Natural remedies and lifestyle changes, such as double voiding, maintaining a moderate weight, and exercising regularly, can slow or stop prostate growth.

Prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), occurs when an accumulation of androgens prevents prostatic cell death and promotes cell proliferation, increasing the size of the prostate gland.

Androgens are hormones that help develop and maintain male sex characteristics.

If prostate gland enlargement causes symptoms, people can try certain home remedies, such as saw palmetto, or changes in behavior, such as limiting fluid intake before bed, to ease urinary symptoms.

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The severity of BPH symptoms will determine a person’s treatment options. If it adversely affects their quality of life, doctors may prescribe medications, such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, or recommend surgical intervention.

Alpha-blockers help reduce BPH symptoms by relaxing muscles in the urethra and the neck of the bladder, which can improve urine flow.

The drug 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is an androgen that prevents the death of prostate cells and promotes their proliferation, increasing the size of the prostate gland. Inhibiting DHT production can help slow or stop prostate growth.

However, some people may wish to try natural remedies for BPH. Those wishing to try these remedies should speak with a healthcare professional first, if possible.

1. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Saw palmetto is a palm native to the southeastern United States. The extract of this plant is a popular herbal supplement for BPH.

Saw palmetto inhibits 5-alpha-reductase. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the number of estrogen and androgen (DHT) receptors.

Research in a 2018 reviewTrusted Source links daily consumption of saw palmetto extract with a reduction in BPH symptoms. The plant extract likely has this effect because it inhibits the production of DHT.

However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthTrusted Source notes a lack of strong evidence to suggest that palmetto products are effective for BPH.

2. Rye grass pollen (Secale cereale)

Some people use herbal supplements made from rye grass pollenTrusted Source to treat BPH symptoms and reduce prostate inflammation.

Cernilton is a branded rye grass pollen pharmaceutical. This medication may beTrusted Source effective in slowing or stopping prostate growth.

However, current research often features an extract with various types of pollen. More research is necessary to understand the specific effects of rye grass pollen on BPH symptoms.

3. Stinging nettle

Stinging nettle contains similar antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds as pygeum and saw palmetto. Some natural treatments for urinary disorders may use nettle root alongside saw palmetto.

A 2019 review found that nettle root extracts can effectively reduce BPH symptoms and improve the overall quality of life of people with the condition.

4. Pygeum africanum (Prunus africana)

Pygeum africanum extract comes from the bark of the African plum tree. This extract possesses substances that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

A 2021 reviewTrusted Source comments that older research highlights the potential benefits of using pygeum to help treat BPH. However, further research is necessary to determine its efficacy.

Alternatives may also be more environmentally friendly, as the current overharvesting of pygeum bark is threatening the species’ survival.

5. Lycopene

Lycopene is a naturally occurring pigment present in many fruits and vegetables.

A 2019 studyTrusted Source of 120 people found that lycopene suggests that lycopene may improve the quality of life of people with BPH, although it does not cause a significant change in prostate volume.

Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene available to most people, but some other fruits and vegetables contain lower levels of this antioxidant. Usually, the deeper the color of a pink or red fruit or vegetable, the higher its lycopene content.

Other sources of lycopene include:

6. Green tea

Green tea contains high levels of antioxidants. A 2022 study suggests that a combination of natural products, including green tea, may help to reduce the development and progression of BPH.

7. Zinc

Research suggests that a chronic zinc deficiency may increase the likelihoodTrusted Source of BPH and prostate cancer in those ages 50 years and older.

Taking zinc supplements or increasing dietary zinc intake can lower a person’s risk of a zinc deficiency. Zinc can also decrease the production of DHT and inhibit this androgen from binding to receptors, potentially reducing BPH symptoms.

Sources of zinc include:

  • poultry
  • seafood
  • certain seeds and nuts, such as sesame and pumpkin seeds

8. Soy

The Nutrition Guide for Clinicians suggests that including soy in a dietary plan can help reduce the risk of BPH.

Soy is an inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase and a low potency estrogen. Soy may block the receptor sites that the stronger estrogens use to increase the accumulation of DHT.

Sources of soy include:

9. Omega-3

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and the risk of prostate conditions, such as cancer.

  • cold-water fish, such as:
    • salmon
    • mackerel
    • sardines
  • eggs
  • walnuts
  • some vegetable oils

10. Cranberry

Cranberries contain phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory properties. A 2020 rat studyTrusted Source suggests that cranberry powder could be effective for BPH by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase.

Additionally, a 2020 pilot study suggests that a solution containing cranberry and other natural extracts could benefit people with BPH and urinary symptoms.

People can take stepsTrusted Source to manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, including:

  • attempt to urinate before leaving the home to avoid urinary leakage or other potentially stressful incidents in public
  • double voiding, which involves trying to urinate a few minutes after urinating the first time to drain the bladder as much as possible during bathroom visits
  • limit fluids two hours before bedtime to avoid sleeping with a full bladder
  • maintain or achieve a moderate body weight
  • exercise regularly
  • avoid or limit products that cause dehydration, such as cold medications and decongestants
  • use absorbent urinary pads or pants to absorb urine leaks
  • use urinary sheaths, which are condom-shaped and fit over the penis, to drain urine into a small bag that straps to the leg
  • follow urination with a urethral massage — gently press the fingers upward from the base of the scrotum to try to squeeze out any urine remaining in the urethra

People can also speak with a healthcare professional about any medications or supplements that may be worsening their symptoms.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, diet does not causeTrusted Source BPH, but people may find that dietary changes help with BPH symptoms.

People with BPH may choose to limit foods or drinks that worsen their symptoms, such as:

A healthcare professional may also recommend a balanced, nutritious diet to benefit general prostate health.

Natural remedies, such as soy, green tea, pygeum, grass pollen, and saw palmetto, may help to naturally shrink the prostate in some people.

The best remedies to naturally shrink an enlarged prostate may include a combination of lifestyle changes, such as double voiding, regular exercise, and limiting liquid intake before bed, and following a balanced dietary plan.

Tips to improve prostate health and function can include regular exercise to maintain a suitable weight, consuming a healthy eating plan, maintaining hydration, quitting smoking, and managing stress.

People with concerns about prostate function can also speak with a healthcare professional for more advice.

Natural methods that may help to shrink an enlarged prostate or reduce BPH symptoms include saw palmetto, grass pollen, green tea, soy, and more.

Lifestyle and dietary changes may also help, including getting regular exercise, maintaining a moderate weight, and emptying the bladder fully when urinating.

People with concerns about their prostate health can speak with a healthcare professional for more advice and tips on remedies and managing symptoms.