A-Z prostate health Articles

Maintaining optimal wellness requires a proactive approach, especially as the body's needs evolve over time. From energy and performance to heart health and hormonal balance, taking care of your body is key to long-term vitality. As awareness grows, many individuals are turning to men's health support strategies that combine proper nutrition, lifestyle habits, and targeted supplementation.

In this article, we'll explore practical ways to help you stay strong, energized, and performing at your best.

Understanding Men's Health & Hormones

The human body can be thought of as a complex network of cells that communicate via hormone messengers. These messengers are responsible for telling cells what to do and when to do it. In the male body, androgenic sex hormones, such as testosterone, play an important role in maintaining health and fertility. High or low levels of androgens can cause different complaints, depending on the age of a man. In addition, normal hormone levels are responsible for the physical features that distinguish men from women, such as muscle mass, jaw line and body shape.

Men’s health is being compromised by the presence of estrogenic compounds in our environment. They come from pesticides, plastics and residues of estrogenic drugs, like women’s contraceptives. These estrogenic compounds have already been shown to feminize fish and other species, sometimes to the extreme of making them infertile and compromising the persistence of their species. While studies on human male sperm counts over several generations show that the number of viable sperm is decreasing. This should be a concern to everyone, because it may one day lead to the extinction of our species.

Important Organs For Men's Health

The liver and bowels are important organs for men’s health because they are responsible for processing hormones and excreting processed hormones. Performing liver and bowel detoxification will help to decrease some men’s health concerns by ensuring proper functioning of these organs and thereby allowing the processing of estrogenic compounds. The thyroid and adrenal glands form an axis with the testes to regulate sexual functioning within the overall health of the man. This explains why other medical concerns, such as hypothyroidism, stress and depression, can lead to infertility.

Optimize the functioning of your detoxifying organs and minimize your exposure to estrogenic compounds by:

• decreasing your consumption of animal products
• limiting exposure to environmental toxins
• reducing stress and implementing a stress-management program
• using appropriate supplements for detoxification and stress management

Men's Health Support Tips

Diet

A diet high in animal products is high in saturated fats and may contain estrogenic chemicals. Fat cells contain enzymes that convert testosterone to estrogen. The more fat cells a man has, the more testosterone can be converted. Estrogenic chemicals are found in meat and dairy products for several reasons. The animals are consuming feed and water that contains estrogenic environmental by-products. They may also be given hormones to speed growth and maturation. Free-range and organic animal products are a better choice because they do not contain estrogenic compounds from drugs. Their feed and water are usually monitored for such substances.

Animal protein also compromises detoxification by slowing intestinal transit time. A man whose diet is high in animal products is absorbing more processed toxins and fats from his intestines.

Environment

Environmental toxins concentrate in the food and water supply and are transferred into men’s bodies. Tap water contains estrogens that are excreted by females and that come from chemical runoff. Use a water filtration system that removes these compounds. Minimize your exposure to lawn chemicals and industrial chemicals. Use all necessary precautions when you do handle chemicals.

Plastics are a major source of estrogenic compounds. They leach into food and water when it is stored or heated in containers. Male children are first exposed to estrogens in this way through plastic bottles, bottle liners, soothers and teething toys. Most parents are constantly sterilizing these products, and each time they heat the plastic, it becomes more susceptible to breaking down.

To minimize your exposure to plastic estrogens, use glassware instead of plastic whenever possible. Do not cook or warm food in plastic containers (even ones that say microwave safe) or place leftovers into plastic storage containers until they have cooled. Do not use plastic water bottles or reuse single-use water bottles, or place hot beverages in plastic cups. Look for phthalate-free teething toys.

Stress

Stress leads to a buildup of acidity in the body. When the body’s pH is acidic, detoxification processes do not run as quickly as they could. Stress also depletes vitamins, such as the B complex, which are needed by the liver. Supplemental programs for detoxification and stress management include B vitamins, lipotropic factors, liver supportive herbs, like milk thistle, and adrenal supportive herbs, like Siberian ginseng and licorice.

Things That Compromise Men's Health

Cardiovascular Health

Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis occur when deposits build up on the inside of the arteries. This leads to a decrease in the flexibility and elasticity of the walls. Deposits can be made of calcium (arteriosclerosis) or fatty substances like cholesterol (atherosclerosis). Decreased circulation leads to high blood pressure as the body struggles to maintain enough blood flow to its tissues. Pieces of the deposits can break off, or the turbulent flow of blood can cause clots to form. If the pieces or clots lodge in smaller vessels, this leads to a heart attack or stroke. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, improper diet, stress and lack of exercise are bigger indicators of your heart disease risk than family history. Therefore, it is encouraging to note that adopting a healthier lifestyle and using natural therapies can maintain a healthy vascular system.

Hair Loss

The most common type of hair loss is male pattern baldness. It is thought that the follicles are programmed to stop hair production when there are high levels of male hormones. Other factors that contribute to hair loss include heredity, aging, poor circulation, acute illness, malnutrition, radiation exposure, skin disease, high fever, iron deficiency, diabetes, hypothyroidism, stress, fungal infection and chemical hair dyes.

Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, leads to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and retinal damage. The most common causes of hypertension are narrowed arteries or a decrease in arterial elasticity. Other causes are kidney disease, heavy metal toxicity, obesity, stress and poor diet.

Infertility & Sex Organs

Impotence occurs when a man does not have the ability to achieve or maintain an erection for normal sexual intercourse. Eighty-five percent of impotence cases have a physical basis. The brain, nervous system, cardiovascular system and the hormonal axis all have a role to play in impotence. Factors that can lead to impotence are arteriosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, alcohol use, smoking and a history of sexually transmitted disease. Over 200 different medications can also cause impotence.

Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of regular intercourse without using contraception. Infertility in men can be due to decreased sperm count, motility or an inability to have complete sexual intercourse. Other causes are undescended testes, infectious diseases, environmental toxins, smoking, drug use, frequent intercourse, prolonged exposure to heat in the genital area, tight underwear, stress or poor diet.

Men's Prostate Health

When the prostate becomes infected or inflamed, problems may occur. Infection may develop in the prostate or spread from a urinary tract infection. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate condition, affecting men over 50. BPH can be caused by hormonal changes, poor diet, or high cholesterol. Prostate enlargement may also result from benign or malignant tumours. BPH affects 50% of men over 50 and 75% of men over 70. Testosterone declines with age while estrogen and prolactin increase, raising dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate. DHT stimulates prostate cell growth and enlargement. Healthy androgen levels support muscle mass and sexual function. Excess testosterone can strain the prostate and increase DHT conversion. Fat cells also convert testosterone into estrogen, which may contribute to gynecomastia in men using anabolic steroids. Certain supplements may support prostate health and hormone balance. 

General health guidelines:

• Eat a well-balanced diet that supports cardiovascular and reproductive health. 
• Maintain a balanced lifestyle with time for work, rest, and play.
• Use nutritional supplements and herbs to support optimal health.

For cardiovascular health, increase fibre and reduce saturated fats and cholesterol. Drink plenty of water and eat raw produce and whole grains. Include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, soy, and oils like olive, flax, and sunflower. Avoid junk, fried, processed, and fast foods, white flour, and refined sugar. Limit red meat, egg yolks, salt, and caffeinated drinks intake. Eliminate alcohol, tobacco, and heavily spiced foods.

For reproductive health, include nuts, seeds, and essential fatty acids and zinc. Choose flax, pumpkin, and sesame seeds, and walnuts. Eat fish for healthy fats, and nutritional yeast for B vitamins. Include soy for phytoestrogens that may support prostate health. Consider royal jelly or bee pollen for reproductive support and manage stress with yoga or biofeedback. Lastly, exercise to support hormones, strength, and stress.

Perhaps it was because the year 2003 produced no Hollywood glam on facial hair, other than the now Mo-famous Johnny Depp. Or maybe it was because the two founders of Movember were still stuck in the Super Trooper ‘stache-phase. However it started, there’s no denying that Movember really is changing the face of men’s health, one mustache at a time. Let's explore the origins of Movemeber and other men's health supplements

How Did Movember Start?

As friends do, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery from Melbourne, Australia, started discussing various topics over a pint. It seems the two must have really been pro facial-hair because the conversation lead jokingly to bringing the Mo’ back. So they did. And inspired by a friend’s mother who was fundraising for breast cancer, they decided to make this ‘campaign’ supporting men’s health and, most importantly, prostate cancer. They agreed to charge $10 to grow their Mo, and soon, with a little marketing and rule making (which are still in place 10 years later), they convinced 30 men to do the challenge with them. And the rest is history.

In 2003, the founders decided to continue with a stronger purpose. They operated from a home office and contacted the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. The foundation agreed to accept donations. However, it did not recognize them as an official men's health partner. And at the end of the year, they donated a $54,000 cheque to PCFA – the largest single donation they’d ever received.

Over the years, Movember continued to reach international levels, making its way officially into Canada in 2007 with the Prostate Cancer Canada organization. In 2011, it was officially recognized as a charity in our country. Today, over 20 countries participate in Movember, and last year they raised $146.6million – ranking it one of the Top 100 NGO’s (charity) in the world as named by the Global Journal. To put that into context, there are an estimated 5 million Ngo’s around the world. While raising money and most importantly, getting men and women everywhere talking and changing the face of men’s health, it is quite a success story.

While supporting awareness efforts, we also want to promote year-round health. Several simple habits and supplements can help men stay healthy throughout the year.

What Are The Top Men's Health Supplements?

Men's Multivitamins

Multivitamins remain an easy way to support nutrient intake. Choose a formula that matches your age, lifestyle, and gender. Here is what you should look for:

NO MORE ONE A DAY! - Think about all of the nutrients that you need to get into one little capsule, and you can probably guess that one-a-day multis are not coming close to reaching supportive levels of any one vitamin or mineral, and if they are, chances are your body is not going to be able to utilize it all, if taken all at once. 3-a-day, or even 6-a-day options are better absorbed, utilized and therefore more effective. Well worth the added work of remembering.

High Potency - A multi-vitamin (high potency or not) is not going to reach therapeutic levels in terms of dosage, but the high potency options may, at least, come close.

Skip the Iron - Consider an iron-free multivitamin. Iron can irritate the digestive system. Iron also competes with calcium and other nutrients for absorption. Take iron separately if blood tests show low levels. Ask your doctor to check your iron levels before supplementing.

Phytonutrients - Don't mind if I do! Many multivitamins now include phytonutrients for added antioxidant support. A few extra antioxidants in one's life never hurt anyone. These can help protect against free radical damage - benefiting the eyes, prostate, lungs, skin, and so much more.

Men's Health Supplements For Prostate Health

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death for men. Typically, men in their 30-40's rarely get it (but don't rule it out); the chance increases steadily over 50 - this is why being aware and getting a regular exam over this age is crucial. Common signs of prostate cancer are pain/burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, a decrease in the amount and force of urine flow, an inability to urinate, blood in the urine, and continuing lower back and pelvic or suprapubic discomfort. We recommend:

Saw Palmetto - Research shows that Saw Palmetto is useful in decreasing symptoms associated with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Very simply put, BPH causes the prostate to enlarge, causing frequent trips to the bathroom, along with urinary urgency and hesitancy.

Lycopene - Lycopene may help to reduce mutated prostate cell proliferation and may slow these cells cycle progression. Lycopene is a carotenoid found in cooked tomato products. You can obtain lycopene through foods or supplements. Dietary fat improves lycopene absorption. Add some olive oil to your tomato sauce prior to serving, or take a lycopene supplement with food.

Men's Libido Supporting Supplements

You've heard the rumours, and sadly, the link between testosterone levels and your libido is present. Here is something that can help:

Tribulus may be the answer! An Ayurveda herb, Tribulus, may help to increase androgen receptor activity in the brain, thereby enhancing androgen related libido. Tribulus has been shown to increase sexual performance and erectile function.

Men's Stress Supporting Supplements

Work, family, health, lack of sleep, your team lost… we all stress over different things and in different amounts. We know it's not healthy, and if it goes untreated, which is something Men are known for, it could snowball into something worse. Here is what we suggest you try:

GABA - Gamma Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid and neurotransmitter (a chemical that regulates electrical conduction of the brain). It prevents these signals from overfiring, blocking excitatory activity and relaxing the body and mind.

Men's Workout Supplements & Tips

Gym time… the best part of your day! Just you and your weights... no nagging, no stress! It can also be your social time, as we see the interaction with other regulars. If you're the competitive type, maybe you use this time to challenge yourself in strength, endurance and stamina. Whatever your reason, working out is a healthy way to keep fit and ensure lifelong health. But there are a few things you can do to ensure you are getting the most out of the time you put in.

Sleep well - 7-8 hours a night of uninterrupted sleep can go a long way in helping the body recover, which keeps your mind and body sharp and at peak performance.

L-Glutamine - L- glutamine is another amino acid which supports the healthy building of lean muscle mass. L-glutamine also helps to assist in muscle cell recovery after exercise, getting you back to the gym faster!

Vary your Routine - Your body gets bored with the same old thing - the key to success is keeping it new and fresh. Try yoga or pilates (yes, men can do that too!), for core strengthening instead of your usual crunches.

The prostate is the organ responsible for producing the fluid part of seminal emissions, helping to control the flow of urine, and for the contractions that cause ejaculation during orgasm. It’s no wonder that when a man has a concern with his prostate health, it can be troublesome.

Understanding Prostate Health

Prostate problems occur when the gland becomes infected or swollen. Infection can occur directly in the prostate or it can be a complication of a urinary tract infection. The most common prostate condition is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It occurs in men over the age of fifty (but can occur earlier) due to hormonal imbalances, heredity, poor diet, nutrient deficiencies or high cholesterol. The growth of malignant or benign tumours can also cause prostate swelling. It is important to have your prostate monitored by your doctor. Your PSA level (prostate-specific antigen) can indicate the degree of enlargement; it can also indicate whether or not you are at risk for unhealthy cell growth in the prostate. Make at least yearly appointments past age forty for this test.

Key Symptoms of Prostate Issues

Symptoms of prostate inflammation can be mild if it develops slowly or intense if it develops quickly. Prostate infections cause fever, chills, lower back pain, rectal pain, urgency for stool and urination and painful urination. The urine can be blood or pus filled. Chronic infections may cause mild, local discomfort and may result in painful ejaculation or erection. Conventionally, prostate infections are treated with antimicrobial medications. They must be fairly powerful because it is difficult to get enough medication to the prostate due to its poor blood supply. Make sure to replace the helpful bacteria in your system with a probiotic supplement after antimicrobial therapy.

Chronic prostatitis is not often related to bacteria or the development of mutated prostate cells. Treatment is also more difficult because the exact cause is poorly understood. Treatment may include antibiotics, although more commonly chronic prostatitis is treated with alpha blockers, as in BPH. Tamsulosin and alfuzosin are two common alpha blockers. They serve to help relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, thereby improving symptoms such as urinary retention. These medications have no effect on the size or inflammation of the prostate.

BPH affects one in three men over age 50. Symptoms appear when the prostate becomes large enough to interfere with urination. Dribbling, frequent and urgent urination occur and often cause men to wake at night to urinate. Starting and stopping urination can be difficult. When bladder emptying is impaired, there is an increased risk for the development of urinary stones and infections. Drug therapy for BPH uses finasteride, which blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT stimulates the growth of prostate cells. Side effects of drug therapy include impotence, decreased libido and difficulty detecting mutated prostate cells.

Prostate Health Support & Supplements

Conventional Support

Unhealthy prostate cells develop slowly and have similar symptoms to BPH. All men over fifty should have yearly prostate examinations because this is a very common type of cancer. Various drugs and surgical techniques are used to treat it, depending on the location and whether it has spread. Not all prostate tumours need to be removed because most are self-contained and slow-growing. Surgeons will only remove a faster-growing tumour because the surgery itself often causes impotence. There are a number of clinically proven nutritional supplements and herbs that can provide support for your prostate to boost its health. 

Supplements That Boost Prostate Health

Curcumin & Bee Pollen

New research is focusing on the healthy cell growth support that curcumin may have on the prostate, now being used both for prevention and treatment of slow unhealthy prostate cell development. Curcumin has been shown to have both chemo-preventative and growth inhibitory activity against multiple tumour cell lines, including tumours of the prostate. Bee pollen has also been used to inhibit the progression of unhealthy prostate cell growth once they have been diagnosed.

Balancing Hormones

DHT (dehydrotestosterone) is a very active form of the hormone that can cause the prostate to become enlarged. The herb saw palmetto and the essential fat supplement pumpkin seed oil both help to reduce the formation of DHT and its subsequent bonding to the gland.

Most men notice a dramatic improvement in flow, and a reduction in both pain and frequency of night time trips to the bathroom. In addition, pollutants from the environment can act like hormones in the body.

In particular, residues from plastics and petrochemicals can pose serious problems because they act like the hormone estrogen, causing a number of imbalances in the body that can lead to prostate enlargement and potentially mutated cell growth. The supplement D-glucarate helps the liver make an enzyme that helps clear out these synthetic estrogens. The herb milk thistle can help to detoxify the liver, so that it is better able to break down excess hormones and toxic hormone analogs from the environment.

Nutrients Needed For Prostate Health

Nutrients for prostate health include zinc (a deficiency has been linked to prostate conditions), lycopene (an antioxidant that helps to protect the prostate from free radical damage), Essential Fats (needed for normal hormone production and controlling inflammation) and also B vitamins and the amino acids Glycine, Alanine, and glutamic acid. See the table below for specific doses.

Improving The Immune System

Immune system activity is important for most health concerns; in the case of prostate concerns, this is no exception. In cases of prostate infection, the herbs Echinacea and goldenseal can help the body fight the infection. Vitamin C boosts the activity of specific immune cells, which are then able to kill invading bacteria or viruses more easily. The essential fat – like nutrients sterols and sterolins can help to optimize your immune response as well, in addition to helping balance hormones. In the case of a fungal infection of the prostate, it is important that you use probiotics / acidophilus with an antifungal supplement like grapefruit seed extract.

Reducing Symptoms Associated With Prostate Concerns

Supplement Support

Reducing prostate enlargement or irritation can be achieved with the above-mentioned saw palmetto, but also with cleansing herbs like horsetail grass and marshmallow, which will usually have a soothing effect on the urinary tract.

Studies have shown that extracts of pygeum africanum can significantly lower urine residual volume and decrease the incidence of nocturia while increasing urine peak flow volume. There are now a number of combination products on the market that use primarily saw palmetto and pygeum to effectively reduce symptoms of BPH, chronic prostatitis, and slow-growing, unhealthy prostate cells.

Detoxification For Prostate Health

Detoxifying treatments of the gastrointestinal tract may prove beneficial for the treatment of any prostate-related issue. Constipation is thought to contribute to prostate dysfunction, which then increases the risk of further constipation, as bowel movements become more painful to pass. Making sure to include 25-30 g of fibre into your diet on a daily basis, along with significantly increasing water intake, can help to relieve this associated symptom. For this same reason, as well as the frequent use of antibiotics for the treatment of various prostate pathologies, probiotics are a beneficial addition to any prostate-specific treatment regimen.

Lifestyle & Dietary Prostate Support

Ejaculating on a regular basis can prevent prostate problems. Applying hot and cold packs to the groin area increases circulation and can help to speed healing for prostate conditions. Regular exercise also increases circulation. Use deep breathing or other relaxation techniques to assist bladder emptying.

Dietary approaches to support prostate health begin with adding nuts and seeds, and their oils, to the diet. They are good sources of essential fatty acids and zinc. Try flaxseed, pumpkin seed, sesame seed and walnuts. Consume fish and fish oils, which also contain protective fatty acids. Add nutritional yeast to the diet as a source of B vitamins. Soy products contain phytoestrogens and are thought to be protective against prostate disorders. Other foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants also support the prostate, for example, fresh fruits and vegetables, cumin, garlic and maitake mushroom. Avoid the following foods because they exacerbate prostate conditions: hydrogenated fats, saturated fat, sugar, white flour products, dairy products, caffeine and alcohol.

Pumpkin seed oil is a nutrient-rich, plant-based oil celebrated for its wide range of wellness benefits. Naturally abundant in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytosterols, it supports heart health, prostate and urinary function, and healthy skin. Whether taken as a supplement or incorporated into your daily diet, this nourishing oil offers a simple, natural way to enhance overall vitality.

What is Pumpkin Seed Oil?

The essential fatty acids found in this oil are required in your diet more than any other vitamin, yet our bodies do not naturally produce them. They must be obtained from external sources in the food we eat.

Pumpkin seed oil contains 43% omega 6 fatty acids such as, linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and 16% omega 3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, which is considered an optimal ratio from a nutritional standpoint. In addition to the essential fatty acids it contains any vitamins and minerals including zinc, vitamin E and vitamin A.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil

This oil has been shown to improve skin, increase energy, maintain and improve men’s sexual health and optimize brain function.

It is also known to prevent and alleviate bladder and prostate problems, treat depression and learning disorders and prevent atherosclerosis.

Cautions & Considerations

Ensure your supplement is not processed with heat because it damages the acids and creates free radicals. Some of the damaged fats turn into trans-fatty acids, which are well known for their promotion of cardiovascular disease. Refrigerate all liquid pumpkin seed oil supplements and keep capsules away from heat because they can become rancid. Using liquid varieties of this supplement is more cost effective than capsules because numerous capsules must be taken to make an equivalent amount of liquid oil. Do not use this oil for cooking or frying.

Pygeum is a well-known herbal ingredient valued for its role in supporting men's wellness and urinary health. Sourced from the bark of the African cherry tree, this botanical has been used traditionally for centuries and continues to be a popular choice in modern natural health supplements. With growing interest in plant-based solutions for prostate support, bladder function, and overall vitality, pygeum remains a trusted addition to many daily wellness routines.

What is Pygeum?

Pygeum is derived from the bard of Prunus africana, a tree native to regions of Africa. The bark contains naturally occurring plant compounds, including phytosterols, fatty acids, and antioxidants that contribute to its health-supporting properties. Traditionally used in herbal medicine, pygeum is now widely available in standardized extract form to ensure consistency potency and quality. It is most commonly found in supplements designed to promote prostate health, urinary flow, and male hormone balance.

Top Benefits of Pygeum

One of the most recognized benefits of this nutrient is its ability to support healthy urinary function. It is often used to help maintain normal urine flow and reduce nighttime urination, contributing to improved comfort and quality of life. Pygeum also supports prostate wellness by promoting healthy tissue function and reducing inflammation within the urinary tract.

Additionally, pygeum contains antioxidant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Some formulations also highlight its role in supporting reproductive health, circulation, and overall vitality, making it a well-rounded supplement for men seeking long-term wellness support.

Supplement Varieties

Pygeum supplements are available in several convenient forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts to ensure a consistent concentration of active compounds in each dose. It is also commonly combined with complementary ingredients such as saw palmetto, stinging nettle, or beta-sitosterol for enhanced prostate and urinary support. When choosing a product, look for high-quality sourcing, third-party testing, and clear labelling for dosage and ingredient transparency.

Considerations

As with any dietary supplement, it's important to follow the recommended dosage listed on the product label. Individuals who are taking medications or managing existing health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before adding pygeum to their routine. For best results, this nutrient is often used consistently over time as part of a balanced lifestyle that includes proper hydration, nutrition, and regular wellness checkups.

What is Saw Palmetto?

Saw Palmetto is a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States, known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and berries. The berries, rich in fatty acids and phytosterols, have been used traditionally in herbal medicine. Today, it is commonly taken as a supplement to support prostate health, urinary function, and hormonal balance, making it a popular natural remedy for men's health.

How Does Saw Palmetto Work in the Body?

In many cases, this herb relieves the symptoms of prostate enlargement just as well as conventional medication. Prostate growth is stimulated by excess levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This supplement works by inhibiting the production of DHT, stopping DHT from binding in the prostate and increasing the rate at which DHT is metabolized in the gland.

Excess estrogen slows the removal of DHT from the prostate. By inhibiting, estrogen, these berries also improves BPH. It has been shown in clinical studies to decrease the size of the prostate without altering PSA levels (the hormone that is a marker for prostate cancer).

Taking Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto’s medicinal qualities are most abundant in fat-soluble extracts of the berries. This herb can vary in quality and medicinal value, and it should be taken with meals that contain fat to improve its absorption.

Important Information

Prior to using saw palmetto, men should have a prostate screening and laboratory testing for prostate cancer. Men who use conventional BPH medications should use this herb under the guidance of a health professional. Thie supplement can theoretically affect the efficacy of oral contraceptives and estrogen.

Small-flowered willow herb, often overlooked, is a resilient plant that thrives in the wild across numerous regions worldwide. Its easy cultivation and low cost mean it hasn't attracted as much commercial research or media attention as other herbs. However, this does not diminish its remarkable benefits. Known for its supportive role in promoting prostate health, this herb is invaluable for men's wellness. Additionally, concentrated supplements can enhance their effectiveness, making them an accessible and potent option. Join us as we delve into the myriad ways small-flowered willow will can support your health and well-being. 

What is Small Flowered Willow Herb?

Small-flowered willow (Epilobium parviflorum) is a perennial herb with delicate pink flowers. Traditionally grown in Europe, it is often prescribed for prostate health by practitioners in Germany and Austria.

In the world of herbal history, this herb few mentions. It was only seen in Pharmacopoeia in 1880 before it was made popular in 1982 by Austrian herbalist Maria Treben. While there have only been a few research studies on small-flowered willow, there are numerous herbalists who report positive clinical experience with small-flowered willow.

Benefits and Uses of Small Flowered Willow Herb

Herbalists recommend small-flowered willow as a prostate tonic and use it for all disorders of the prostate, including prostatitis (infection of the prostate), BPH (enlargement of the prostate) and prostate cancer. It is also used for women suffering from urinary tract infections because it has a cleansing and antimicrobial action on the genitourinary system.

How Do Herbs Work?

Small-flowered willow works as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and has high antioxidant activity that acts on the genitourinary system. It's considered a prostate tonic because of its more direct action on the prostate. Small-flowered willow contains a plant sterol called B-sitosterol, which is also found in saw palmetto, a well-known herb used for prostate concerns. Like saw palmetto, small-flowered willow works as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, which means it prevents testosterone from being converted to dihydrotestosterone. This is important because dihydrotestosterone is a strong, stimulating form of testosterone, which can cause prostate enlargement or cancer when it is too high.

How To Use Small Flowered Willow Herb

Traditionally, small-flowered willow is taken as a tea throughout the day. Add one teaspoon of herb per cup of boiled water and let it steep for 10-15 mins. You can also find small flowered willow in encapsulated dried herb, tincture and liquid extract. Extracts tend to be stronger; however, most herbalists prescribe the tea form.

To find more medicinal herbs, check out our selection of the best-selling herbs in Canada.