Saw Palmetto

The berries of this palm (Serenoa repens) have been used by Native Americans for centuries, and seem to have positive effects on both male and female reproductive organs. Actually, it’s reputed to have a startling array of benefits across the board, some of which are hard to believe. A visit to sawpalmetto.org is a good place to sort through a lot of the evidence for and against all that. For here, let’s stick to our topic. 

It’s well known as promoting prostate health, and there is a lot of research to back that up. There are other effects it has on different hormones that are less well documented, too. As such, women should consult a doctor before taking saw palmetto, especially if they are testosterone deficient, on birth control, pregnant, or nursing. That said, in some combinations with other things (such as fenugreek and wild yam) it is possible that it can boost the function of estrogen without increasing its actual presence, leading to, for example, firmer breasts. Go figure.

Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto

I strongly suspect it is more easily applied to things such as swings in mood and libido.

Its ability to suppress DHT and thus keep the prostate more in good function is certain, and from a fixing-the-trouble point of view, has its place in aphrodisia – but really, it seems to be pretty much a supporting role.

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