Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is a painful condition that affects the prostate. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be triggered by stress, nonbacterial infection, or an immune or nervous system disorder. Symptoms include blood in the semen or urine, pelvic pain, urinary problems and painful ejaculation. If symptoms last for three months, the condition is considered chronic. Conventional treatments include drugs to ease urinary difficulties and relieve pain, but they can have unpleasant side effects. Herbs may be effective home remedies to relieve symptoms of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. Consult a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis before starting herbal therapy.
African Plum
African plum, Prunus africanum or Pygeum africanum, is an evergreen native to Africa. Active ingredients in the bark include beta-sitosterol, campesterol, tannins, ursolic and oleanic acids, and ferulic acid. Extracts of the bark are used throughout Europe to treat urinary symptoms associated with prostate disorders, including chronic nonbacterial prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. African plum works by reducing bladder contractions, allowing for a more normal urine flow. The MedlinePlus website nlm.nih.gov notes that in men with mild to moderate urinary symptoms, the bark reduces frequent and hesitant urination, and pain associated with urination. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and Dr. James F. Balch recommend African plum for all forms of prostatitis. Some people may experience nausea or gastrointestinal upset with African plum and should avoid it.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto, or Serenoa repens, is a short palm with black berries native to the United States. The dried berries are used to treat prostate-related urinary symptoms, including frequent urination and weak urinary stream. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and Dr. James F. Balch recommend saw palmetto for painful ejaculation and difficult urination, which are symptoms of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. The University of Maryland Medical Center's website, umm.edu, cites saw palmetto as an herb used traditionally to treat nonbacterial prostatitis and recommends an extract standardized to 85 percent to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols. A study by G. Morgia and colleagues published in the 2010 issue of "Urologia Internationalis" found that a combination of saw palmetto, selenium and lycopene was slightly more effective than saw palmetto alone in relieving symptoms associated with chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain. Patients should consult a doctor before combining saw palmetto with hormone therapy.
Nettle
Nettle, or Urtica dioica, is a perennial plant with drooping leaves native to Europe, Asia and North America. Traditional healers use the leaves to treat rheumatism, arthritis, urinary tract infections, eczema and diabetes; to prevent kidney stones; and as a tonic to support all body functions. Active ingredients include chlorophyll, histamine, serotonin and glycosides, and the plant has astringent, diuretic and hypotensive actions. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," herbalist David Hoffmann notes that nettle root improves urine flow and reduces urinary frequency. The leaves also have a mild analgesic action for pain. Herbalist Todd Caldecott says chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is a congestive condition, and he recommends nettle root for its direct decongestant action on the prostate. Nettle should not be used during pregnancy. Some people may experience mild stomachache, fluid retention or a rash and should discontinue use.
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