Saw Palmetto
Latin: Serona repens
Family: Arecaceae
Family: Arecaceae

Saw palmetto has a dynamic effect on the entire endocrine system; activating pituitary functions cascading effects throughout the body due to full-system glandular activation and stimulation; catalyzing actions in the body including increased libido and mood. Saw palmetto affects etheric functions related to the energetic body (as the chakras are the energetic imprint of the glands and create these organs through a stepping down of energy) that activate and inspire the endocrine glands and related anatomy and systems.
The signature of the plant indicates a fanlike property and activation in the cerebral cortex, the berries themselves hold an imprint of the pituitary gland; similar in size, shape, and color.
The signature of the plant indicates a fanlike property and activation in the cerebral cortex, the berries themselves hold an imprint of the pituitary gland; similar in size, shape, and color.
Properties & Actions
Nutritive, Endocrine gland tonic, Aphrodisiac, Reproductive tonic, Anti-aging, Anti-androgenic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, Immune-stimulant, Sedative (mild), Antiseptic
Uses & Indications
Saw palmetto is a remarkable herb for both men and women and is used to address a variety of ailments such as testicular inflammation, urinary tract inflammation, coughs and respiratory congestion. It is also used to strengthen the thyroid gland, balance the metabolism, stimulate appetite and aid digestion. This wonderful herb is becoming famous for its uses in hair restoration, prostate health, sexual vigour, breast enhancement and as a nutritive tonic.
Saw palmetto berry also tones the urethra and it may be used to uphold the healthy function of the thyroid gland and urinary system.
In the United States, its medicinal uses were first documented in 1879 by Dr. J.B. Read, a physician in Savannah, Georgia, who published a paper on the medicinal benefits of the 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. “Considering the great and diversified power of the saw palmetto as a therapeutic agent, it seems strange that it should have so long escaped the notice of the medical profession.”
Since the 1960s, extensive clinical studies of saw palmetto have been done in Europe. A review of 24 European trials appeared in the November 1998 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The trials involved nearly 3,000 men, some taking saw palmetto, others taking Proscar and a third group taking a placebo.
The men taking saw palmetto had improvement in urinary tract symptoms, improvement in peak urine flow and improvement in overall urine flow. The results were nearly comparable to the group taking Proscar and superior to the men taking a placebo.
There is much scientific documentation outlining the effectiveness of the herb in treating irritable bladder and urinary problems in men with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate gland. (1)
Saw palmetto berry also tones the urethra and it may be used to uphold the healthy function of the thyroid gland and urinary system.
In the United States, its medicinal uses were first documented in 1879 by Dr. J.B. Read, a physician in Savannah, Georgia, who published a paper on the medicinal benefits of the 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. “Considering the great and diversified power of the saw palmetto as a therapeutic agent, it seems strange that it should have so long escaped the notice of the medical profession.”
Since the 1960s, extensive clinical studies of saw palmetto have been done in Europe. A review of 24 European trials appeared in the November 1998 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The trials involved nearly 3,000 men, some taking saw palmetto, others taking Proscar and a third group taking a placebo.
The men taking saw palmetto had improvement in urinary tract symptoms, improvement in peak urine flow and improvement in overall urine flow. The results were nearly comparable to the group taking Proscar and superior to the men taking a placebo.
There is much scientific documentation outlining the effectiveness of the herb in treating irritable bladder and urinary problems in men with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate gland. (1)
Saw palmetto tones and strengthens the male reproductive system, and is specific for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Its primary modern application is to relieve symptoms associated with this common condition, especially difficulties with urination.
BPH is thought to be caused by accumulation of testosterone in the prostate. Once in the prostate, testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Researchers believe that DHT is the compound responsible for the multiplication of prostate cells that results in prostate enlargement. Saw palmetto appears to inhibit DHT by blocking the activity of the enzyme 5-a-reductase. The herb not only inhibits the formation of DHT, but also inhibits DHT binding at cellular receptor binding sites.
Numerous studies show that saw palmetto extract is effective for nearly 90% of patients with BPH. The fat soluble (lipophilic) fraction of the herb, which contains fatty acids and sterols, is considered the active component for prostate conditions.
The Eclectic use of this herb went far beyond treatment of BPH. Consider the following from Ellingwood:
“The direct influence of this agent is exerted upon the entire reproductive apparatus, especially upon the prostate gland of the male. It is demanded in enlarged prostate, with throbbing, aching, dull pain, discharge of prostatic fluid, at times discharge of mucus, also of a yellowish, watery fluid, with weakened sexual power, orchalgia, epididymitis and orchitis, when associated with enlarged prostate. In women, ovarian enlargement, with tenderness and dull aching pains, weakened sexual activity, and small undeveloped mammary glands, are much benefited by its continued use. It increases the size and secreting power of the mammary glands where they are abnormally small and inactive. It improves the tone and overcomes irritability of the ovaries, relieving dysmenorrhea when due to atonicity. To this agent is ascribed considerable power in reducing the size of hypertrophied prostate in older men and in quickly relieving cystic and other disorders incident to this condition. It relieves irritation of the bladder to a satisfactory extent, correcting the irritable character of the urine, increases the muscular power of the patient to expel the urine and produces a sense of relief, that is in every way gratifying and satisfactory. . . An exceedingly important use for this remedy that I have not been able to find in the books, is its use for sterility. In simple cases where there is no organic lesion on the part of the patient, this agent has an excellent reputation for restoring the ovarian action properly and assisting in putting the patient into an excellent condition. In its influence upon the nasal and bronchial mucous membranes this agent has been given with excellent advantage in the treatment of acute catarrh, chronic bronchial coughs of all characters, including whooping cough, laryngitis and the cough of phthisis.” (David Hoffman, Medical Herbalism)
BPH is thought to be caused by accumulation of testosterone in the prostate. Once in the prostate, testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Researchers believe that DHT is the compound responsible for the multiplication of prostate cells that results in prostate enlargement. Saw palmetto appears to inhibit DHT by blocking the activity of the enzyme 5-a-reductase. The herb not only inhibits the formation of DHT, but also inhibits DHT binding at cellular receptor binding sites.
Numerous studies show that saw palmetto extract is effective for nearly 90% of patients with BPH. The fat soluble (lipophilic) fraction of the herb, which contains fatty acids and sterols, is considered the active component for prostate conditions.
The Eclectic use of this herb went far beyond treatment of BPH. Consider the following from Ellingwood:
“The direct influence of this agent is exerted upon the entire reproductive apparatus, especially upon the prostate gland of the male. It is demanded in enlarged prostate, with throbbing, aching, dull pain, discharge of prostatic fluid, at times discharge of mucus, also of a yellowish, watery fluid, with weakened sexual power, orchalgia, epididymitis and orchitis, when associated with enlarged prostate. In women, ovarian enlargement, with tenderness and dull aching pains, weakened sexual activity, and small undeveloped mammary glands, are much benefited by its continued use. It increases the size and secreting power of the mammary glands where they are abnormally small and inactive. It improves the tone and overcomes irritability of the ovaries, relieving dysmenorrhea when due to atonicity. To this agent is ascribed considerable power in reducing the size of hypertrophied prostate in older men and in quickly relieving cystic and other disorders incident to this condition. It relieves irritation of the bladder to a satisfactory extent, correcting the irritable character of the urine, increases the muscular power of the patient to expel the urine and produces a sense of relief, that is in every way gratifying and satisfactory. . . An exceedingly important use for this remedy that I have not been able to find in the books, is its use for sterility. In simple cases where there is no organic lesion on the part of the patient, this agent has an excellent reputation for restoring the ovarian action properly and assisting in putting the patient into an excellent condition. In its influence upon the nasal and bronchial mucous membranes this agent has been given with excellent advantage in the treatment of acute catarrh, chronic bronchial coughs of all characters, including whooping cough, laryngitis and the cough of phthisis.” (David Hoffman, Medical Herbalism)
Saw palmetto is a small shrubby palm of the sandy soils of southern USA. The berries have been used as food and medicines by First Nations dating back to pre-contact times with archaeological sites showing their importance to Florida's pre-Columbian peoples. Indigenous people of the southern USA were using saw palmetto berries for treating testicular atrophy, erectile dysfunction, and prostate inflammation in the early 1700s. The newest edition of the United States Pharmacopeia and the National Formulary list saw palmetto berries as an accepted botanical medicine. Over twenty successful human studies have been documented on the usefulness of saw palmetto berry extract for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Reviews have found that saw palmetto improves urologic symptoms and flow measures. Saw palmetto berries were listed in the 19th edition of the US Dispensatory for treating chronic and subacute cystitis, chronic bronchitis, laryngitis, catarrh, and enlarged prostate, while the 23rd edition stressed their usefulness for treating, "the enlarged prostate of old men". Many herbal preparations used for prostate conditions are also used for kidney, bladder, and urethral conditions that affect urination in men. The available data on saw palmetto document that the liposterolic extracts possess anti-androgenic activity and prove beneficial in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In addition, the extracts possess anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant activity based on invitro and invivo studies. (1)
Qualities & Tastes
Pungent, sweet, and warming; Tastes acrid and slightly soapy.
Safety Considerations
No side effects or drug interactions have been reported
Resources & Recommended
Additional Sources Cited:
https://intl.florahealth.com/blogs/herbal-encyclopedia/saw-palmetto
https://intl.florahealth.com/blogs/herbal-encyclopedia/saw-palmetto