- Region
- North America
- Origin
- South-eastern coast of North America and the West Indies
North America · Herb · № 35
Serenoa repens
Herb · North America
Saw palmetto
Serenoa repens
Promoted for urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate, but NCCIH concludes it probably does not help for this.
Safety notes
Urinary symptoms or an enlarged prostate need medical assessment. Ask for advice if you take medicines.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: According to research probably does not help with an enlarged prostate; have complaints assessed by a doctor.
Preparation
The berries are used; supplements usually contain a fruit extract.
Use in traditions
The fruit was historically a food. Indigenous peoples of the Southeast have their own names for the plant, including in Choctaw, Creek, and Mikasuki, and used the leaves for thatching.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Healing traditions of the Americas
Attributed effects
The berries were food for the Seminole and other peoples in Florida; in the 19th century they entered Western herbalism for urinary and prostate complaints.
Preparation and amount
Berries dried; now mainly as an extract in capsules. No dosage is given here.
Caution: According to research probably does not help with an enlarged prostate; have complaints assessed by a doctor.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Powder and kitchen