The prostate gland is situated at the base of bladder and produces part of the seminal fluid. It surrounds the urethra, but normally causes no problems for urine flow. It is roughly the size of a walnut, but a common condition as men get older is a benign enlargement. This leads the prostate to compress the urethra and perhaps even the bladder and urine flow becomes slower to start or stop with some dribbling.
Home remedies for Prostate Problems
Aromatherapy - To be used only as an adjunct to seeking professional treatment. Where there is benign prostate enlargement causing some difficulty in passing urine, placing a licit compress using a few drops of oils of Chamomile, Juniper or Pine over the low abdomen can quickly ease the pressure and get the urine to flow better. If the prostate is inflamed, oil of Chamomile should be included due to its anti-inflammatory effect.
Herbalism - For an enlarged prostate, an infusion of one or both of the following remedies can help a good deal:
HORSETAIL: a strong diuretic, increasing urine flow and Helping the bladder to empty itself completely - failure to do so can lead to cystitis. It is also astringent and anti- inflammatory, toning the swollen membranes.
White Deadnettle: another astringent remedy, which seems to have a regulatory effect on blood flow through the pelvic area.
Homeopathy - Some possible remedies are:
APIS MEL: when there is inflammation, probably with some enlargement, so that there is a frequent desire to pass water, but with only small amounts of stinging, burning urine.
BELLADONNA: when urination is also painful and difficult; the pressure causes some involuntary dribbling of urine when standing or moving around.
PULSATILLA: for frequent, urgent need to pass water, slight dribbling, or incontinence with any movement such as coughing, laughing or sneezing.
Naturopathy - Stick to a varied whole food diet, with plenty of fluids during the day to keep urine moving through the bladder, but reduce coffee, tea or alcohol which can all irritate. Zinc is of special benefit to the prostate. Pumpkin seeds are a good food source and a supplement (up to 20 mg) may be needed daily for a while if symptoms of enlarged prostate develop.
Hydrotherapy treatment is a valuable aid: use alternating hot and cold water for the low abdomen (3 minutes hot and maximum 1 minute cold), either using a shower or splashes in the bath. The ideal method is using Sitz baths, as in hydrotherapy spa clinics.
