Saw Palmetto is a small palm tree found in the West Indies and the Atlantic Coast of the United States. It was used in love potions, dating back to the Maya Indians or even further. John Lloyd, a famous early American medicinal botanist, observed that animals fed on these berries grew sleek and fat. Saw Palmetto has a noticeable effect on body weight, general health and disposition, tranquilization, appetite stimulation and reproductive organ health. During much of the 19th century, Saw Palmetto berry extract was included in the National Formulary, a list of acceptable medicines, to treat the symptoms of prostate enlargement. Saw Palmetto berries historically have been used to treat several related disorders of the genito-urinary system, including inflammation, rupture and blockage. These historical uses prompted European researchers to investigate the clinical use of Saw Palmetto berry extracts in benign prostatic hyperplasia. The educated guesses of the time, based on clinical findings concerning the cause of BPH, is that testosterone levels build up in the prostate. Within the prostate, testosterone is converted to an even more potent compound (dihydrotestosterone). This compound causes cells to multiply excessively, which leads to prostate enlargement. Studies have shown that the fat-soluble Saw Palmetto berry extract prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Saw Palmetto continues to be an herb that effectively acts to tone and strengthen the male reproductive system. It may be used with safety where a boost to the male sex hormones is required, as is obviously specific in cases of enlarged prostate glands. Primary chemical constituents include essential oils, caprylic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, carotene, tannin, sitosterol, beta-sitosterol, polysaccharides, dextrose, and resins. In several double blind studies, Saw Palmetto was found to be superior to finasteride (Proscar®). While Proscar® takes up to a year to show some beneficial effects, Saw Palmetto extract shows better results in a shorter period of time. Most patients reported obtaining some relief of symptoms within the first 30 days of treatment with a Saw Palmetto supplement. However, Saw Palmetto had no demonstrable effect on the serum prostatic specific antigen levels. In addition to its primary application to support prostate problems, this herb is useful for asthma and all kinds of throat troubles, colds, bronchitis, la grippe, whooping cough, and throat irritation. It is considered a reproductive tonic for both men and women, and can even help treat "honeymoon cystitis", where irritation occurs from excessive sex. Saw Palmetto also strengthens the thyroid, which controls overall gland function. |
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Pumpkin and other squashes are native to North and Central America, but have since been cultivated around the world. The medicinal use of Pumpkin Seeds was adopted by Oriental healers sometime in the seventeenth century. When the first explorers arrived in America, they noticed the Pumpkin plant in the cultivated maize fields of the Indians. The native Indians utilized the plant for medicine as well as for food. An emulsion made from a mixture of Pumpkin and watermelon seeds served to heal wounds for members of the Yuma tribe. The Catawba tribe ate the fresh or dried seeds as a kidney medicine, while the Menominee tribe drank a mixture of water, powdered squash, and Pumpkin Seeds to ease the passage of urine. In settler folk medicine, the ground stems of Pumpkin were brewed into a tea to treat "female ills", and the ripe seeds were made into a palatable preparation to dispel worms. Modern folk healers advocate Pumpkin Seeds to rid the body of intestinal worms, and they point out that the seed oil is especially helpful for healing bums and wounds. People of Germany discovered that raw, hulled Pumpkin Seeds contain substances that stimulate sex hormone production. The seeds contain large amounts of zinc, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin B. So, eating a handful of Pumpkin seeds a day may help prevent impotence. Bulgarian mountain dwellers, Hungarian Gypsies, Anatolian Turks, Ukrainians, and Transylvanians all eat Pumpkin Seeds as part of their everyday diets. Originally intended to prevent prostate ailments (probably due to the high zinc content), Pumpkin Seeds have been found by all of these cultures to prevent impotence as well. The Pumpkin is a symbol of prosperity and fruitfulness in China, even though the first Pumpkins actually came from India. In both countries, a popular snack is made by drying Pumpkin Seeds and dipping them in salt. This snack has gained popularity in other parts of the world, including the United States. The seeds are notorious for improving vision. Ethiopians chew Pumpkin Seeds (which contain fiber) as a natural laxative. Pumpkin Seeds are also a balanced source of good proteins. They are very nourishing and energizing. Pumpkin Seeds, being high in zinc content, aids the healing process, and is useful in treating an enlarged prostate gland. Other nutrients include magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, potassium, niacin, folic acid, riboflavin, and thiamin. They also contain pantothenic acid, unsaturated oils, and antioxidants. Pumpkin Seeds and husks also aid milk production in lactating mothers, and are used to reduce postpartum swelling of the hands and feet.
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