November is considered by many to be a month to give special consideration to men’s health. The Movember1 movement, started by a group of friends in Australia, promotes men’s health topics including prostate cancer and mental health. You may see several of your male friends growing a mustache this month to bring awareness to these important topics.
Prostate health is a vital aspect of men’s wellness, especially as they age. In Ayurveda, the prostate is linked to Shukra Dhatu, the reproductive tissue, and is influenced by both Kapha and Vata doshas. Kapha governs structure and lubrication, while Vata controls movement and nerve impulses. Imbalances in these doshas can manifest as prostate issues: Kapha excess may lead to stagnation and enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH), while Vata imbalance can cause dryness, inflammation, and discomfort in the pelvic region.
Understanding a person’s Prakriti (constitution) is key to Ayurvedic treatment. For instance, Kapha-type individuals may experience urinary retention and sluggish digestion, contributing to prostate congestion. Vata-types, on the other hand, may suffer from anxiety, irregular urination, and tissue degeneration, leading to chronic discomfort.
Ayurveda emphasizes restoring doshic balance through diet, lifestyle, and herbal support. Among the most studied herbs for prostate health are Tribulus and Saw Palmetto.
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is traditionally used to support urinary comfort and male reproductive health. A placebo-controlled study found that Tribulus supported normal erectile function and healthy urinary function in men with late-onset hypogonadism, along with balancing testosterone levels. There is even research indicating Tribulus supporting male fertility.2, 5
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is widely used in both Ayurvedic and Western herbal medicine to support healthy prostate function. It is thought to work by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key factor in prostate enlargement. Clinical studies have shown that Saw Palmetto supports urinary function and improves urodynamic parameters in men.3, 4
Conclusion: Ayurvedic principles offer a holistic and individualized approach to prostate care, focusing not just on symptom relief but on restoring systemic balance and vitality.
References
- Movember Foundation. www.movember.com
- Gamal El Din, S. F., Abdel Salam, M. A., Mohamed, M. S., Ahmed, A. R., Motawaa, A. T., Saadeldin, O. A., & Elnabarway, R. R. (2019). Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with late-onset hypogonadism: A placebo-controlled study. Urologia, 86(2), 74–78.
- Gerber, G. S., Zagaja, G. P., Bales, G. T., Chodak, G. W., & Contreras, B. A. (1998). Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: Effects on urodynamic parameters and voiding symptoms. Urology, 51(6), 1003–1007.
- Sarma, S. N., Siwach, D., Hasan, A., Mittal, P., & Paul, P. (2022). Systematic review on safety and efficacy of saw palmetto as a health supplement for prostate health in adult males. Journal of Current Medical Research and Opinion, 5(06), 1252–1270.
- Santos, H. O., Howell, S., & Teixeira, F. J. (2019). Beyond tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.): The effects of phytotherapics on testosterone, sperm and prostate parameters. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 235, 392–405.