The Best and Worst Herbal Supplement For Men
Confused about a herbal supplement for men? We thought so. That's why we've sorted out the top and bottom of the class .... just for you. Best Herbal SupplementSaw Palmetto - If your scalp seems to be showing a bit more these days, saw palmetto extract could help. The herb helps to block the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a chemical in the body that may be linked to enlarged prostates and hair loss. Don't expect though a magic pill to regrow your hair ... but there's more than a better chance it could slow down the male hair loss.
Originally used by Native Americans as a remedy for urinary problems, saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is now popular as an over-the-counter supplement for prostate health. And for good reason. Evidence is building that this herb—extracted from the dark purple berries of the American saw palmetto plant—may help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the fancy name for an enlarged prostate gland. In Germany, Austria, Italy, and other European countries, saw palmetto is an accepted medical treatment for BPH. How saw palmetto works is not completely understood, but its oily compounds (fatty acids and sterols) are thought to have various hormonal and anti-inflammatory effects. It may, for instance, help block conversion of testosterone to another form (DHT), which has a stimulatory effect on prostate cells. It may also directly inhibit cell growth and promote death of excess cells in the inner lining of the prostate gland. Worst Herbal SupplementSaint John's Wort - The historical use of medical St. John's wort is well documented. Commencing 2400 years ago St. John's wort was used as a nerve tonic, a painkiller for arthritis, menstrual cramping, gastrointestinal problems (such as diarrhea, nausea . . . ) as well as ulcers. The ancient Greeks and Romans used to treat many ailments, including sciatica and poisonous reptile bites as well as to ward against evil spirits, placing sprigs of the plant on statues of their Gods. In fact, the genus name Hypericum is from Greek and means "over an apparition" as the herb was once considered odiferous enough to cause evil spirits to depart. The oil made from the flowers was listed in the first Pharmacopoeia Londinensis (1618). 1630 Angelo Sala stated that St. John’s wort treated illnesses of the imagination, melancholia, anxiety and disturbances of understanding. He wrote, “St. John’s wort cures these disorders as quick as lightening.” Gerard wrote that its use as a balm for wounds, burns, ulcers and bites was without equal (Gerard 1633). Recent studies show it doesn't really help with depression, as often suggested. Even worse, taking it can interfere with the effectiveness of many medications, including:
If you think you're depressed, don't self-medicate. See your doctor.
Drew Voight
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