Prostate Enlargement – Causes, Symptoms, and Ayurvedic Remedies
Prostate enlargement, medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in men above 50 years. The prostate gland, located below the bladder, surrounds the urethra and plays a vital role in male reproductive health. Enlargement of the prostate can lead to urinary problems, discomfort, and reduced quality of life. Ayurveda provides natural remedies and lifestyle guidelines to manage prostate enlargement, balance the body’s Vata and Kapha doshas, and support urinary health.
The prostate gland is a part of the male genital apparatus, located near and surrounding the outlet of the urinary bladder. Its main function is to secrete a liquid which forms a part of seminal fluid. A condition in which this gland slowly gets enlarged over a period of years, is known as the benign enlargement of the prostate. In this condition, usually the entire gland is enlarged. If there is infection or cancer, then even a portion of the gland may get enlarged.
Since it is part of the male genital apparatus, this gland normally gets enlarged in almost all males in the age between 40 and 45; but most men go about with this slightly enlarged prostate, without experiencing difficulty. It is a manifestation of the normal process of ageing.
When the gland is abnormally enlarged, it interferes with normal urination. The enlarged gland compresses the outlet of the bladder and this may result in a sudden inability to urinate. The common symptoms of the enlargement of prostate are increase in frequency of urination during daytime and the patient has to pass urine many times at night. He develops a sense of hesitation in starting the flow of urine and the stream of urine gets diminished in size and force. There is a burning sensation during urination. At times there is complete suppression of urination with blood coming out with the urine.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Prostate enlargement: Shilajit is considered to be the best medicine for the treatment of benign enlargement of prostate gland.
It is used in a dose of 1/2 teaspoonful at bedtime with milk. It generates heat inside the body. Therefore, it is very well tolerated during winter season and in cold countries where it can be administered even two or three times a day. But, in hot countries, and in summer season it has to be used only in a small dose. However, taking this medicine with milk reduces its heating effect on the body considerably and it increase its rejuvenating and aphrodisiac effects.
There are many preparations of shilajit. The most commonly used one is Chandra prabha vati. It is available in a tablet form and used in a dose of two tablets, three times a day with milk. This medicine has to be used for a considerably longer time. One has to take it even for years together. Even after the symptoms of prostate enlargement have subsided, the medicine has to be used for about six months more with a view to prevent the recurrence of prostate enlargement.
Diet to taken by Prostate enlargement patients: Sour things and fried things are harmful for the patient. Cow's ghee, butter, milk, garlic, ginger and asafoetida are very useful for this condition.
Other regimens: Excessive sexual intercourse is one of the important reasons for the abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland. After the prostate enlargement has taken place, sexual intercourse should be avoided. Suppression of the urge for urination is not desirable. Therefore, whenever there is a feeling for urination, the prostate enlargement patient should be advised to attend to it immediately. Constipation is one of the important precipitating factors for this disease. The bowels of the patient should be kept clean either through a laxative or by taking such food ingredients which help in bowel movement. Sedentary habit is very bad for patients having enlarged prostate. Sitting on a chair immediately after taking food is not advisable — one should lie down for about 15 minutes after taking food. Both for prevention and cure of this disease, walking for about 3 kilometers a day would be very useful.
Causes of Prostate Enlargement
Age-related hormonal changes, especially reduced testosterone levels
Genetic predisposition and family history
Excessive sedentary lifestyle and obesity
Improper diet, rich in spicy, oily, and processed foods
Stress and lack of physical activity
Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement
Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
Difficulty starting urination
Occasional pain or discomfort in the pelvic region
Ayurvedic Remedies for Prostate Enlargement
1. Herbal Remedies
Saw Palmetto (Palmetto Berry): Supports prostate function and reduces inflammation.
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris): Enhances urinary health and strengthens reproductive system.
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Acts as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory herb, promoting bladder health.
Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens): Supports male reproductive health and hormonal balance.
2. Ayurvedic Oils and Massage
Abhyanga (oil massage) with sesame or medicated oils on lower abdomen and pelvic region improves blood circulation and relieves congestion.
3. Panchakarma Treatments
Basti (medicated enema) and Virechana (therapeutic purgation) help eliminate toxins and balance doshas, supporting prostate health naturally.
4. Dietary Adjustments
Include fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes in the diet.
Avoid spicy, fried, and processed foods, which aggravate Vata and Kapha doshas.
Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and maintain urinary tract health.
5. Lifestyle Measures
Regular exercise and yoga asanas like Paschimottanasana and Malasana improve blood circulation to the pelvic region.
Avoid prolonged sitting and maintain proper posture.
Reduce stress with meditation and breathing exercises.
The prostate gland is a part of the male genital apparatus, located near and surrounding the outlet of the urinary bladder. Its main function is to secrete a liquid which forms a part of seminal fluid. A condition in which this gland slowly gets enlarged over a period of years, is known as the benign enlargement of the prostate. In this condition, usually the entire gland is enlarged. If there is infection or cancer, then even a portion of the gland may get enlarged.
Since it is part of the male genital apparatus, this gland normally gets enlarged in almost all males in the age between 40 and 45; but most men go about with this slightly enlarged prostate, without experiencing difficulty. It is a manifestation of the normal process of ageing.
When the gland is abnormally enlarged, it interferes with normal urination. The enlarged gland compresses the outlet of the bladder and this may result in a sudden inability to urinate. The common symptoms of the enlargement of prostate are increase in frequency of urination during daytime and the patient has to pass urine many times at night. He develops a sense of hesitation in starting the flow of urine and the stream of urine gets diminished in size and force. There is a burning sensation during urination. At times there is complete suppression of urination with blood coming out with the urine.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Prostate enlargement: Shilajit is considered to be the best medicine for the treatment of benign enlargement of prostate gland.
It is used in a dose of 1/2 teaspoonful at bedtime with milk. It generates heat inside the body. Therefore, it is very well tolerated during winter season and in cold countries where it can be administered even two or three times a day. But, in hot countries, and in summer season it has to be used only in a small dose. However, taking this medicine with milk reduces its heating effect on the body considerably and it increase its rejuvenating and aphrodisiac effects.
There are many preparations of shilajit. The most commonly used one is Chandra prabha vati. It is available in a tablet form and used in a dose of two tablets, three times a day with milk. This medicine has to be used for a considerably longer time. One has to take it even for years together. Even after the symptoms of prostate enlargement have subsided, the medicine has to be used for about six months more with a view to prevent the recurrence of prostate enlargement.
Diet to taken by Prostate enlargement patients: Sour things and fried things are harmful for the patient. Cow's ghee, butter, milk, garlic, ginger and asafoetida are very useful for this condition.
Other regimens: Excessive sexual intercourse is one of the important reasons for the abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland. After the prostate enlargement has taken place, sexual intercourse should be avoided. Suppression of the urge for urination is not desirable. Therefore, whenever there is a feeling for urination, the prostate enlargement patient should be advised to attend to it immediately. Constipation is one of the important precipitating factors for this disease. The bowels of the patient should be kept clean either through a laxative or by taking such food ingredients which help in bowel movement. Sedentary habit is very bad for patients having enlarged prostate. Sitting on a chair immediately after taking food is not advisable — one should lie down for about 15 minutes after taking food. Both for prevention and cure of this disease, walking for about 3 kilometers a day would be very useful.
Causes of Prostate Enlargement
Age-related hormonal changes, especially reduced testosterone levels
Genetic predisposition and family history
Excessive sedentary lifestyle and obesity
Improper diet, rich in spicy, oily, and processed foods
Stress and lack of physical activity
Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement
Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
Difficulty starting urination
Occasional pain or discomfort in the pelvic region
Ayurvedic Remedies for Prostate Enlargement
1. Herbal Remedies
Saw Palmetto (Palmetto Berry): Supports prostate function and reduces inflammation.
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris): Enhances urinary health and strengthens reproductive system.
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Acts as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory herb, promoting bladder health.
Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens): Supports male reproductive health and hormonal balance.
2. Ayurvedic Oils and Massage
Abhyanga (oil massage) with sesame or medicated oils on lower abdomen and pelvic region improves blood circulation and relieves congestion.
3. Panchakarma Treatments
Basti (medicated enema) and Virechana (therapeutic purgation) help eliminate toxins and balance doshas, supporting prostate health naturally.
4. Dietary Adjustments
Include fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes in the diet.
Avoid spicy, fried, and processed foods, which aggravate Vata and Kapha doshas.
Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and maintain urinary tract health.
5. Lifestyle Measures
Regular exercise and yoga asanas like Paschimottanasana and Malasana improve blood circulation to the pelvic region.
Avoid prolonged sitting and maintain proper posture.
Reduce stress with meditation and breathing exercises.
