Saw Palmetto (Sabal) |
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Basic Information
Biological name (genus and species):
Serenoa repens
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Seeds
Chemicals this herb contains:
Capric
Caproic
Caprylic
Lauric
Oleic
Palmitic
Resin (See Glossary)
KNOWN EFFECTS
Irritates mucous membranes.
Helps body dispose of excess fluid by increasing amount of
urine produced.
Miscellaneous information:
Berries are edible but don't taste good.
Reported to enlarge female breasts and to treat benign
prostatic hypertrophy. Studies have conclusively shown this herb
will NOT accomplish either.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
Treats chronic cystitis.
Treats urethritis and other inflammations of male genito-
urinary tract, including prostatitis.
Reduces accumulated fluid in the body resulting from heart,
kidney or liver diseases.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in
the near future.
Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as
stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux
esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis,
diverticulosis, diverticulitis.
Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in
2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments.
Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives,
cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino
acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription
drugs.
Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have
not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't
use unless prescribed by your doctor.
Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking
small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of
problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal
preparation is hazardous.
Others:
None expected if you are under 45, not pregnant, basically
healthy, take it for only a short time and do not exceed
manufacturer's recommended dosage.
Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from
children.
Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.
TOXICITY
Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for
short periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE
EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS section below.
ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms: |
What to do: |
Diarrhea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
Nausea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
Vomiting |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
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