Home Remedies and Herbs for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that affects the prostate gland found in the male reproductive system. The prostate is located beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out through the tip of the penis. ^{1, 2} The prostate gland is naturally about the size of a walnut.When tumors form on the prostate gland they may become cancerous, which then leads to prostate cancer. Prostate cancer affect 1 in 5 men.²

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer begins when prostate cells become abnormal. Over time, these abnormal cells continue to mutate. Eventually these cells and spread and develop into cancerous tumors. ³ While there is no conclusive cause of prostate cancer, it is strongly linked to lifestyle factors. The following are potential risk factors that may increase the chances of developing prostate cancer:^3,4

• Poor diet
• Obesity
• Having had a vasectomy
• Hormone levels
• Aging, with the highest risk being after 60 years old
• Ethnicity, with African American men being more likely to develop prostate cancer
• Certain prescription medications
• Genetics, with a greater risk if a family member has been diagnosed (brother, father or son)

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

In the early stages of prostate cancer, it’s possible for there to be no noticeable symptoms at all. As prostate cancer progresses, the possible symptoms include:^3,5

• Difficulty urinating
• Weak urine flow
• Frequent urination, especially during the night
• Inability to fully empty the bladder
• Blood in urine
• Painful urination
• Persistent back, hips and pelvis pain
• Bone pain
• Painful ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunction

To help prevent the chances of developing prostate cancer, men should adhere to a healthy diet, exercise regularly and avoid smoking in order to lower their risk factors.

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Prostate Cancer

If you suffer from prostate cancer then it’s important to be aware of the prostate cancer home remedies available to help treat symptoms and slow the disease progression. Here are some of the top prostate cancer herbal remedies:

• Cat's Claw - As a natural prostate cancer alternative treatment, cat’s claw can help to improve the immune system through a natural compound called pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs). POA’s enhance immune activity to fight cancer cells.
• Oregano - Oregano contains an active ingredient that can help to kill cancer cells. Take oregano herbs for prostate health.
• Pumpkin Seed - Pumpkin seed acts as a prostate cancer herbal remedy due to its high zinc content, which is important for prostate health. Pumpkin seed oil specifically may help to combat prostate tumors.
• Bakig Soda - Baking soda is a natural prostate cancer alternative treatment because it is an alkalizing ingredient, which may help to reduce prostate cancer tumors.
• Milk Thistle - Milk thistle is a prostate cancer herbal remedy because it contains an ingredient called silymarin, which may help to treat cancer.
• Ginger - Ginger is one of the best prostate cancer herbs because it is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help to combat cancer cells.

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/prostate-cancer
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0021890/?report=reader http://www.cdc.gov/psoriasis/
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/basics/causes/con-20029597
4. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02822/prostate-cancer.html
5. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/symptoms.htm