What is saw palmetto and where is it found?
Saw palmetto is a plant found in Florida and the southeastern US. The fruit of the plant is used to make medicine in capsules, liquid, tablets, and tea.
What are the benefits?
People take saw palmetto to treat BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and prostate cancer. Others use it for its diuretic, sedative, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Some take saw palmetto to treat colds, asthma, hair loss, and migraines while others take it as an aphrodisiac and to increase libido.
In combination with other herbs, saw palmetto is used to treat prostate cancer.
Are there interactions with food or medications?
Saw palmetto should not be taken with oral contraceptives or anticoagulant/anti-platelet medication.
Are there side effects?
Some people report dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or headaches. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid saw palmetto because it may affect hormone levels in the body.
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