Saw Palmetto: An Effective Ingredient In Hair Loss Products

Saw Palmetto is only one of many effective natural ingredients used in hair loss treatments. Its Track record is undeniable. Research and consumer feedback reinforces the long held position that men benefit from its use.

Prostate health has long been a concern of men from their 40’s on. Specifically, a common condition of prostate enlargement causes the need for frequent urination and for urination production to be small at any given trip to the bathroom. It is now known that this condition is the result of the production of DHT(long scientific name not necessary here!), a byproduct of an enzyme reacting on testosterone, the most significant male hormone.

DHT causes prostate tissues to enlarge, thus causing the problems outlined at the beginning of this paragraph. Naturally, medical research in the area of prostate health has involved the development of drugs or other ingredients which will block or at least inhibit the production of DHT. The less the DHT, the smaller the prostate.

Today there are widely publicized drugs from virtually all pharmaceutical companies which inhibit DHT production. There is also a natural herb which has shown promise in the same area – Saw Palmetto. It is an herb widely grown in the southern portions of the United States and, in fact, around the world. It is readily available and not an expensive herb to buy – either in crushed berry or extract form.

It has been widely used throughout the world for hundreds of years and, recently, is receiving good publicity in the U.S. Homeopathic physicians consistently prescribe it for male patients experiencing prostate enlargement and many patients experience definite improvement and relief.

An interesting side effect of Saw Palmetto has also been noted. Some male patients report that they have experienced noticeable and permanent re-growth of scalp hair or a solid reduction in the rate of hair loss while taking Saw Palmetto for prostate problems. This has led to a bit of research which seems to conclude that inhibiting or blocking DHT production affects the entire body.

In the scalp area, the reduction of DHT seems to allow hair follicles to re-open and engage in new hair growth. Evidence also shows that DHT reduction may also maintain the health of productive follicles.

Drug companies that have developed and marketed other drugs for prostate and hair problems state that there is no evidence to suggest the efficacy of the herb. Of course they maintain this posture on most herbs because they are in the busines of selling drugs. Herb consumption cuts into their business. Ancient healers and homeopathic practitioners, however, say otherwise. Research conducted by proponents of Saw Palmetto report solid effectiveness.

You can buy the herb in crushed berry or in extract form. The extract form is far more concentrated, so, obviously less is taken. A general rule of dosage is 300-600 milligrams daily, mixed with some fatty acids. Any health food store, whether physical or on the Internet carries this product in the recommended dosages and combinations with fatty acids.

The very best way of course is to use a leading hair loss product that not only Contains this herb, but other important DHT inhibitors that make the overall product more effective than just Saw Palmetto.