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Information about the herb Saw Palmetto
Serenoa serrulata, also known as Sabal is part of the Palmae plant family. Saw
Palmetto is a small, palm-like plant found in sand dunes along the
Atlantic and Caribbean coasts. It is native to the Atlantic Coast of south Carolina,
Georgia and Florida and southern California, USA, and grows from the Carolinas
to Texas.
Botanical Name: Serenoa serrulata, Serenoa repens
Plant Family: Palmae, Palmaceae
Common Names: Sabal, Sabal serrulata
History: Native Americans and early American settlers used the berries to treat problems associated with the:
- genitals
- reproductive system
- urinary tract
Plant Constituents of Saw Palmetto
Contains:
- ethyl esters
- fixed oil
- free acids
- polysaccharides
- steroidal saponin
- tannins
- volatile oil (glyceride of fatty acids)
Action:
- anabolic [strengthens and builds body tissues]
- aphrodisiac [an agent for rousing or increasing sexual desire or potency]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the secretion and expulsion of urine]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous from the respiratory passages]
- inhibits androgen and estrogen receptor activity
- sedative [a soothing agent that reduces nervousness, distress or irritation]
- tonic [an agent that strengthens or invigorates organs or the entire organism]
Medicinal Parts Used: Berries
Saw Palmetto berries are used for:
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- improves digestion
- increases the assimilation of nutrients to the body
- stimulates appetite
Genitourinary Conditions
Saw Palmetto is called the 'plant catheter' due to its therapeutic effect on the neck of the bladder and is used to:
- benefit the urinary tract
- relieve strain from painful bladder problems
- tone the bladder by improving urinary flow
Regular use of Saw Palmetto may decrease urinary frequency, especially at night by:
- allowing complete bladder expulsion
- reducing inflammation of the bladder
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- nourishes the nervous system
Glandular System
- aids the thyroid in regulating sexual development
- for those suffering from thyroid deficiency
- marked effect on glandular system
Female Conditions
- aphrodisiac for women, combined with Damiana
- atrophy of mammary glands
- balances the hormones
- for reduced or absent libido (sex drive)
- frigidity
- increases the nutrition of the mammary glands in functional atony of these organs
- ovarian and uterine irritability
- stimulates breast enlargement and lactation
Inflammatory Conditions
- decreases catarrh in the mucous membranes
Male Conditions
- aphrodisiac for men, combined with Damiana
- atrophy of testes
- balances the hormones
- benefits the prostate gland
- for reduced or absent libido (sex drive)
- therapeutic effect on the prostate gland
- enlarged or weakened prostate gland (often combined with Willow Herb)
- reducing inflammation of the bladder and enlarged prostrate
- impotence
- increases the nutrition of the testicles in functional atony of these organs
Reproductive System
- normalizes activity of the reproductive glands and organs
Respiratory Conditions
- asthma
- clears chest congestion
- chronic bronchitis
- conditions associated with colds
- coughs
- mucous congestion
Other
- for all wasting diseases
- general tonic during convalescence from illness as it builds up strength and increases flesh rapidly
- in the treatment of diseases that deprive the body of strength and growth
- tissue builder
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- 15-30mL per week of 1:2 fluid extract
Caution: Saw Palmetto
- should not be used during pregnancy because of its potential hormonal effects
Global Herbal Supplies has Saw Palmetto available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
