Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a palm berry extract commonly used to support urinary flow and comfort associated with an aging prostate. It’s also used by some people for hair support related to hormone patterns. Effects are typically gradual and vary by extract quality and dose.
Key Benefits
- Supports healthy urinary flow and bladder comfort in men with age-related changes
- May support reduced nighttime urination for some people
- Often used as part of men’s wellness routines for prostate support
- Sometimes used for hair support in hormone-pattern thinning (results vary)
Common Issues It May Help With
- Urinary hesitancy
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Prostate-related urinary discomfort
- Hair thinning (hormone-pattern)
How To Use (Simple)
- Most evidence involves standardized extracts (often 85–95% fatty acids/sterols). Follow label dosing and give it 8–12 weeks before judging. Take with food to reduce stomach upset.
Taste / Notes
If taken as whole berry/tea: mildly sweet, fatty; most people use capsules due to taste.
Evidence Level
Mixed evidence: some studies show modest urinary symptom improvement, others show little difference. Standardized extracts are more reliable than random powders.
Cautions
May cause mild GI upset, headache, or dizziness. Stop before surgery unless your clinician says otherwise. Use caution if you have hormone-sensitive conditions. Not recommended during pregnancy/breastfeeding.
Interactions
May increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants/antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin) — consult your clinician Use caution with hormone therapies (testosterone, estrogen, anti-androgens) due to possible additive effects If taking finasteride/dutasteride or other prostate medications, discuss combining with a clinician
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