Overview
Chronic prostatitis is long-term inflammation of the prostate gland -- a donut-shaped gland in the male reproductive tract. The prostate gland is situated just below the urinary bladder, and it is the most common site of problems in the male genitourinary system. There are several types of prostatitis, and the symptoms associated with this condition vary from person to person. Certain herbs may relieve the symptoms of prostatitis.
Symptoms
If you have chronic prostatitis, you may experience an unrelenting urge to urinate, pain during urination, discomfort when your bladder is full and frequent visits to the bathroom at night. Infections of the bladder or urethra, trauma from bicycling or horseback riding, dehydration, long-term urinary catheter use and HIV infection are all risk factors for prostatitis. Long-term complications of chronic prostatitis include semen abnormalities and infertility and a significantly reduced quality of life.
Effective Herbs
Many herbs may be effective in treating chronic prostatitis, states Phyllis Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Natural diuretics and urinary tract tonics include buchu, corn silk, juniper berries, parsley, slippery elm bark and uva ursi. Other helpful herbs for prostatitis include bilberry, Chinese ginseng, echinacea, goldenseal, olive leaf extract, nettle, turmeric, pygeum, saw palmetto, Siberian ginseng, cayenne and false unicorn root.
Highlighted Herb
Gravel root is an herb that is often prescribed for prostatitis. According to Balch, gravel root is a urinary tract tonic that has been used to treat prostate disorders, including prostatitis. Gravel root may also help treat kidney stones and health problems associated with fluid retention. In his book "Plant Medicine in Practice," naturopathic physician and herbalist William A. Mitchell states that gravel root effectively treats a variety of genitourinary problems. The roots of the gravel root plant contain several important medicinal compounds.
Disclaimer
Certain herbal remedies may offer symptomatic relief, but herbs should not be used in lieu of other treatment methods prescribed by your primary health care provider or a genitourinary tract specialist. Ask a qualified health care professional -- such as a naturopathic physician or a botanically trained medical doctor -- for relevant information about your condition and herbs that may help.
No comments:
Post a Comment