The prostate gland normally measures about the size of a walnut. Found only in men, this gland sits under the urinary bladder and wraps around the top of the urethra (the tube through which urine and semen flow out of the body). Enlargement of the prostate is a condition that usually affects men over 50.

There is usually an urgent desire to urinate, but difficulty passing urine. Other common symptoms are a sensation that bladder is still full after urinating and waking up several times at night with the urge to urinate.

The homoepathic remedies included in this software are to assist in relieving the discomfort of this condition. However, should the condition become really troublesome, please consult your health care provider.

The final option is to remove the gland. Removing the prostate leaves most men sterile. As with medications prescribed for the condition, some men experience reduced sexual sensation or are unable to get or maintain an erection.

The herb Saw Palmetto can help reducing the size of the gland, making urination easier and less frequent, and relieving any accompanying pain and discomfort.

Panax Ginseng can also offer relief from some of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, postponing the need for drugs or surgery. This herb can be taken in the form of an extract or as a dried root.

Bark from the Pygeum africanum tree has received widespread use for treating enlarged prostate in some countries. Researchers have found that it significantly lessens the symptoms.

Diet can have a direct effect on the health of the prostate, as well. Certain foods may irritate the prostate, causing symptoms to worsen. Some of the foods to be avoided include

• coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated)

• other caffeine sources (soda, chocolate, and tea)

• alcohol

• red pepper

Zinc is commonly recommended to men with prostate problems. Researchers have shown that patients can decrease their enlarged prostate symptoms by adding zinc to their diet. (Care should be taken with zinc supplementation, though, as large doses of zinc decrease the body’s absorption of copper and may lead to copper deficiencies; a good ratio is 1 mg of copper per 15 mg of zinc with a daily maximum of 3 or 4 mg of copper.)  Zinc picolinate (50mg daily) may be recommended. Vitamin B6 supplements are typically prescribed along with zinc.

As an alternative to zinc supplementation, try Pumpkin Seeds (2 ounces a day). They provide a lot of the mineral, as well as essential fatty acids, which are also beneficial to men who have enlarged prostates.

Other good sources of essential fatty acids include cold-pressed unrefined vegetable oils such as flaxseed oil. (Sunflower and sesame oil are also decent sources.)