What Is Saw Palmetto, How Is It Used? Benefits and Harms

saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), plantin warm climates such as the southeastern United States grown It is a type of dwarf palm.

Because the purple fruit of the plant is medicinal, it is used for prostate health, balancing hormones and preventing hair loss in men. For this reason, nutritional supplements are made from its fruits and it is used by people who seek treatment for these problems.

Benefits such as reducing inflammation and preventing urinary incontinence are also prominent. 

The medicinal properties of the plant are a matter of curiosity and attract the attention of many people. “What is saw palmetto” “what are the benefits and harms of saw palmetto” “how to use saw palmetto” Let's start to tell what you need to know about this medicinal plant.

What is saw palmetto?

saw palmetto, Serenoa repens It is the dark purple fruit of the plant. It grows in the form of a bush, has thorns and green leaves. 

This dwarf palm grows in the West Indies and the USA in the warm regions of the southeast coast, from South Carolina to Florida.

saw palmettoIts medicinal properties have been known for centuries and are used in alternative medicine. 

The fruit of the plant contains compounds that reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system. For this reason, extracts of the fruit are generally used in nutritional supplements.

What Are the Benefits of Saw Palmetto?

saw palmetto It is an extraordinary herb for both men and women. In alternative medicine, testicular inflammation, urinary tract inflammation, cough and to treat ailments such as respiratory congestion.

It is also used to strengthen the thyroid gland, balance the metabolism, stimulate the appetite and aid digestion. This wonderful herb is famous for its uses for hair regrowth, prostate health, sexual potency, breast enlargement.

• Hair loss prevention

Hair loss; It is an extremely common condition caused by a variety of causes, including genetics, certain medical conditions, hormonal changes, and the use of certain medications.

Saw palmetto hair It is used to prevent shedding because it balances hormone levels. It prevents hair loss by reducing DHT uptake in hair follicles.

• urinary tract function

Urinary tract infectionis common among older men; It causes problems such as urinary incontinence and difficulty urinating.

saw palmettoIt improves symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, which causes enlargement of the prostate gland and reduced urine flow.

• prostate health

The prostate is a small gland located between the bladder and the penis in men and is responsible for maintaining sperm health. 

saw palmettoIts most well-known benefit is its ability to improve prostate health.

This herb slows down the production of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that affects the metabolism of steroids in our body, especially bile acid, androgen and estrogen.

Both men and women produce these enzymes in a variety of tissues, such as the skin, reproductive organs, and for men, the prostate.

In men, 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone to DHT, or dihydrotestosterone. DHT not only plays a role in male development but also affects libido, hair loss and prostate function.

saw palmetto supplementIt inhibits the production of this hormone and helps prevent some problems such as decreased sex drive in men and prostate problems.

• reduce inflammation

saw palmettoIt contains the antioxidants epicatechin and methyl gallate, compounds that reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases without damaging cells.

Some research, saw palmetto nutritional supplementIt has discovered that it is effective in treating conditions that may be caused by inflammation.

• Regulating testosterone levels

Saw palmetto sexuality It is used by men who want to naturally increase their testosterone level.

Regulation of the hormone testosterone affects sex drive, mood, and memory. Testosterone levels drop with age, and low levels of this hormone can lead to conditions such as heart disease.

Saw palmetto nutritional supplementIt reduces the activity of 5α-R, the enzyme responsible for converting another sex hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), to help maintain testosterone levels in the body. 

• saw palmetto impotence

for impotence palmettoIt is used as an herbal treatment. Research indicates that this herbal supplement can improve sexual performance.

• Strengthens immunity

Saw palmetto nutritional supplement, It is not used to strengthen immunity, but when used for any other purpose, it strengthens the immune system against mild conditions such as colds, coughs and sore throats. 

experiencing severe headache migraine patients stated that their headaches decreased after using this nutritional supplement.

• Supports acne treatment

saw palmetto extractIt has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce acne. saw palmettoYou can use it to treat acne like this:

•  Saw palmetto nutritional supplement take it (after consulting the doctor).
•  If you find saw palmetto fruit eat.
•  saw palmetto essential oilUse it as a spot treatment. Remember to dilute it with a carrier oil.
•  saw palmetto extract Use lotions, creams and gels containing

How is saw palmetto used?

saw palmettoIt is available in the form of nutritional supplements that can be used easily in daily life.

Saw palmetto capsules, pills and tablets It also has a form and is often combined with other ingredients that help improve prostate health, such as pumpkin seed extract.

Most studies show doses of 320mg per day, usually divided into two doses palmetto recommends using it.

saw palmetto traditionally used as follows;

• Regular consumption of the fruit improves digestion.
• saw palmetto fruitIt is used to treat fatigue, urinary tract problems and shrink enlarged prostate glands.
• Its ripe fruit is used as an aphrodisiac, diuretic, expectorant, sedative.
• The fruit has a beneficial effect on the urinary system.
• The fruit has estrogenic effect, it is recommended for impotence in men, promoting breast growth in women.
• The fruit is also used in the treatment of ailments such as colds, cough, asthma.
• It inhibits the growth of tumor cells and reduces the risk of cancer.
• It acts as a barrier and prevents the development of kidney stones.

How to use saw palmetto on hair?

saw palmettoWe mentioned above that it is beneficial for hair loss. saw palmetto hair loss can be used in the following ways.

Saw palmetto and olive oil

six or eight drops saw palmetto oilMix it with a tablespoon of olive oil. Heat the mixture for a few seconds until it is slightly warm.

Rub the oil mixture into your scalp with your fingertips. Massage for about fifteen minutes. After the massage, let the mixture stay in your hair for about half an hour. Then wash your hair using a mild shampoo.

This oil massage improves blood circulation and nourishes the hair follicles. You can use this three times a week.

Pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil

six or eight drops saw palmetto oilMix it with a tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil. Warm the mixture slightly.

Work the oil into the scalp with your fingertips and massage for about fifteen minutes. Let the oil stay in your hair for half an hour, then wash it off with shampoo.

Pumpkin seed oil helps inhibit DHT production. It also promotes hair regrowth.

What are the side effects of saw palmetto?

saw palmetto plantNutritional supplements from cedar are generally considered safe and have few side effects. 

The most commonly reported side effects of this dietary supplement in research studies were headache, dizziness, nausea, and constipation.

Although it is known to be safe, the use of this dietary supplement is not recommended for everyone. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can affect their hormone levels palmetto use should be avoided.

It is not suitable for those using hormone replacement therapy or hormonal contraceptives, as it can alter hormone levels.

saw palmetto It may also interact with blood-thinning medications, which can increase the risk of bleeding.

Those who have any health problems, those who take medication, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before using this dietary supplement.