The biggest health problems for men are generally the result of lack of health care monitoring earlier in life. For example, the progression of heart disease: "If you don't get your cholesterol checked when it's going high at age 20, and if you don't get your blood pressure checked when it's going high at age 30, maybe your blood sugar's getting a little high when you're 40, what do you think is going to happen when you're 50?" Of the top 10 causes of male deaths, only one is male organ specific: prostate cancer. 

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men, besides skin cancer. Enlarged prostate is universally considered a result of the ageing process in men. Many men over 40, and more than half of men over 60, are affected. Prostate problems are easily treatable if found in early stages, which is why it’s important to stay ahead of the game and get an annual check-up that includes prostate screening. 

With the guidance of a certified herbalist, symptomatic relief can be found for enlarged, inflamed and/or general prostate problems. Herbs used may include parsley, saw palmetto berries, cornsilk, buchu leaves, cayenne, kelp and pumpkin seeds.

Cornsilk, parsley and buchu leaves will promote urination, soothe irritated tissues and provide marked urinary relief. Saw palmetto has a more direct influence on the enlarged prostate, reducing inflammation, pain and that dull aching throb. Saw palmetto extract helps treat benign prostate enlargement and prostatitis, whereas the whole berries have a gentler effect. A gentle diuretic tea can be used to flush out infectious bacteria in cases of prostate infection.

If any of these conditions present, see your doctor immediately. Long-term use of these formulas is not suggested.

Gain the knowledge and tools to Heal Thyself. Join our next cycle of the master herb course launching in June to gain the knowledge and skills to write your own health narrative, holistically, using the natural healing power of herbs, essential oils and crystals. 

Zakiyyah Madyun, Certified Herbalist, teaches virtual herbal education classes twice monthly. For more information, visit her blog: HerbsAreNaturesMedicine.blogspot.com; for a consultation, call 347-407-4312 or email [email protected].