Enlarged Prostate (BPH) – Symptoms, Causes & Natural Home Remedies
An enlarged prostate, medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), happens when prostate cells abnormally divide and multiply, causing the organ to increase to double or triple its normal size.
BPH generally affects men 50 years and older and is NOT the same as prostate cancer.
What is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small, muscular, walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system. It surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder and adds fluid to semen to help sperm mobility.
With age, the gland cells start multiplying. Although the exact cause is unknown, changes in male sex hormones with age may be a major factor. The enlarged gland presses against the urethra and causes obstructed urine flow, leading to lower urinary tract symptoms.
In Ayurveda, prostate enlargement is known as Parush Granthi Shotha. It is mainly due to imbalance of Vata dosha, which can be aggravated by Pitta due to spicy foods, unhealthy diet and lifestyle.
Home remedies for prostate enlargement are very effective to manage this problem to a great extent along with lifestyle changes.
Common Symptoms of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)Needing to urinate more than 8 times a day
Inability to delay urination – sudden urgency
Waking up frequently at night to urinate [Nocturia]
Straining or difficulty starting urination
Weak or intermittent urine stream
Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying [urinary retention]
Accidental urination or urinary incontinence
Dribbling after urinating
12 Effective Home Remedies for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Note: These are supportive home remedies. Consult your urologist before starting any remedy, especially if you have urinary retention, blood in urine, or recurrent UTIs.
1. Pumpkin Seeds – Best for Prostate Shrinkage
Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols and compounds that help prevent conversion of testosterone to DHT [dihydrotestosterone]. High DHT is responsible for prostate enlargement.
How to use: Eat a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds 2-3 times a day.
2. Stinging Nettle [Bichu Ghas] – Powerful Herb for BPH
Root of stinging nettle contains bioactive phytochemicals that help in shrinkage of prostate tissue. It is diuretic and helps remove waste through urination.
How to use: Take 1 tsp dried nettle leaves in 1 cup hot water, steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink 2 times daily. Standard supplement is 300 mg/day after consulting doctor.
3. Amla, Turmeric and Honey
Amla is rich in antioxidants and good for urinary health.
How to use: Take 10-12 amla, cut, remove seeds and crush. Add a pinch of turmeric powder and 2 tsp honey. Mix and consume 1 tbsp every morning.
4. Triphala Decoction
Triphala helps in detoxification and relieves constipation which worsens BPH.
How to use: Take 1 tbsp Triphala powder, add to 250 ml boiling water, boil for 20 minutes, strain and drink lukewarm. Take twice daily.
5. Corn Silk Tea
Corn silk is a natural diuretic, relaxes urinary muscles and improves urine flow.
How to use: Cut silk from 6 ears of fresh corn, put in water, boil for 10 minutes, strain and drink 1 cup daily.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar has astringent properties that help reduce prostate swelling and prevent UTI complications.
How to use: Mix 1-2 tbsp ACV + 1 tbsp honey in a glass of warm water. Drink twice daily. You can also add 1 cup ACV to a bathtub for a soothing sitz bath 2-3 times a week.
7. Tomatoes and Lycopene
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene that helps ease BPH symptoms. Lycopene lowers PSA levels linked to prostate inflammation and helps lower bladder pressure.
How to use: Include tomatoes, tomato sauce, puree and juice in diet. Lycopene supplement only after doctor consultation.
8. Garlic and Honey Water
Garlic is rich in zinc and vitamins beneficial for prostate health.
How to use: Mix 1 tsp crushed garlic + 1 tsp honey in lukewarm water, keep for 5 minutes and drink. Take twice a day.
9. Turmeric Milk [Curcumin]
How to use: Take half tsp turmeric powder in warm milk daily. Curcumin is anti-inflammatory.
10. Watermelon Seeds Tea
How to use: Remove seeds from watermelon, dry, add to boiling water jar, strain after cooling. Drink 1 cup daily for 10 days.
11. Saw Palmetto Seeds [Palm Seeds]
Traditionally used for prostate health.
How to use: Take half tsp powder of Saw Palmetto seeds daily with water.
12. Sitz Bath – Hot & Cold Therapy
Sitz bath relaxes pelvic muscles, reduces swelling and pain.
How to do: Fill one bathtub with warm water + ½ cup Epsom salt. Fill another with cold water + few drops of lavender oil. Sit in hot water up to waist for 3 minutes, then in cold water for 1 minute. Repeat 2-3 times, ending with cool water. Do 3 times a week.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes for BPH
During watchful waiting phase, these tips help a lot:Limit caffeine and alcohol, especially after dinner and 2 hours before bed
Reduce fluid intake 2 hours before sleep and urinate before long journeys
Empty bladder completely each time – double voiding technique
Do Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles
Eat more fiber to prevent constipation
Avoid antihistamines and decongestants which worsen BPH symptoms
Maintain healthy weight – obesity is linked to enlarged prostate
Adopt low-fat diet, limit spicy and red meat and fatty foods
Exercise regularly – 30 mins walk daily
Avoid prolonged sitting in same position
Practice breathing exercises and yoga to reduce stress
Keep yourself warm, avoid cold weather
Zinc-rich foods – Zinc plays protective and anti-inflammatory role in prostate cells. Consider zinc supplement after doctor consultation.
Additional Tips for Quick ReliefTry to empty bladder as soon as you feel urge
Make a habit of timed urination even without urge
Take small sips of water throughout the day, not large amount at once
Avoid over-the-counter medicines without consulting doctor
Reduce stress – stress increases urinary frequency
Written by Dr. Dayaram Aalok
Herbal medicines have proved to be most effective in increasing prostate gland. Even a patient who has been indwelling with a catheter for a long time, gets free of the catheter and starts urinating naturally. It is a panacea for other disorders of the prostate gland (burning urine, dripping urine drop by drop, frequent urination at night, tearing urine). There is no chance of cancer. You can contact Mr. Damodar, Shamgarh on 98267-95656 for medicines that can save you from surgery.
