Prostrate disorders usually do not develop until after the age of thirty-five. By age fifty, up to 25% of all men have an enlarged prostate. By age seventy, 50% experience the condition. After the age of eighty, the number rises to over 80%.

Symptoms of prostate disorders include frequent urination, painful urination, reduced flow of urine, incontinence, fever, lower back pain, leg pain, impotence, loss of libido, reduced immunity, unusual insomnia, and fatigue.

Prostate disorders sometimes develop after prolonged periods of stress. Immunity building herbs should be taken anytime a person experiences a crisis situation. Ginseng, goldenseal, Echinacea, dandelion, milk thistle seed, licorice, and astragalus are recommended and should be taken on a regular basis.

Obesity and hormonal changes contribute to prostate problems. A healthy low-fat diet with lots of fiber can help reduce chances of prostate enlargement (and other conditions). Eat lots of wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, oatmeal, oat bran, brewer's yeast, sesame seeds, and sea vegetables. Avoid tomato juice, red meat, fried foods, refined foods, colas, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and over-the-counter antihistamines.

Sitting for long periods can cause decreased circulation and may lead to prostrate problems. Get some exercise every day. St. John's Wort, prickly ash, and horse chestnut can help improve circulation.

A simple prostate tonic can be made with lemon juice and water. Drink a glass every morning for two weeks. During the next four weeks, drink a mixture of water, cider vinegar, and honey every morning. Fruit juices and lots of water are good for the whole body.

Certain herbs are recommended for continued prostate health. Saw palmetto, horsetail, white deadnettle, corn silk, hydrangea, and couch grass are known to protect and heal the prostate. Vitamin E, iodine, potassium, and zinc supplements are also beneficial.

Saw palmetto is especially effective for treating an enlarged prostate. Start treatment as soon as possible –at the first sign of a problem. Symptoms can be greatly reduced if herbal treatments are started early and continue over a period of several months. Due to bitter taste, saw palmetto is best taken in diluted tincture form.

Some herbs benefit specific prostate problems. Take white oak to shrink swelling. Use nettles in cases of frequent urination. Use Pau d'arco, pygeum, borage, evening primrose, or black currant for inflammation. Try corn silk tea when a diuretic is needed to increase urine flow. When infection is present, eat lots of raw garlic and raw pineapple (or take bromelain enzyme supplements). Pain may be relieved with a warm chamomile bath followed by an application of ice pack for three or four minutes.

Another prostate problem in today's society is low sperm count. Low sperm count can be improved by wearing boxer shorts instead of tight briefs. Avoid exposure to high heat for prolonged periods of time (especially hot saunas). Try splashing testicles with cold water every morning. This can significantly raise sperm counts in just a few weeks.

* Always consult with your healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.