Saw Palmetto Uses

There are many uses that can be found for the saw palmetto plant. The native peoples of North America, where the plant originated, utilized the oil from its berries to create a pain-relieving medicine. They would take the extract whenever they felt digestive pains in the stomach or intestinal tract, or if they had pains in the bladder, urethra, or prostate.

The most common use for saw palmetto is for the treatment of BPH, or benign prostate hyperplasia. Studies have shown that the fatty acids found in the plant's berries can reduce the inflammation and cell growth within the prostate itself. Of course, men are more likely to use saw palmetto for this particular use.

Women, on the other hand, can benefit from the use of saw palmetto for other conditions. Ingredients within the plant oil extract have been known to help alleviate uterine pains experienced during menstruation and menopause. The extract actually strengthens and relaxes the muscle lining of the uterus itself, allowing cramps to come and go in a more fluid, controlled manner.

More Saw Palmetto Uses Still in Study

Recent tests of the saw palmetto plant have indicated the substance may be able to treat thyroid deficiencies, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, ovarian cysts, testicular atrophy, bladder inflammation, depression, excess hair growth, and acne. Because the FDA does not regulate the application of saw palmetto, there are as of yet no definitive "legal" guidelines to take the herb. Saw palmetto is currently labeled as a food supplement, and has yet to be set into a specific drug category.