Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlarged prostate. The prostate is a small gland just under the bladder. It surrounds the tube that lets urine leave the bladder. A growing puts pressure on the tube. It can make it hard for urine to pass out of the bladder. It may also be hard to fully empty the bladder.

BPH can lead to problems with urination and frequent bathroom trips. It may need to be treated if it causes problems or is severe. Medicine can help to shrink the prostate. Surgical procedures are also available. Tissue can be removed to help the urine pathway open. Natural treatment may help ease some symptoms.

P1

Possibly effective

These herbs may be able to help urine flow:

May be effective

May not be effective

These therapies do not appear to help urine flow:

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Caution

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse such as:

  • Urtica dioica may cause problems in men with diabetes and kidney problems. Talk to your doctor before taking urtica dioica.
  • Saw palmetto can affect blood clotting. It can be especially harmful in those who already take blood thinners. Talk to your doctor about any medicine you may be taking.