The prostate is a small gland the size and shape of a walnut located below the bladder in front of the rectum in males. It forms part of the male sexual reproductive system, primarily working to produce seminal fluid-a nutritious mixture that feeds and carries sperm. The urethra-urine and semen pathway passes through the prostate. With aging, the prostate alters and may lead to numerous health issues. Common problems associated with the prostate are prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate; benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH; and prostate cancer.
According to Ayurveda, your body is made up of three energies, or doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These doshas control everything from digestion and circulation to your mental and emotional health. When these doshas get out of balance, it can cause various health problems including prostate problems.
As we understand in Ayurveda, Vata imbalance is the most common cause of urinary problems and conditions such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), where your prostate becomes enlarged.
Pitta imbalance is associated with heat and inflammation in the body. It can cause prostate diseases like prostatitis, a painful inflammation.
Kapha imbalance, although less prevalent in prostate diseases, can cause heaviness and blockages in channels of your body.
Your prostate health in Ayurveda depends on balancing these doshas, digestion, toxins and healthy hormone levels. Ayurvedic herbs, proper diet, daily routines and therapies like Panchakarma are used to naturally cure prostate problems.
As we have already discussed, your prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland below your bladder. This gland can go through changes and is therefore prone to some health conditions as you get old. If you want to take timely action, you should know about the types of prostate diseases.
The main kinds of prostate diseases are:
BPH is basically a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Your prostate may grow bigger because of hormone changes as you age. If it becomes too large, it can press against your urethra (the tubing through which you pass urine) and result in pain whenever you urinate. You might also feel like you have to go to the bathroom more frequently, particularly at nighttime.
Basically, prostatitis is a swollen or inflamed prostate. It may be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term). Prostatitis is generally caused by a bacterial infection but it can also be due to injury or stress. Some common symptoms of prostatitis include pain during urination, pelvic discomfort and frequent urination. You may also feel fever or fatigue.
Prostate cancer occurs when malignant cells grow inside your prostate gland. It usually grows slowly and does not display symptoms at first onset. But as this disease develops, you might start seeing blood in your semen or urine, pain in your lower back or hip or difficulty urinating. For prostate cancer, family history and age are major risk factors.
Sometimes, even untreated infections in the urinary tract can spread to your prostate and cause pain. If you do not get them treated, these infections may cause chronic inflammation or even damage your prostate and adjacent organs.
It is important for you to understand that prostate issues such as an enlarged prostate, prostatitis or even prostate cancer develop slowly and silently. You may not notice the changes immediately, but certain factors increase your risk for prostate problems. Let us learn about these causes of prostate diseases:
Do you keep going to the bathroom even though you went a while ago? This might be one of the early signs of an enlarged prostate.
If you get up two or more times a night to urinate, this can be a sign of prostate problems, called nocturia.
You might face trouble starting your urine stream or stopping it easily. This can happen when your enlarged prostate presses the urethra.
Is your urine flow slow or weak? This can be because your prostate is blocking the urine path.
Sometimes, you may feel like you're done but still a little dribbling or leakage happens. This can be frustrating and embarrassing for you.
This may indicate prostatitis or infection in your urinary tract or prostate gland.
If you notice blood in your urine or semen, this is a serious symptom. It does not always mean cancer but you should consult your Ayurvedic doctor to be sure.
If you feel chronic discomfort in these areas, this can indicate prostate inflammation or infection.
ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø offers complete Ayurvedic treatment of prostate issues using evidence-based Ayurvedic methods. Our treatment plans are made in a customised manner to target the root causes of prostate diseases, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability.
Ayurveda offers tried and tested herbal medicines to cure prostate problems naturally. These herbs support your prostate function, lower inflammation, and improve urinary health without causing side effects.
Here are some of the best Ayurvedic medicines and herbs to maintain prostate health:
One of the most widely used Ayurvedic herbs for prostate health is gokshura. It is a natural diuretic which can help improve urine flow and relieve pain from an enlarged prostate. It also balances your Vata and Pitta doshas which are generally disturbed in prostate conditions.
This adaptogen reduces your stress and inflammation that worsen prostate problems. It supports hormonal balance and vitality. Ashwagandha is also believed to control prostatitis symptoms and help in recovery of prostate cancer patients.
Punarnava has anti-inflammatory and fluid-regulation properties. It reduces prostate swelling, flushes harmful toxins from your urinary tract, and helps to maintain normal kidney and bladder function. It's particularly useful in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Shatavari is believed to balance your hormones and calm the stress response of your body. It also lowers inflammation and promotes tissue healing. As an adaptogenic herb, it maintains your prostate health by promoting balance in your body.
This Ayurvedic herb is traditionally used to break down urinary stones and relieve urinary tract inflammation. With these, it also improves urine flow and prevents infections, which indirectly supports prostate health.
Haritaki is part of the Triphala formulation and has natural cleansing properties. It helps to maintain healthy digestion and detoxification. It supports urinary and reproductive health by balancing your Vata dosha and eliminating toxins from your body.
Turmeric helps to reduce harmful toxins such as Ama and Amavisha, which we believe to be the main reasons behind inflammation in your body. It also supports liver function, purifies the blood, and reduces prostate-related inflammation and discomfort.
Fenugreek is believed to reduce prostate gland enlargement and support your urinary health. It's one of the best Ayurvedic cures for BPH naturally.
Mint helps with digestion and balances your Vata dosha. It also soothes urinary discomfort. It can be taken regularly with your evening tea or meals.
Cumin supports better digestion and proper bowel function. It maintains dosha balance (Vata) which is important for your prostate health.
Fennel is another digestive herb that soothes your urinary system. It can be used in cooking or taken as a tea. It supports better urine flow and eases mild discomfort.
Varuna is an anti-inflammatory herb which we consider useful for men who are suffering from BPH. It supports better urine passage and reduces pressure from an enlarged prostate. It also helps to control pain and irritation during urination.
Flaxseeds are believed to lower inflammation and promote your hormonal balance. They are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids and help to manage signs of prostate enlargement.
Diet and exercise play an important role in maintaining prostate health:
What differentiates BPH from prostate cancer?
BPH is a benign enlargement of the prostate whereas prostate cancer is identified as a malignant tumor.
Is prostate cancer hereditary?
The answer is, yes there is a genetic predisposition to prostate cancer. The risk is high if an individual has a family history of the disease.
How often should you get screened for prostate cancer?
The frequency of getting screened depends on age as well as risk factors; discuss this with your physician.
Can diet prevent prostate issues?
Diet alone cannot prevent totally prostate problems, but good diet can reduce the problem significantly.
Does stress affect prostate health?
Chronic or long-term stress can always worsen prostate symptoms and stress management techniques are worthwhile.
Do prostate medications have side effects?
Yes, some do. You should discuss side effects with your doctor.
Can Ayurveda replace conventional treatment for prostate?
Ayurveda can be a useful adjunctive therapy. You should see a medical doctor and an Ayurvedic doctor.
What exercises are good for the prostate?
Kegel exercises, walking, swimming, and cycling are all good activities.
Does frequent ejaculation protect against prostate cancer?
There are studies that suggest frequent ejaculation might have a relation to reduced risk of prostate cancer, but more studies are required.
Do herbal remedies interact with prescription drugs?
Actually, yes, some herbs can cause problems when taken with prescription drugs. You should let your physician know if you are on herbal supplements.
