Effect

Speed of Action

Dose and instructions

(“00” capsules, unless otherwise specified)

Prostate Specific (Hormone Actions)

Saw palmetto berry

 

Slow but consistent

Allow 3-4 months for
significant effect. Higher doses promote more rapid clinical effects.

4-12 per day

Essential fatty acids

Anti-inflammatory prostaglandins

 

As indicated

 

 

 

 

Anti-inflammatory

 

 

 

Turmeric root

Astringent

Rapid

10-15 per day, as
necessary

Licorice root

 

Rapid

Bowel tolerance
(perhaps 8 per day)

 

 

 

 

Astringents

Goldenseal root

Long history of
successful use in BPH

Astringent,
antibacterial

Moderate

Up to 20 per day in
acute phase

Nutmeg nut

 

Moderate but profound

1-5 per day, divided
doses (Caution – sedating)

Desert tea (American ephedra)

 

Rapid

Increase gradually to
effective dose (Caution- may be mildly energizing)

Schisandra berry

 

Moderate

Maximum
to tolerance. Up to 20 per day
as tolerated.

Chinese Amur cork tree
bark

Astringent,
antibacterial

Moderate

Up to 20 per day in
acute phase

Diuretics

Ma huang

 

Rapid

Caution-
very energizing.

Start at low dose,
increase gradually

Not late in day.

Start with less than 1
capsule- ¼ to ½.

Increase to tolerance.

 

 

 

 

General

Zinc

Prostate tissue support

Moderate

100 mg per day