The saw palmetto is a plant closely related to an actual palm tree. While it is rare to see them grow in such a way that an individual trunk is visible – the average saw palmetto grows in a cluster – the formation of saw palmetto berries that are visibly related to the fruit of other palms has been reported. Recognizing a saw palmetto is easy: simply look for the small palm like tree that appears to grow in a cluster and looks like a hand fan children might use!
Native Americans were known to use the saw palmetto as a food product, and thus they were to first to realize the saw palmetto benefits modern science has finally confirmed: effects of saw palmetto extract are known to soothe and even treat urinary tract infections; those who knew how to make saw palmetto tea used it to counteract inflammations of many kinds and even reduce muscle spasms. It is thus not surprising that even today the benefits of saw palmetto for medicine are being discussed and researched. When using saw palmetto, women were able to overcome ovarian cysts and thus in the recent past this humble plant was thought to cure infertility.
As with many natural substances, soon the saw palmetto was reputed to have many other powers, such as using saw palmetto oil to counteract hair loss. It is uncertain when saw palmetto, hair loss, and the re-growth of a youthful head of hair were connected; this is especially true when considering that women have used a saw palmetto dosage to combat an excessive form of hair growth commonly known as hirsutism.
What is Saw Palmetto?
Saw palmetto, known scientifically as Serenoa repens or Sebal serrulatais, a small palm plant that is native to the Southern parts of the United States of America along the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal plains. It produces berries or fruits from which the extract is derived. Traditionally, the natives used these berries as human food and as a medicine to treat urinary tract diseases.
Herbal medicine experts realized that the fruits of this natural plant have several health benefits. They therefore decided to produce a highly purified extract of these fruits that has proven health benefits in treatment of various medical conditions but most notably male reproductive disorders.
Saw Palmetto ingredients
The active ingredients in saw palmetto include highly enriched fatty acids, flavonoids as well as plant sterols. These are the most active ingredients that mediate its beneficial effects as an alternative medicine. The other ingredients are found in the berries themselves which may have anti-inflammatory effects and also boost the immune system. All these are natural ingredients with no chemical additives.
History
The history of this herbal medicine dates back 200 years as indicated by available records. During those times Southern American natives extensively used the berries of this plant as food but soon realized that it had some medicinal effects especially in the male genitourinary system.
With increase in civilization was the understanding of the plant and many more medical uses were identified. According to one source that dates back to the year 1898, saw palmetto was used as an expectorant and relieved mucosal irritation. It was also used in the treatment of irritative cough, laryngitis, whooping cough, chronic bronchial coughs, asthma and tubercular laryngitis.
In the years spanning 1900s, saw palmetto had established itself as one of the best natural remedies for a number of medical conditions. It was used for the treatment of urinary tract disorders, to improve sexual performance by increasing libido and to treat infertility by increasing sperm production.
How does it work?
Much research has been done as regards the mechanism of actions of saw palmetto but there is still no consensus. Available evidence indicates that it stimulates natural processes in the body which then act to produce its health effects.
The most extensively researched mechanism of action is how saw palmetto treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Researchers believe that this natural product works by shrinking the inner lining of the prostate gland. It inhibits the enzyme responsible for synthesis of the male hormone testosterone. This hormone is what leads to excessive growth of the prostate gland that blocks the outflow of urine.
Uses of Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto has been shown to have effects in the treatment of various health conditions. There is continuing research to evaluate the effectiveness of this natural extract in various other conditions. The commonest uses are in the treatment of the following:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: BPH is the enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostatic part of the urethra passes through this gland. Its enlargement therefore encroaches and narrows this part of the urethra, a situation which blocks the outflow of urine from the bladder. It is a common age related disorder for males. Saw palmetto shrinks the inner lining of the gland surrounding the urethra and therefore relieves blockage.
- Prostate infections and chronic pelvic pain syndrome: There is insufficient evidence to support this but proponents claim that saw palmetto can reduce the symptoms of prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
- Prostate cancer: There is a close association between BPH and prostate cancer. It is believed that cancer results from longstanding BPH. Saw palmetto woks by the same mechanism used to treat the enlarged prostate.
- Other uses: This natural product has been used in the treatment of male pattern baldness, colds and coughs, asthma, pharyngitis, migraine headaches and chronic bronchitis. It has also been used to control bleeding after prostate surgery.
What is the safety level?
Saw palmetto extract is natural and therefore is not associated with severe toxicities when taken in therapeutic doses. Any side effects, if there be, are mild and may include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, headaches, diarrhoea or constipation.
With overdose, liver or pancreatic damage may occur in predisposed individuals using saw palmetto. There is however no evidence that this product is the main cause as people with BPH also take other drugs. It should also be used with caution in people with bleeding disorders. It is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating mothers.
Saw Palmetto Benefits
As already been mentioned, saw palmetto has many benefits. Some of the benefits may include;
- Relieves symptoms of enlarged prostate such as frequency, urgency and pain during urination.
- It can help relieve the symptoms of respiratory disorders by acting as an expectorant and cough suppressant.
- It is free any form of toxicity associated with other chemical therapeutic drugs and so can be used by many people. It is very safe when used as directed by the manufacturer or a health expert.
- It is used as a natural remedy for hair loss.
- It is available in many formulations such as powdered capsules, tablets, liposterolic extracts and liquid tinctures. This is meant to take care of the preferences of its users.
- It is also available as an over the counter drug although it is extremely important to consult your doctor before using it.
- Its berries boost and strengthen immunity and have ant-inflammatory properties.
- Saw palmetto is also affordable with a bottle containing 90 tablets going for just about $12.
In as much as Serenoa repens has been with us for several years; it is now that the world has realized its importance in treatment of various medical conditions. Of note is the value of this natural product in the treatment of men’s greatest adversity; benign prostatic hyperplasia. Men with this condition as well as other reproductive disorders can benefit from this safe natural formulation.
Every living thing on earth has it’s own purpose, every human, animal and even plants. Humans purpose is to take care of plants and animals to keep living, some animals serve as food for humans while some takes its part in maintaining the life of plants. Like humans and animals, plants also serve purpose for all types of living things. Utilizing the plants’ ability to cure different kinds of disease has been the practice of humans from our ancestors up to our modern doctors and chemist. One of the rare plants that has the ability to cure is Saw Palmetto, a palm that is native to the Southern parts of the United States.
Saw Palmetto had been studied by many specialists and the best benefit that they could get out of the herb is it’s help for our body’s prostate. The prostate glands is one of the mose sensitive and important part of the male reproductive organ, which tells it’s purpose in the lifestyle and confidence of men. It’s help in dealing with enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was found to be it’s major purpose. Some studies shows that this palm also helps in supporting the urine flow of it’s consumers, dealing with frequent, nighttime, urgent and pain during urination.
Urine flow problems and BPH are problems most men are encountering as they age, but another benefit that saw palmetto has is it’s ability to cure hair loss, another common problem for men. Saw Palmetto was said to help the response of the testosterone hormones and deal with hair loss in the process. Saw palmetto studies showed that it’s hair loss treatment acts like prescription medicines for hair loss. However there is one experiment that showed a positive 6 out of 10 men resulted in having their hair grow back.
Prostate Cancer the most deadly of all prostate related diseases killing 30,000 men a year worldwide was said to prevented by regular intake of Saw Palmetto. Although this has not yet been proven, links between BPH, hair loss and the deadly prostate cancer had been seen in some experiments, therefore curing one has the high possibility of dealing with the other.
Saw Palmetto consumers has reported many complications the herb could heal. Colds, coughs, asthma, chronic bronchitis, migraine, increasing breast size are some of the reported health issues the saw palmetto can heal. However the rate of effectiveness of the herb in this cases has not been determined due to lack of evidence. If you want to cure these disease it is still best to stick to your doctor’s medications or find other alternatives that was already proven to heal these cases.
This amazing herb can be consumed in soft gel capsule, hard gel capsule, tablets, liquid extract, tea, and oil form. This variety of forms gives it’s consumers the liberty of choosing. Despite it’s many wonders this herb is available as an over the counter drug. You may not take the hassle of going to the drugstore and order it online and have it delivered to your home. Lastly this medicinal herb is very affordable and investment worthy.
Toxicities are not present in Serenoa repens making it very safe to consume. However pregnant women or someone under medication must consult a doctor before taking this supplements.
Upon consuming some mild side effects may occur before it’s effectivity, but when side effects become serious and intolerable please stop consuming it and consult your doctor immediately. Like any other medicine, saw palmetto has benefits but may also harm you.
Every drug’s benefits may turn into disadvantages when not use properly and with the right dosage. It is still best to consult your doctor before consuming any form of Saw Palmetto.
Saw Palmetto Dosage for Hair Loss
Saw Palmetto’s miracles over hair loss have been very famous. It’s effectivity against androgenetic alopecia or more commonly known as male and female baldness has reached the doors of most of the aging men and women. Hair loss’ popularity has carried it’s cure to its fame.
Since saw palmetto is a herb, processing it before intake is the most natural way of using it. Nowadays it is famous as supplements in soft gel capsules, hard gel capsule, tablets, liquid extract and oil form which are usually taken with food. Saw Palmetto may also be processed to in the form of tea.
Even with good feedback that the herb gained it is still like any other medications. Like other medications it has side effects and also like others it has a dosage to be followed by consumers to get best results and avoid complications. Dosage for saw palmetto is different for each form and also for the condition of its consumer.
The most famous among all form are the capsules, both soft gel and hard gel. Capsules are mostly preferred by consumers because its accuracy. In using capsules make sure to use only supplements that are standardized from 85% to 95% of fatty acids and sterols in it. Many brands says that their supplements are standardized but contains lesser amount of fatty acids. It is important that the amount of fatty acids and sterols is not below 85%. Capsules come in 160mg and 320mg for most of the brands. The 160 mg capsules must be taken twice a day and are recommended to people weighing 185lbs and below, while people heavier than 185 pounds are advised to take 320mg capsules once a day. Capsules must taken with food particularly foods with fat because saw palmetto is fat soluble. These dosage are the same for both soft gel and hard gel capsules, but people with difficulty in swallowing are advised to take the soft gel capsule form.
Tablets was not so popular as most people have problems consuming tablets. Aside from it’s foul taste that lasts in your tongue for a while, tablets does not breakdown properly in someone’s digestive system for some cases causing some harm to its consumers. Standardized labels are still recommended for saw palmetto tablet user. The most common saw palmetto tablets are 230mg dose twice a day and like capsules must be taken with food.
Absorption is the best quality that saw palmetto in liquid extract form can offer. It can be taken directly as it is or mixed with other beverages. However, you cannot change the fact that saw palmetto is a herb and like any herb in liquid extract form, it has a very bitter taste that may even be worsen when mixed with other beverages. A dosage of 2mL – 4mL taken thrice a day is recommended for this form of medication. Food intake during medication is not necessary because of its liquid form that ensures absorption.
Another form of Saw Palmetto is in tea. This method has not been very effective because the active ingredient of Serenoa repens dissolves in water therefore effectivity had been compromised from the process of preparation of the tea. Also 3-4 cups of this tea is needed to achieve best results, too much for people who are not fond of drinking tea.
The last one is in oil form. Rubbing at least two tablespoons of oil in your scalp for ten minutes and then rinsing it after and hour is the most common way of using this. This method may not be suited for people who do not have time to do the process.
Before taking in the herb in any form it is still best to consult your doctor and check your product’s label to get the best results.
Saw Palmetto Hair Loss Studies
People in this generation are so clever that they would not be fooled by anything especially when concerning their health. Lots of resources are now available to know if a medication their about to take is legit or just hoax. Dietary supplements have become famous and have been reaching the doors of everyone by one way or the other. Most supplements came from herbs that were studied and researched to be effective before manufacturing and one of them is the saw palmetto.
Saw Palmetto is a herb that supports the prostate response of the male reproductive system, based on studies. Many studies have proven this function of the herb, particularly in dealing with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urine flow problems.
Also a famous function of the saw palmetto is it’s hair loss treatment. There are very limited studies about this feature of the herb which contradicts each other.
One of the published experiments involving saw palmetto’s hair loss treatment used 10 men with male pattern alopecia. After months of applying the herb to the scalp of these men, of 6 out 10 reported noticeable changes in their scalp. However this results was not enough to prove it’s effectiveness against baldness.
There is another study sponsored by a manufacturer of Proscar and Propecia (FDA approved hair loss drug) named Merck. This study compared saw palmetto to finasteride (Proscar/Propecia) and results showed that saw palmetto was useless to both BPH and alopecia or baldness. This study nearly ended the usage of saw palmetto.
Contradicting Merck’s study is another study done by Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study tested Premixon , the liposterolic extract of Serenoa Repens (Saw Palmetto) and its effectivity to BPH and hair loss. Focusing on hair loss, the extract reduced the mean uptake of dihydrotestosterones (DHT) by 41.9% in all tissue specimens. DHT is the converted testosterones which causes shrinking of hair follicles. The study concluded that saw palmetto acts the same as Propecia, but takes a longer time of usage before the effects show.
It was believed that saw palmetto has the ability to block 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterones to dihydrotestosterones. However, DHT is needed for the maintenance and growth of the prostate glands. Although this conversion is the natural response of our hormones, too much DHT causes hair loss and affects human’s lifestyle and self-esteem. These are supported by a study done by Leonard Marks, MD, the head of the Urological Sciences Research Foundation, which was the first American study to investigates the potentials of serenoa repens.
These studies has showed saw palmetto’s abilities to cure male or female pattern alopecia. Its treatment was said to be the same as prescription drugs such as the one said earlier, Propecia. A meta-analysis of experiments were written in the Journal of American Medical Association in 1998 which concluded that saw palmetto preparations are safe and effective. A daily dosage of 320mg of the liposterolic extract of saw palmetto is safe for people who wants to use it for their hair loss.
Many people have used saw palmetto together with Propecia, but dropped the prescription drug due to some health complications. But like any other medicines saw palmetto can also have side effects, some of them are dizziness, stomach pain, headache, and others. Pregnant women and people under medications are advised to consult a doctor before using the herb.
It is always good to know the nature of the medications you take before usage. Supplements especially herbs must be studied thoroughly before distributing to avoid any complications in may bring to its users.
Saw Palmetto Hair Regrowth
Are you balding? Do you notice hair falling from your scalp from time to time? Is your forehead becoming wider? Don’t be afraid because you are definite not alone. As a matter of fact you are just one of the very large population of people experience hair loss. But this is not the time to wear a cap and hide your scalp because lots of treatments are now discovered and this age old problem could be dealt with so many ways.
As baldness became epidemic and cures starts to come out one after another, a cure that came from nature appeared. A herb named saw palmetto has been discovered to deal with hair loss. Serenoa Repens (saw palmetto) is native palm of Southern Parts of the United States of America along the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal plains.
Saw palmetto’s liposterolic extracts, the Premixon was studied by by Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and had a positive result. It was proven that saw palmetto extracts acts like Propecia (finasteride in generic). Saw palmetto supports the prostate glands dealing with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate enlargement, and also helps stabilizing the urine flow of men.
Another effect that saw palmetto has same as Propecia is the ability to reduce the production of dihydrotestosterones. Saw palmetto extracts also have the ability to block 5-alpha reductase enzymes, the enzymes that converts testosterones to dihydrotestosterones (DHT). Conversion of testosterones to DHT is the natural response of the hormone, in addition to that DHT is needed for the growth and maintenance of the prostate glands. However, imbalances in the hormones could cause too much DHT, an excess amount of DHT will cause shrinking of the hair follicles. Male have more amount of testosterones than women, as they are the main hormones of the male reproductive system, which explains why hair loss is more common to men than women.
Saw palmetto extracts cannot be found in any of our food sources instead they are now manufactured as dietary supplements. These supplements have many forms, namely : soft gel capsule , hard gel capsule, tablets, liquid extracts, oil, and tea. Effectivity of each form depends on its compatibility to the user. The capsules are recorded to be the most effective and accurate and was preferred instead of tablets because tablets absorptivity is poorer. Liquid extracts have a 100% absorptivity but its bitter taste makes it hard to consume. The tea form have the least effectivity due to the fact that the main chemicals in saw palmetto dissolves in water. The oil form of the herb will take too much time as it is needed to be rubbed to the scalp for 20 minutes and an hour of soaking it to the scalp before rinsing.
Saw palmetto may take a longer time than prescription medicines to work. Most users reported results after 6 months of use. But the hair loss treatment of saw palmetto is more affordable and is proven to be safe to most of its users. Once hair loss is cured make sure to continue treatment, if treatment is stopped baldness would come back.
Same as other medicines mild side effects might be experienced while the treatment using saw palmetto. This side effect takes place due to your body’s adjustment over the herb. However some serious side effects might occur for some cases because of a different body response to the herb, our bodies don’t response the same anyway. To avoid these problems and not be frightened, consulting doctors is still the best way.
Saw Palmetto Shampoo
Ever since the ancient days, hair strands fall from different people all over the world. Well it is normal for 50-100 hair strands to fall each day for a person, but is it possible for you to count the hair falling from your scalp everyday to know if your hair all is still normal? Of course you would not bother doing that. Actually you wouldn’t have to worry about hair fall if you are using the right shampoo every time you take a bath. It is like preventing something that is surely to come. No one is exempted from baldness anyway, it is all just a matter of time.
There are so many anti hair fall shampoos coming out of the public nowadays and one thing that is common to most of them is that they were ineffective. Most shampoos wastes your money and effort, while there are others that would just harm your scalp and speed up your baldness. But still there are effective shampoos that really cure hair loss, they’re more known as anti-DHT shampoos. DHT being the hormone responsible for shrinking of hair follicles. It is a natural response for testosterone (male reproductive system major hormone) to convert to DHT by the help of 5-alpha reductase enzymes. DHT actually helps the prostate glands growth and maintenance. But why are hair growing shampoos called anti-DHT? It is because due to hormonal imbalances caused by pollution, stress and etc. testosterone that are converted to DHT exceeds the normal count and affects the hair growth eventually.
Synthetic medicine were discovered to block the 5-alpha enzymes and control the conversion of DHT, but if you want a shampoo to cure hair loss this synthetic medicine would definitely not help. A herb from Southern Parts of United States of America was discovered to have same effects as prescription drugs, it is called saw palmetto. And its extract can easily be added to shampoo by manufacturers. Nowadays different shampoos containing the herb can be bought in stores and online.
The above pictured PURA D’OR Biotin Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Shampoo is a great option for people with hair loss and thinning hair. It does not only contain saw palmetto, but also other compounds which have a proven track record on being helpful in stopping hair loss such as biotin, black seed oil, amla oil, nettle leaf extract and more.
Saw palmetto shampoo is a very effective weapon against hair fall. Since this form of the herb is applied to the hair, it is very obvious that it’s main focus is to deal with hair loss, not like the food supplements that were created for prostate support and urine flow stabilizers. The shampoo is said to be effective when used every other day. Using it everyday might overdose your hair with chemicals and cause further problems.
The oil form of saw palmetto can also be mixed with your regular shampoo. The original method to use the oil form is to rub it to the scalp for 20 minutes and let the scalp be soaked in it for 1 hour. However, mixing it with shampoos is not highly encouraged because it might develop harmful chemical reactions and cost you your beloved hair.
Hair loss treatment by using a saw palmetto shampoo usually takes effect after 3 to 6 months. When effects starts to appear continuous usage of the shampoo is still advised for maximum results. Since it is an anti-DHT, when the application of shampoo is stopped DHT will be free again to take your hair away.
The saw palmetto shampoo is only one of the many ways to stop your hair strands from leaving your scalp. Using this even when you don’t find any signs of hair loss yet is a better way to prevent hair loss, as most doctors say, “Prevention is better than cure.”
Saw Palmetto Side Effects
A long and healthy life has always been wanted by everyone, which has brought researchers and specialists to finding ways to give people the active lifestyle that they wanted. Saw Palmetto has been very famous as an alternative medicine to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), male or female pattern baldness (MPB) and some studies show that this herbal also prevents cancer cells from growing in the prostate area. These features that the saw palmetto possesses are very essential to every man, young or aging, making it very popular and is now produced as dietary supplements. It’s popularity and has reached many countries mostly in the United States and Europe. However like any other medicine it is not perfect, it cures a couple of complications but may develop other issues with some other parts of our body.
The human body is created that every organ and tissue in it affects one another, so curing an ailment of one organ will definitely affect the response of other organs. Saw Palmetto is not a medicine that can avoid this natural thing. Like any other medicines, saw palmetto affects not only its target but also the ones connected to it. Also our bodies are so unique that the responses of a herb to your friend may not be the same for you. Unwanted or sometimes harmful responses that our body experience after taking some drugs or what is commonly known as side effects are also present in taking saw palmetto supplements.
Saw Palmetto is safe for most people, especially those who are not taking any other medications other than it. However not everyone’s body response to saw palmetto like most do. People consuming saw palmetto dietary supplements may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, bad breath, headache, dizziness, sleeping problems, muscle pain, depression or unusual interest in sex. These side effects are common especially to those who just started taking the supplements. Your body’s adjustment to these supplements may have caused these side effects and developed some less serious side effects.
Side effects are natural to medicines especially alternatives like saw palmetto. However side effects that are serious and may cause a more dangerous disease is not natural. These kinds of side effects may occur because of a complication already present in your body or intake of more than one medication without consulting your doctor. Saw Palmetto’s rare cases of side effects has brought some people’s lives from wanting to get rid of baldness to a more serious situation than worrying they’re hairstyle everyday. Some Serenoa repens users have reported serious side effects such as fainting, blood/dark/tarry stool, coughing with blood, vomiting substances that looks like coffee ground, swelling of breast or testicles, uneven heartbeat, easy bruising or bleeding, loss of appetite and yellowing of skin or eyes.
These side effects are too dangerous that saw palmetto consumers must stop taking the supplement once they experience them. Also, rare cases have shown that saw palmetto injures the liver and pancreas.
These side effects do not only occur due to bad responses of our body. Improper usage of any kind of drug will always lead to a fatal disease. We must always remember to follow the dosage of medications, and the things that must come with the intake of the medicine like food or exercise. Our bodies can only take too much for a given period of time, and taking medicines excessively does not mean faster recovery.
Side effects and danger to one’s life are not the main purpose of medicinal herbs, but we cannot deny the fact that these complications exist. Although, serious problems may be prevented by consulting a doctor before taking in any kind of medication.
Does Saw Palmetto Work For Hair Loss – Our Independent Review
For both men and women there are many advertised treatments for hair loss, from natural supplements to surgical techniques. Saw Palmetto has long been heralded as an effective natural supplement. But does it actually do the job? Or is it just an old wives tale? We dig out the facts and bring you our findings.
Firstly – What is Saw Palmetto?
Saw Palmetto is an herb that is known to inhibit DHT, the hormone that plays a major role in promoting hair loss. It has long enjoyed a reputation among the early American Indians and Mayans as a herb for curing various ailments, from infections to digestive problems, weakness and inflammation. It is also a common herbal treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, an enlargement of the prostate gland, which occurs in older men.
Saw palmetto has a characteristic that resembles that of a weak anti-androgen, which means that it counters the effects of androgen, the male hormone that causes hair loss. There are many studies that have proven the ability of saw palmetto to inhibit DHT production in the body, but no studies so far that have found that saw palmetto was clinically effective in reversing hair loss. There are many users who say that they have seen favorable results after a few months of using saw palmetto on themselves but there are also others who have not seen any positive results after using the herb for the same length of time.
Saw palmetto also improves the skin, one of the beneficial side effects of this herb that are not often emphasized. Some men who used the herb not only saw an improvement on their hair loss, they also experienced a gradual smoothening of the skin.
How should you take Saw Palmetto?
Saw palmetto is available in tablets or capsules. Depending on the dosage for each capsule, users need to take one to two capsules twice a day. Some users pair saw palmetto with other products such as capsaicin oils massaged onto the scalp to promote circulation and to help the absorption of saw palmetto by the hair follicles.
To the Results! How much success are having people with this?
A look at most hair loss forums online will reveal a mixture of reviews. There are most definitely users of saw palmetto who rave about the product. One user says that intake of saw palmetto pills stopped his hair loss and caused the growth of fine hair on his bald spots. There are others who report that their hair grew thicker and stronger. Another user reported seeing major changes after taking saw palmetto, such as regrowth of hair in bald spots and stronger hair strands. However, some users who reported favourable results used saw palmetto as one part of a regimen that includes other ingredients such as pumpkin oil and flaxseed, so it is difficult to determine the actual contribution of saw palmetto to these positive effects.
There are others who did not see any changes. One user reported seeing a gradual worsening of his hair loss, and the appearance of other problems such as erectile dysfunction. Another user also reported very slow, gradual growth, which led him to look for another alternative that offered better results. Many users reported feeling mild side effects, like GI problems and sleeplessness. Others even experienced worse hair loss and some had trouble performing in bed, which they attributed to their use of the herb supplement – although whether this is actually the case is impossible to determine. Saw palmetto may cause a hormonal imbalance which explains some problems experienced by male users such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
There are many conflicting opinions and reports for saw palmetto, with very little scientific data to guide consumers about the potential efficacy of this herb. If you want to use saw palmetto for hair loss, choose quality saw palmetto supplements and consult your doctor before taking any kind of supplement for your hair loss. It is also important to never take the supplement along with other kinds of medications to prevent the occurrence of potentially serious side effects.
Saw Palmetto For Hair Loss In Women
Hair loss affects both men and women, although it appears to be more pronounced in males, they can be equally as severe in females. The hair forms an important part in how a woman looks so any abnormalities in hair growth and in the worst cases, bald spots, can affect a woman’s self-confidence and self esteem. Fortunately, there are many forms of treatment that work for both men and women. One of these treatments is saw palmetto.
Saw palmetto, in its raw form, is a short, dwarfy plant that is native to North America. The active ingredient is found in the plant’s brown to black berries. When extracted, the saw palmetto is purified and taken as a herbal supplement. Apart from its role in stopping or reversing hair loss in women, saw palmetto has also been traditionally used by Native American Indians in the treatment of various illness such as urinary problems in men and diseases of the breast in women. Today, Serenoa repens is also a common herbal supplement for the alternative treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of the prostate gland in men.
Hair Loss in Women
Many women prefer to use saw palmetto compared to other hair loss medications like Rogaine because the latter often comes with severe side effects. Saw palmetto is also the preferred alternative treatment for women who have tried every other treatment in the past without any positive effects. Because this is a herbal supplement, side effects, like migraine and nausea are rare in most women who took the supplement and they were often mild in those who experienced the side effects.
Most women take saw palmetto in the recommended dose which is 160 mg along with 300 mg of Biotin. Both are taken twice a day for the best results. There are very few studies explaining why this combination works best, but a lot of users, both men and women, have seen the most favorable results when they took saw palmetto this way. Some users also report of seeing more visible results in a shorter amount of time when they take saw palmetto with other herbal supplements. Users report an improvement of 50-60% in the condition of the hair after taking saw palmetto supplements, while a few reported a gradual return to the former thickness and denseness of the hair a year or two after regular consumption of the supplement. The body’s metabolism may also affect how fast results are seen, so the visibility of effects may vary from one user to another. Eating a nutritious diet and avoiding foods that are known to promote hair loss can all help improve the effects of the supplement and raise the chances of reversing hair loss.
The effect of saw palmetto is believed to come from its ability to inhibit the action of an enzyme that plays an important role in hair loss. It also prevents the formation of DHT, a hormone that is one of the main causes of hair loss in both men and women. Without this hormone, the hair gradually stops shedding. Some users of saw palmetto herbal supplements report of seeing improvements after using the supplement, as well as recurrence of hair loss once they stopped taking the supplement, a good indication that it was the saw palmetto that caused the improvement.
Saw Palmetto for pregnant women
The use of saw palmetto in pregnant lactating women is not documented, however, so it is best to consult a doctor before using the supplement. Saw palmetto may also affect the use of contraceptives so medical advice is important before women who are using contraceptives can safely start taking saw palmetto supplements for hair loss.
Although more studies on the efficacy of Serenoa repens still need to be done, it is a fact that many female users have seen favorable results with the use of saw palmetto on hair loss. Whether the effect was mild or drastic, saw palmetto is a good contender for one of the most useful herbal supplements for hair loss for both men and women. As long as the supplement is taken in the right dosage and the right medical monitoring is done to reduce the risk of side effects, there is a good chance of reversing the effects of hair loss with saw palmetto.