Natural herbs for prostate cancer

Key Takeaways

• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Black males and the second most common cancer affecting males globally. 
• Some natural herbs that have been used in treating prostate cancer include saw palmetto, pygeum, and turmeric.
• Scientists are still exploring alternative treatment methods for prostate cancer and carrying out research to ascertain the safety and efficacy of the treatment options.

Prostate cancer is a serious health concern for people with penises. Doctors use different treatment methods for prostate cancer, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, some of these treatment methods are not without side effects. Also, in some countries, some of the treatments are costly.

As a result, some people with prostate cancer seek alternative treatment options, such as using natural herbs to manage the condition.

Natural herbs have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health issues, and research suggests that certain herbs may play a role in the treatment of prostate cancer.

In this article, we will explore the various natural herbs that have been studied for their potential effectiveness in treating prostate cancer.

Natural herbs for prostate cancer

Over the years, natural herbs have been studied and used because of their potential for curing and treating a large number of diseases, such as prostate cancer. Some of the natural herbs that may help treat prostate cancer include:

1. Green tea

Green tea is one natural herb that may be helpful for treating prostate cancer. It is a popular beverage consumed worldwide and is used in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits.

Green tea is prepared from the Camellia sinensis shrub by harvesting the leaves of the plant and heating them quickly so that the leaves remain unoxidized.

These unoxidized leaves contain antioxidants from the polyphenol family, such as myricetin and quercetin, in large quantities, and research has shown that these antioxidants may be effective agents against cancer.

Still, further research is required to understand the role that antioxidants play in prostate cancer treatment.

How to make green tea?

Preparing green tea is different from other teas, and this is because, at 100 degrees Celsius, your green tea becomes bitter and unpleasant to taste. 

Here are the steps for preparing green tea:

• Boil your water to about 80 degrees Celsius.
• Add your green tea bag to your cup.
• Pour the hot water over the tea bag and leave for about 3 minutes.
• Remove your tea bag and stir with a spoon.

2. Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is a small palm plant that grows in the southeastern part of the United States. It produces berries which are consumed for both food and supposed medicinal purposes.

Research has shown that saw palmetto has anti-inflammatory properties, which are important in improving prostate health, although further research studies have shown that saw palmetto might not be helpful in reducing prostate inflammation. 

A combination of saw palmetto with other plant extracts like lycopene and selenium may be more effective than only saw palmetto used for treatment.

3. Pygeum

This extract gotten from the African Cherry plant has been used as an alternative medicine for prostate cancer since 1969. The success of the pygeum extract can be traced to the large concentration of a plant steroid known as Beta-sitosterol.

Further research indicated that Beta-sitosterol leads to the death of abnormal cells growing in the prostate, which makes the pygeum an effective plant extract for prostate cancer. Pygeum is readily available as a supplement, and before you take it, consult with your doctor.

Due to limited research on pygeum, pregnant and nursing people are advised not to take pygeum until further research has verified its safety for them. 

Some known side effects of pygeum include diarrhea, nausea, and constipation.

4. Stinging nettle

It's not often that you see a plant with "stinging" in its name being used for treatment, but this herb found in different parts of the world is not only a source of food but has been shown to be helpful in treating prostate disorders.

Just like green tea, it contains antioxidants and polyphenols, which protect your body cells, and its therapeutic properties inhibit hormones that could lead to an enlarged prostate. 

Further research has also shown that stinging nettle is more effective when used in combination with other herbs like saw palmetto, pygeum, and green tea, but before you take such herbal treatment, consider consulting with your doctor. 

5. Turmeric

The popular spice turmeric, which makes your curry yellow, has an abundance of health benefits. The most important compound in turmeric is curcumin which has anti-inflammatory effects, and it also gets rid of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that cause damage to other cells.

Different studies have shown the impact of curcumin in reducing the risk of prostate cancer, but due to its potential to interfere with drugs, it's advisable to speak with your doctor first.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the prostate, making the prostate cells grow abnormally. If left untreated or diagnosed late, cancer could spread to other parts of the body, increasing the risk of fatality.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, and according to the World Health Organization, there were 1.41 million new cases in 2020.

The specific cause of prostate cancer has not been established, but research has shown that the mutation of certain genes can lead to prostate cancer.

Considering the high cancer rate, several conventional treatment methods such as hormone control, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are used.

Wrap up

Natural herbs such as stinging nettle, saw palmetto, and pygeum have been traditionally used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

These natural herbs may be able to provide additional benefits for prostate health; however, it's important to note that these herbs should not be used as a substitute for conventional cancer treatments, and you should always consult your doctor before taking any herbal treatment.