Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto (Ju Ye Zong)Saw Palmetto (Ju Ye Zong)

Botanical Name: Serenoa serrulata, S. repens, Sabal serrulata

Saw Palmetto is probably best known for its ability to relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is also used to treat some prostate infections and even, in combination with other herbs, prostate cancer. Less known is the herbs application for treating colds, bronchitis and sore throats.

Below is an overview of Saw Palmetto (Ju Ye Zong), combining and interpreting the best of Western Science, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore and more. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of Saw Palmetto (Ju Ye Zong).

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Western

Western Name: Saw Palmetto

Also Known As: American Dwarf Palm Tree, Dwarf Palm, Sabal Berries

Organs/Systems: Reproductive Organs, Lungs, Thyroid

Key Western Actions & Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, Aphrodisiac, Diuretic, Sedative, Stimulating, Restorative. Enlarged prostate, cancer of the prostate, colds, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, migraine headaches, increase the flow of urine, increase sexual drive, hair loss.

Eastern

Pin Yin: Ju Ye Zong

Also Known As: Ju Zhong

Meridians: Kidney, Lung

Key TCM Actions & Medicinal Uses: Boosts Jing/Tonifies Kidney Q/Reduces Inflammation: boosts sexual drive, swollen or inflamed reproductive organs, infertility, ovaritis, impotence, sterility, improved energy, weight gain. Expels Phelgm/Supports Lung Qi: coughs, flus, bronchitis, wheezing, asthma, catarrhs.

Basic Habitat/Botany:

Saw palmetto is a small palm tree that has long green, pointed fan leaves and branches with small deep purple berries.

Native to the West Indies, Florida and other parts of Southeastern states within the United States.

Saw Palmetto (Ju Ye Zong)Parts Most Frequently Used: Ripe Fruit

Flavors/Temps: Slightly Sweet, Pungent, Astringent, Warm, Dry

Caution: Considered safe. Be aware saw palmetto can slow blood clotting, so if already using blood clotting medicines, including aspirin and ibuprofen, you could experience increased bruising and bleeding.

History/Folklore: Studies suggest that saw palmetto helps shrink the size of an enlarged prostate by shrinking the inner lining that puts pressure on the tubes that carry urine within the prostate.

Native Americans of the Seminole tribe in Florida ate the berries for food and used the plant to treat urinary and reproductive problems associated with an enlarged prostate gland. They used it to treat coughs, indigestion, insomnia and infertility problems too. There is a history of saw palmetto being used by the Mayans who traveled as far north as the Southern United States and/or also traded with the local Seminole Indians.

The Mayo Clinic reports that more than 2 million American men use saw palmetto to treat BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate).

The herb is used to treat frequent urination, increased urination at night (nocturia), trouble starting urination, dribbling and incomplete urination.

Saw palmetto increases testosterone which is associated with low libido in both men and women. Sperm production is guided by testosterone and in women, too little testosterone can lead to reduced egg production. The increased testosterone also increases sexual libido in both sexes. Increased testosterone is also associated with increased hair growth, so some men will use the herb to reduce the loss of hair and sometimes promote hair regrowth.

Specifically, saw palmetto slows the production of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase which turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a sex steroid and androgen hormone. While this is important for male development it contributes to many of the common health issues in men such as loss of libido, enlarged prostate and hair loss.

Saw palmetto can slow blood clotting so if using medications that slow blood clotting the combination can significantly increase your chance for inappropriate bruising and bleeding. This includes aspirin and ibuprofen. So be sure to check with your healthcare provider about what you are taking.

Some plants are thought to be 500-700 years old.

Key Constituents:

Fatty acids, Sterols, Flavonoids, Polysaccharides.

Did you know?

Saw Palmetto Extract

Saw palmetto extract is taken from the deep purple berries of the palm tree.

Facts

One of the Top 5

Saw palmetto is one of the top 5 commonly used herbs used for treating men with prostate cancer.

Fun fact!

Combines Well

Saw palmetto combines easily and well with other herbs. It is often used with pot marigold to help fight inflammatory conditions of the reproductive organs.

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ATENCIÓN: Todo el material proporcionado en este sitio web es sólo con fines informativos o educativos. No es sustituto del consejo de su profesional de la salud o médico. Esté sano. Sea feliz. Siéntase completo. Sea libre.

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