Pygeum
Pygeum is a tree. The bark is used as medicine.
Special Precautions of Pygeum
Side effects of pygeum use may include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, dizziness, or visual disturbances. Pregnant women should not take pygeum due to the lack of scientific evidence about its safety for developing fetuses. Pygeum has not been proven safe for use by children. It may cause an increase of the benefits to the prostate from prescription drugs or other herbal supplements aimed at reducing it. For this reason care should be taken when adding this herb to any regimen for BPH or other prostate condition.
Benefits and uses of Pygeum are
The African tree bark extract called pygeum is one of the world's most popular prostate remedies. Many studies show it improves urinary flow, reduces the number of times you have to pee each night and even relieves pain with urination. Pygeum contains chemicals that help shrink the prostate to relieve urinary problems such as poor urine flow and nighttime urination in men with enlarged prostates.
- Pygeum bark gained popularity in Europe in the 1700s but had been used long before that by South African tribes. Later the extract of the bark became a popular form for taking this supplement. The many active ingredients have been used for many health purposes as listed below.
- benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH.) It is especially helpful in increases urinary function, often limited due to enlarged prostate. Combining this supplement with saw palmetto and stinging nettle increase the effectiveness of each herb. Low urine flow, nighttime urinating, and other symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). In one French study, patients taking pygeum significantly reduced their need to urinate and more completely emptied their bladders. In another study, nearly 2 out of 3 men improved their urinary function.
- Prostate Cancer : The compound in pygeum is known as atraric acid. It seems to inhibit the androgen signals that lead to cell growth in the prostate glands. Atraric acid also seems to inhibit the expression of certain cancerous genes in prostate cells. While it’s too early to conclude if this one herb is the answer to solving prostate cancer, it is a step in the right direction towards finding a more natural solution.
- In animal studies, pygeum showed an increase in the volume and viability of sperm in the semen. This indicates a possible use of this herb for treating male infertility.
- Traditionally, the bark of the tree was gathered and powdered and made into a tea which was taken for genito-urinary complaints.
- Some of the less researched, traditional uses of this herb include use as an aphrodisiac, fever, impotence, kidney disease, malaria, hair loss, partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), sexual performance, urinary tract infections, inflammation, malaria, prostatic adenoma, prostatitis, and psychosis.
- acts as a natural antibiotic. That means it can help relieve symptoms of prostatitis. Prostatitis causes painful urination, back and groin pain, fever and frequent urges to pee.
