Saw Palmetto

Traditional Uses of Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a useful herb for both men and women. It is used to treat many types of ailments such as testicular inflammation, urinary tract inflammation, respiratory congestion and coughs. It is also used to balance the metabolism, stimulate appetite, helps in digestion and strengthen the thyroid gland. It is famous for its uses in prostate health, sexual vigour, breast enhancement, hair restoration and as a nutritive tonic. It benefits human as saw palmetto has anti-inflammatory properties for immune system, aphrodisiac properties and sexual desire, benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary tract and flow, reproductive system and sexual function, stamina and endurance. In the United States, saw palmetto medicinal uses were first documented in 1879 by Dr. J. B. Read, a physician in Savannah, Georgia, who had published a paper on the medicinal benefits of herb in the April 1879 issue of American Journal of Pharmacy. He found the herb useful in treating a wide range of conditions. “By its peculiar soothing power on the mucous membrane it induces sleep, relieves the most troublesome coughs, promotes expectoration, improves digestion and increases fat, flesh and strength. Its sedative and diuretic properties are remarkable, “Read wrote.”

Aboriginal Americans used the fruit in the treatment of urinary and reproductive system problems. The Mayans used it as a drink of tonic and the Seminoles used it as an expectorant and antiseptic. The taste of saw palmetto is to be repugnant. Furthermore, other uses of saw palmetto is to treat the infertility in women, underdeveloped breasts, increased lactation, painful menstruation cycle and reduce prostate.

Botanical Name : Sarenoa serrulata, Syn. Serenoa repens

Family : Arecaceae or Palmae Palm Family