Saw Palmetto (Serona Repens) is a small palm, the human use of which prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydortestosterone which helps to prevent the development of prostate disease. Many leading pharmaceutical remedies for prostate health and sexual dysfunction contain extract of the herb.

It goes by a multitude of other names such as American Dwarf Palm Tree, Baies du Chou Palmiste, Baies du Palmier Scie, Cabbage Palm, Chou Palmiste, Ju-Zhong, Palma Enana Americana, Palmier de Floride, Palmier Nain, Palmier Nain Américain, Palmier Scie, Sabal, Sabal Fructus, Sabal Serrulata

Traditional Uses for Saw Palmetto:-

Saw Palmetto is also suggested for genito-urinary problems, endocrine disorders, infertility, impotence, menstrual disorders, ovarian dysfunction, lactation, thyroid deficiencies, and painful menstrual periods and many swear by it to stem hair loss.

History of Saw Palmetto:-

A native of the coastal dunes of Florida and Texas, Th eherb was, in the past, an important food source for the local Indian tribes. Native Americans have long consumed the fruit of this tree, harvested honey from its flowers, and the fanlike branches of this palm also made serviceable brooms. The palm-heart or terminal bud of the plant makes an excellent salad or cooked vegetable. In addition, all parts of the plant are known for their health properties, some of which were borrowed by European settlers.

It makes a very bitter tea.

The herb can significantly slow down blood clotting, leading to increased bleeding time

Cautions

Beyond complaints of light stomach pain, saw palmetto does not cause side effects. However, its hormonal properties make it unfit for cancer patients. It can  interfere with prostate cancer tests.

Women rarely use saw palmetto extract. Pregnant or breast feeding women should not use it at all.