Ayurvedic Treatment for Enlarged Prostate

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a disease often associated with older men. Since the mass is benign, it rarely spreads to other body parts. However, the symptoms associated with BPH like frequent urination, urgency, weak urine flow, and nocturia can severely compromise the quality of life of the patients. While modern medicine offers solutions, Ayurveda offers a holistic treatment for this disorder. Ayurvedic treatment for enlarged prostate or Ayurvedic treatment of prostate enlargement makes use of herbs to treat this disease. Apart from herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes are also included in the lifestyle of the patients to treat this disorder.

How does Ayurveda explain BPH?

According to Ayurveda, any disease in our bodies is a direct result of the imbalance of the doshas in the body, i.e. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. If we go by Ayurvedic scripture, the prostate is part of the "Shukra dhatu" (reproductive system), and when Apana Vata (the energy responsible for downward movement) goes off-balance, it can result in BPH.

Prostate Symptoms:

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• Weak urine stream
• Intermittent urine flow
• Painful urination
• Blood in urine (hematuria) or semen (hematospermia)
• Painful ejaculation
• Pelvic or lower back pain
• Erectile dysfunction or reduced sexual drive
• Discomfort in the perineum (area between the scrotum and anus)

Common Causes of Prostate Issues:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
• Prostatitis
• Prostate Cancer
• Age-related changes
• Genetic factors
• Hormonal changes
• Chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Lifestyle factors

Ayurvedic Cure for Prostate Enlargement: Herbs

Some of the most popular herbs used in the treatment of prostate enlargement in Ayurveda are:

1. Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris)

• Why it helps: Its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties help ease inflammation in the prostate cells. This results in reduced inflammation in the prostate gland and it also helps improve urine flow. The herb has active compounds such as saponins and flavonoids that reduce inflammation in the prostate and surrounding tissues due to their anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help regulate testosterone levels and support hormonal balance, indirectly contributing to the management of this disease.
• How to use: You can mix the powder of Gokshura with warm water or consume the capsules after meals.

2. Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa)

• Why it helps: Ayurvedic treatment of prostate enlargement makes use of Punarnava’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This Ayurvedic herb reduces inflammation in the prostate gland. Apart from this, Punarnava rejuvenates the body cells. Punarnava also supports kidney and urinary tract health by preventing complications like urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• o    How to use: You can drink a decoction made from its leaves two times a day.

3. Varuna (Crataeva Nurvala)

• Why it helps: Ayurvedic treatment for enlarged prostate is incomplete without this herb. It reduces inflammation in the body cells and it may also help inhibit prostate enlargement. Varuna contains bioactive compounds that come with anti-inflammatory properties. It works by reducing inflammation in the prostate and surrounding tissues and this herb also helps reduce swelling in the prostate.
• How to use: Mix the bark powder of this Ayurvedic herb with honey and consume it.

4. Kanchanar (Bauhinia Variegata)

• Why it helps: Kanchanar has gland-shrinking and anti-tumor properties. Regulary consuming it may put a limit on the expanding prostate size. Kanchanar has detoxifying effect on the lymphatic system. By promoting the elimination of toxins and keeping a check on the blockages in the lymphatic system, Kanchanar reduces swelling and improves overall prostate function.
• How to use: Pair it with Guggulu for best results.

5. Shilajit

• Why it helps: Shilajit has long been used for curing urinary and reproductive issues related to men. It has been shown to balance various hormones in the body, including testosterone. Increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is often thought to be a major contributor to prostate enlargement in BPH. By helping regulate testosterone levels, Shilajit may inhibit the enlargement of prostate..
• How to use: Take it in resin form or as capsules.

6. Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)

• Why it helps: This Ayurvedic herb is known to improve digestion and helps with detoxifying the body. Terminalia Chebula also has mild diuretic effects, which can help remove excess fluids from the body. This herb is particularly useful for men with BPH who have urinary retention or fluid buildup symptoms due to prostate enlargement.
• How to use: Consume it as a powder with warm water or in Triphala.

Note - Ayurvedic herbs are usually safe, though, you must take the advice of your healthcare provider before consuming them. Some Ayurvedic herbs can cause side effects such as headache, lightheadedness, vomiting, etc. Unsupervised consumption of herbal medicines can cause health complications as well.

Ayurveda Cure for Prostate Enlargement: Diet Tips

Foods to Add:

• Fruits and Veggies: Berries, pomegranates, and leafy greens should be a part of your daily diet if you are a prostate patient. These foods combat inflammation effectively. Additionally, these foods boost the immune system.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, antioxidants, and healthy fats, and help support prostate health, reducing inflammation, and improving urinary function in BPH.
• Tomatoes: These red goodies are rich in lycopene, a compound that helps combat inflammation. Tomatoes also lower the risk of prostate enlargement, and improve urinary function.
• Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which may reduce prostate inflammation, balance hormones, improve urinary function, and support prostate health in individuals suffering from this disorder..

Foods to Limit:

• Spicy Foods: Spicy foods irritate the bladder and prostate, worsening symptoms of BPH like urinary urgency, frequency, and discomfort. These food items also increase inflammation in the BPH patients.
• Caffeine and Alcohol: They are known to irritate the urinary tract. Caffeine and alcohol are known to irritate the bladder, increase urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia in BPH patients.
• Processed Foods: Processed foods, high in unhealthy fats, salt, and preservatives, worsen symptoms like inflammation and promote weight gain. These food items may also worsen the kapha imbalance.

Ayurveda Cure for Prostate Enlargement: Lifestyle Adjustments

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to effectively flush out toxins. Water, herbal teas, coconut water, etc. are excellent sources for fluid replenishment.
• Yoga and Breathing Exercises: Some Yoga asanas like Moola Bandha (root lock) and Bhujangasana (cobra pose) contribute positively to better pelvic health.
• Manage Stress: Meditate regularly to ease stress linked to BPH.
• Exercise Regularly: Activities like walking or swimming boost the immune system.

Wrapping Up

Enlarged prostate can be a cumbersome ailment to deal with, however, with timely treatment, one can easily rein this disease in. Combining Ayurvedic treatment for enlarged prostate with apt diet and lifestyle changes is key to comprehensive treatment. However, always consult with your doctor before you consume herbs to treat your ailments and be sure to consult if your symptoms are borderline severe.