What is Saw Palmetto ?
Saw Palmetto also known as Serenoa repens is a topical palm like small plant mostly found in North America. Extract derived from fruits or berries of saw palmetto as well as the whole berry itself is highly enriched with fatty acids (lauric acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid), polysaccharides) and phytosterols(plant sterols. It's extract is widely sold as an aphrodisiac for men and women. An aphrodisiac is an agent which is used in the belief that it increases sexual desire.
Uses of Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto has also been used in treatment of a wide range of conditions including treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) a condition marked by enlarged prostrate, other urinary tract problems, skin conditions, thyroid defeciences, genital, impotence, hormonal imbalance, bladder inflammation etc. Among other advantages it can also be taken to revitalize skin, improve urinary flow in men, breast enlargement in women and clear chest congestion caused due to cough, asthma and bronchitis.
Role of Saw Palmetto in hair loss prevention
Lately it has been widely accepted as a very effective herbal treatment to reverse hair loss and treat conditions like alopecia. It is considered to be one of the best organin hair loss treatment available today. Scientific evidence suggests that Saw Palmetto bio active ingredients prevent conversion of testosterone into DHT and additionally prevents DHT from binding to androgen receptors hence helping control male hair loss . DHT In order to under the role of saw palmetto in preventing hair fall due to its essential to understand the root cause.
It thus helps revive hair follicles, improve hair strength, body and shine, make scalp less sensitive to stress and irritation. So if you are looking for safe products for hair loss Saw Palmetto is one option you should consider first. Although it is not known to help sudden hair shedding but if taken over a period of time it certainly would help prevent alopecia and atleast prolong a condition where a lot of people may go for surgical option such as transplant for restoration of their crown. Taking it alongside some essential vitamins and minerals would help further.
Is there any side effect associated to the use of Saw Palmetto?
There is no known or documented side effect associated with the use of Saw Palmetto both externally and internally.
However, if you have any concerns its always best to consult your physician.
How is Saw Palmetto used?
Internally:
Recommended dosage for Saw Palmetto is between160 mg/day to 320 mg/day if taken orally.
Externally:
Saw Palmetto can be purchased as an oil extract or as an ointment which can be gently massaged into the hair roots. Since it's components are lipophilic in nature they are well extracted into the oil base, and are easily absorbed by the skin, therefore providing a more productive treatment. If applied before hair wash, let at least half an hour (better 1-2 hours) to absorb. For better absorption warm up in warm water or microwave (5 - 10 sec) before the application. Preferably, it should be applied at night before you go to sleep and left overnight which leads to best results due to better absorption.
