Botanical Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH

Abstract

This article discusses the use of botanicals normally classified as women's botan icals in treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as both an alternative and as an adjunct to pharmaceutical treatment. Benign prostatic hyperplasia occurs in a majority of American males by the age of 60. Biomedical treatment has some limitations and drawbacks. Surgery has the potential to leave the patient with urinary incontinence or impotence. Pharmaceutical treatment may not provide complete relief of symptoms. Addition of alternative nutritional and botanical treatment under the guidance of a trained naturopathic physician can provide additional relief of symptoms and reduction of inflammation for patients. © 2001, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.