Saw Palmetto ~ Serenoa repens
Saw Palmetto 
Latin name: Serenoa repens
Family: Palmaceae
Part used: berry (whole ripe fruit)
Habitat: Eastern N. America
Main constituents: essential oil, sterols, fatty acids, polysaccharides
Energetics: drying, aromatic
Main herbal actions: diuretic, antispasmodic, alterative, tonic to male reproductive tract, decongestant, antiinflammatory
Minor herbal actions: endocrine agent
Main medicinal uses: “wasting of sexual organs, underdeveloped breasts and lack of sexual desire†(Tilgner), benign prostatic hyperplasia, pelvic atony
Minor medicinal uses: hypothyroid (Khalsa), respiratory conditions (head colds, bronchitis, sore throats); female conditions (polycystic ovaries, menstrual irregularities, hirsutism), debility and wasting diseases, cystitis, male pattern baldness (possible)
Preparations: decoction: 1-2 tsp/cup water; 1:2.5 dry strength liquid extract: 10-60 drops 1-4 times daily, capsules: 8 grams per day (Khalsa)
Contraindications: pregnancy
Toxicity: unknown
Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations
Module 3 slide 573 Reproductive
Solaray has a Men’s Health formula which combines Pygeum with Saw Palmetto
Was used as Native American tonic similar to how ginseng is used. Can be used for women to increase Lactation, but the Internet markets it to BPH, so it makes it a one purpose herb
Grows all over Florida. Pretty much only grows in the south Florida and Texas. Must be hand picked because the berries grow at different rates.
The active ingredient is found in the fat / lipid fraction of the fruit. Can use the fruit ground to a powder. The dried berries are less expensive than the capsules on the market. You can eat the fruit fresh and raw.
It has a hormone like action.
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