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Saw Palmetto – Tried and True Tonic for Men

When we think of Saw Palmetto we associate it with the male prostate gland. However these nutritious berries have a much broader usage in traditional medicine. This is because the whole berry contains hundreds of constituents making them a natural "multi-tasker" rather than singular drug-like effects associated with the standardized extract. A recent published study showed that the dried berries and tincture, in addition to reducing BPH symptoms, have beneficial effects on the immune system, lungs and GI tract, which are lost in the standardized Saw Palmetto.

There are many recipes for teas and decoctions of this berry, but most of the beneficial compounds are only slightly soluble in water and the tea drinker would be literally throwing away most of the medicinal compounds. This recipe that I stumbled upon makes more sense, and I like addition of the whole ginseng root to the mixture. It would make an exotic and special gift.

This recipe requires 5 oz of herbs. However since it requires 9 different herbs, this may not be practical to most people. It is perfectly acceptable to adapt the recipe by eliminating some of the herbs. If doing so, try to increase the proportion of the other herbs so that you are still using 5 oz of herbs.

Ingredients

Directions
  1. Add all the herbs, except ginseng, to a 24 oz glass jar.
  2. Cover with brandy, vodka or other 80-proof alcohol. Shake thoroughly
  3. Store in the dark for 2 weeks. Shake daily.
  4. Strain. Add malt extract or honey to taste.
  5. Pour into a clean bottle with a lid wide enough to add the Ginseng.
  6. Add the ginseng root.
  7. Label and date. Take 1 -2 tablespoons daily.
  8. Store in a cool dark place. It will last for a year.
Saw Palmetto - Tried and True Tonic for Men; Excerpt from "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know How: Useful Practices, Recipes, and Formulas," Amy Rost. Copyright by Black Dog and Leventhal. 2009 (Recipe by Amanda McQuade Crawford).