Benign prostatic hypertrophy: plants to relieve symptoms

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or prostate adenoma is a common pathology that affects men from 50 years. Annoying, it causes urinary disorders. Some herbs can help relieve these symptoms.

What is benign prostatic hypertrophy?

The prostate is a male gland that participates in fertility. The prostate has a physiological tendency to grow with age. Benign hypertrophy is a non-cancerous increase in the volume of the prostate. Located just under the bladder, this increase causes problems during urination because it compresses both the bladder and the urethra. The urinary stream becomes weaker and the bladder does not empty completely, resulting in more frequent urination. The adenoma of the prostate is benign and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer. There are usually 3 stages: from phase I with simple symptoms to phase III leading to poorly controllable management of the bladder.


A desire to urinate more frequently, painful urination, a weak jet or the sensation of not emptying your bladder completely must alert you and encourage you to consult. Only a doctor is entitled to make the diagnosis of prostate adenoma. Prostate adenoma usually affects men over 50 years of age. In some cases, it can lead to complications such as repetitive urinary infections or stones, hence the need for medical follow-up.

Plants to relieve

Once the diagnosis is made by the doctor and in agreement with the doctor, you can turn to the plants to help control the volume of the gland and relieve the symptoms.

Pumpkin seeds  have long been used for their vermifuge property.

They contain cucurbitine  and phytosterols. These would be the cause of the beneficial action of pumpkin seed oil on urination in case of BPH. The World Health Organization and Commission E recognize the use of squash seeds in the "symptomatic treatment of micturition difficulties associated with stage I and II prostate adenoma". Pumpkin seeds have recognized benefits on urination. One study suggests that the oil extracted from the seeds could also inhibit the hyperplasia (proliferation of cells) of the prostate (1). Pumpkin seeds are edible (dried or roasted). Count 10 grams a day. There are also dietary supplements of pumpkin seed oil (in capsules).

Nettle roots  are used in herbal medicine for their diuretic properties.

They are the subject of scientific studies (alone or in association with other plants) on urination disorders associated with beguine hypertrophy of the prostate. The World Health Organization recognizes as "clinically established" the use of nettle roots "in the treatment of mild to moderate BPH-related urination problems". ESCOP and Commission E also recognize this use. They are found in preparation for decoction (drink two to three cups a day) or in capsules. Follow the manufacturers recommendations.

The Florida palm also known as saw palmetto or sabal  is also known for its virtues on the prostate adenoma. Its fruits, used in infusion or presented in the form of capsules possess diuretic and antiseptic properties. It is often associated with nettle and is the subject of scientific research (2). Its use in BPH (stage I and II) is recognized by the WHO and the commission E. Also note, the use of the African plum (prunus africana or pygeum africanum) or more precisely of its bark against the adenoma of the prostate. It is included in the composition of certain drugs intended for this purpose.