All of the above. Phytoestrogens have been shown to benefit women by reducing cancer risks, reducing risks for heart disease and stroke, alleviating symptoms of PMS and menopause, and by reducing side-effects and dangers of certain drugs.
Herbs Particularly Beneficial for Men
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition among men over age 40. It is a benign swelling or enlargement of the prostate gland due to certain hormonal changes in the body. Since the prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine flows as it passes from the bladder to the outside, swelling of the prostate can cause such urinary symptoms as decreased urinary flow rate, trouble emptying the bladder, and increased frequency of urination (having to go to the bathroom repeatedly through the night for example.)
Several herbs have been used to help alleviate the symptoms of BPH. The most notable of these are Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and pygeum (Prunus africanum). The concentrated form of these herbs is the most desirable form. It should be noted that research indicates that it may take from three to four months for the prostate swelling to go down so immediate results should not be expected.
There is also some evidence that stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) may help with prostate problems. In fact, stinging nettle has a long history of use for men’s problems in Europe.
Men’s Formula is an herbal combination formulated especially for the prostate gland. It contains the three herbs mentioned above, along with the herb Gotu kola(Hydrocotyle asiatica) to help circulation and the trace mineral zinc, which has been shown to be very important for prostate health. In addition to helping with the prostate gland, this formulation may also help men with infertility and impotence.
Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca), as its scientific name implies, has also been used traditionally to increase libido (sex drive) for both men and women. It might also prove helpful with infertility for both men and women.
X-A is an herbal combination containing ten herbs including damiana, saw palmetto, and Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng.) It is used by both men and women to increase fertility and libido.
Yohimbe bark (Pausinystalia yohimbe) and Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides) are two herbs that have traditionally been used to help men with sex problems. Evidence of their efficacy has been confirmed by recent scientific research. Like many herbs, yohimbe and muira puama seem to work best when combined with synergistic herbs, so these two are combined with other promising ingredients, including damiana, horny goat weed (Epimedium sagittatum), and the amino acid l-arginine, in the herbal combination just for men called X-Action for Men.
Which of the following herbs has traditionally been used by men for the prostate gland?
saw palmetto
pygeum
stinging nettle
all of the above