One of the most powerful influences on a man’s health is his diet. There are a number of herbs that can help support concerns specific to men, namely vitality, prostate health, and sex drive. Herbs work in several ways to address health issues of concern to men, such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and high blood pressure. I believe they should be a part of every man’s long-term plan for overall health.
Here are eight herbs and the positive results they can encourage. The following herbs support men’s health throughout all stages of life.
Eight Herbs That Support Men’s Health
Pine bark (Pinus pinaster) has been a natural therapy for centuries, it offers nutritional support to encourage prostate health. The bark supports sperm quality, quantity and encourages a desirable sexual response. Pine bark extract helps relax blood vessels and counter inflammatory damage to them.
Pine bark extract contains strong antioxidants that promote the formation of nitrogen in the endothelium. Nitric oxide relaxes the blood vessels, increasing blood flow to them. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and support proper erectile function.
This extract possesses key phytochemical constituents such as flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. These proanthocyanidins have been found to have a significant effect on prostate cancer cells.
Since pine bark can be potent at relaxing arteries, monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels on a regular basis is necessary. Failing to do so may lead to low blood pressure and low blood sugar.
If you are on prescription medications for high blood pressure or for high blood sugar, use this extract with great care. Consult your medical practitioner in such cases before you begin supplementation.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has a recognizable, vibrant yellowish-orange hue and is loaded with health-supporting nutrients. It is high in antioxidants, phytochemicals, and anti-inflammatory properties that have many benefits for supporting prostate health especially health concerns related to aging and inflammation.
Turmeric’s phytochemicals help support the body’s inflammatory response, fighting inflammation and aging. This root soothes muscles and irritated tissue. Curcuminoids are the most active phytochemicals in turmeric root. Curcuminoids offer powerful health-promoting effects through antioxidant, neuroprotective and immune system boosting activity.
Curcumin is the particle behind turmeric’s color and taste and can restrict several cell-signaling pathways. This can stop or weaken tumor cell production. Curcumin also has radio-protective and radio-sensitizing properties. This helps make tumor cells more susceptible to radiation while also protecting your body against its harmful effects. A great way to take turmeric is turmeric capsules.
Pumpkin seeds offer a range of nutrients that have been positively linked to prostate health such as zinc, potassium, and iron. These nutrients coupled with pumpkin seeds’ antioxidant action offer incredible support for the prostate. Pumpkin seed extract encourages normal urine flow in men with an enlarged prostate.
Consuming pumpkin seeds help with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a condition that causes problems with urination due to an enlarged prostate gland. Pumpkin seeds help reduce the symptoms associated with BPH. This also helps with an overactive bladder.
Male fertility can benefit from the zinc found in pumpkin seeds. Reduced sperm quality and even infertility in men may be associated with low zinc levels. Consuming these seeds help improve overall sperm quality. The antioxidant content may also play a role in healthy testosterone levels.
Zinc is a critical component in your body’s ability to maintain peak levels of testosterone. Zinc is a key component for healthy sperm production and is the lifeblood of a healthy functioning prostate.
Phosphorous is a critical nutrient for maintaining healthy erections and a vigorously strong libido. Phosphorus helps to maintain a normal pH in the body and generates and utilizes energy.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) optimizes the metabolism of male hormones and promotes healthy prostate gland function. It is used to support healthy prostate function associated with the natural processes of aging. This plant is used to support urinary and reproductive health and can help inhibit enzymes associated with prostate enlargement.
This herb fights the creation of androgen hormones associated with male prostate problems and hair loss. It also supports healthy testosterone levels. Ultimately, saw palmetto can help a man protect his sexual function, prostate health and long-term well being.
Saw palmetto works by stopping the breakdown of testosterone into its byproduct, dihydrotestosterone, which boosts libido. This byproduct helps the body hold on to more of its testosterone and create less dihydrotestosterone, which can slow or stop the growth of the prostate gland.
Sperm production is guided by testosterone, too little testosterone results in low sperm count. Saw palmetto may increase male fertility by affecting the balance of free testosterone in the body.
Pygeum Bark (Pygeum africanum) has been effective in treating an enlarged prostate or benign hyperplasia (BPH), and inflamed prostate. Urinary problems associated with prostate complaints particularly frequent nighttime urination and diminished volume are effectively treated with pygeum bark.
An enlarged prostate is a common problem and finding ways to encourage a normal-sized prostate is essential for normal urination. Pygeum bark is a natural way to help maintain good prostate health.
The major active components of pygeum bark are fatty acids and fat-soluble sterols called phytosterols. Phytosterols can inhibit the body’s production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can increase the risk of BPH and prostate cancer. Pygeum also reduces the number of receptor sites where DHT can attach to cells.
The most common daily dose of pygeum is 75 to 200 mg capsules of standardized pygeum extract (bark; 13% total sterols) taken daily either as a single dose or divided into two equal doses. People usually tolerate pygeum well, but it may cause possible side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain.
Pygeum’s diuretic properties help increase the volume and flow of urine and help flush and dissolve uric acid sediment from the body. This helps to prevent further sedimentation in the prostate. The bark helps to rid the body of uric acid that would be retained in cellular tissue causing arthritic calcification and gout.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) relieves urinary tract and prostate problems because of its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Stinging nettle encourages normal hormone levels and discourages the conversion of testosterone into DHT, an androgen hormone that can be a factor in prostate enlargement.
For men who have prostatitis, stinging nettle benefits men who have the chronic bacterial form of the condition.
Nettle root extract or tincture will help men get a hard erection and assist in premature ejaculation by increasing testosterone production in your body. It will also increase your muscular strength and boost your sexual desire. Nettle root possesses a high medicinal value for men who suffer from poor erectile health function and other sexual problems.
The use of stinging nettle is a good choice for men who are recovering from a prostate biopsy. Researchers have found that stinging nettle has an ability to reduce some of the possible complications that can follow a prostate biopsy, including difficulty urinating, urinary urgency and pain.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is a potent option to support male fertility. It increases serum levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone, a hormone that stimulates testosterone production.
When your body is stressed, the immune and nervous systems are affected. Adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha help nourish and restore optimal nervous and immune system health by normalizing mood, energy levels, hormones, and overall immune function. This herb is a tonic, as it supports the body’s overall wellbeing. It is also an adaptogen because it supports the body’s natural resistance.
A variety of factors can create male hormone imbalance, including age and body weight, stress is another. Stress can be physical as well as mental.
For men, its extracts have the ability to stimulate the production of nitric oxide in the body. This causes a dilatation of the blood vessels that carry blood to the genitals, leading to an increase in sexual desire and satisfaction.
Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) supports a healthy libido, normal fertility, and healthy energy and stamina. Maca root assists with natural fertility by helping to maintain normal reproductive hormone levels. With a nutty, delicious taste, Maca is commonly added to smoothies, oatmeal, and juice but it also can be taken in capsules.
One of the most common old-age problems men face is prostatic hyperplasia, a condition where the prostate gland is enlarged. Consuming maca can help in reducing prostate enlargement. Maca acts on androgen receptors in the prostate preventing the binding up of hormones which leads to prostate enlargement.
Maca roots are rich in amino acids that are one of the building components of hormones. The roots contain 20 amino acids out of which 8 are essential amino acids that help in the production of regulatory hormones in men.
Using herbs, men can protect their sexual health through all stages of their lives. You enjoy a healthy sex life well into old age.
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