetto berries as a diuretic and sexual tonic. Saw Palmetto helps maintain proper urinary function in men by supporting prostate health. Saw Palmetto berry extract has been shown to increase urinary flow.

Various dosages are used for BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy), but 400 mgs, twice a day, seems fairly standard. This should NOT be a very expensive herbal preparation, because of the common availability of this plant!

ALWAYS:

Be sure of the identity of the plant before you use it. If a preparation makes you sick or gives you a rash, don't use it, and throw it away! If your condition does not improve, see your doctor. Be sure to let your physician know EVERYTHING that you are taking!Use reliable, organic sources for your herbal preparations, as the strength may be highly variable from less reliable manufacturers.