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that saw palmetto extracts relieve all major symptoms of BPH. Symptom evaluation and quantitative measurement showed increased urinary flow and a reduction in frequency of urination, residue volume, prostate volume, nighttime urination and difficult or painful urination. No toxicity or significant side effects have been observed.
Health food stores sell saw palmetto berry capsules, tablets, extracts and tinctures. According to a review of saw palmetto literature published in The Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine, hexane extracts of the fruit may have benefits beyond those found in alcohol tinctures. However, none of the clinical trials involving humans have been conducted with alcohol tinctures, so the significance of this difference remains untested. Many American men have reported excellent results from saw palmetto berry capsules and tinctures. Remember that tincture labels give extremely small dosage recommendations; for best results, start with a dropperful once or twice a day and work up to a teaspoon 2 or 3 times daily. For capsules, follow label directions. If no improvement occurs after one month, double the dosage or try another brand.
Because tinctures can be expensive, consider making your own with dried saw palmetto berries purchased from a reputable herb company. To make a potent medicinal tincture, cover 1 cup dried berries with enough 80-proof rum or vodka, or alcohol combined with vegetable glycerine, to fill a quart jar. Seal tightly, leave in a warm place and shake the jar every few days for a month, replenishing the liquid as it is absorbed. At the end of the month, place 1 cup dried berries in another quart jar and strain the tincture from the first jar into the second. Add enough alcohol to fill the container, then repeat the tincturing process: let it stand, shaking the jar every few days, for another four weeks. At the end of the second month, you will have a 2-1/2 month supply of a high quality, medici-

 
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