Prostatitis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Prostatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the prostate gland, often resulting from bacterial infections, urinary tract issues, or blockages in urine flow.

The causes of prostatitis include bacterial infections, such as E. coli, and non-bacterial prostatitis, which is linked to stress, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances. If left untreated, prostatitis can lead to chronic pain, infertility, and bladder problems. Herbal remedies like saw palmetto, goldenseal, and stinging nettle can provide relief by reducing inflammation and improving urine flow.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of prostatitis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of prostatitis?

The main causes of prostatitis are multifactorial and can be broadly categorized into bacterial, non-bacterial, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).

Bacterial prostatitis is typically caused by bacterial infections, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which enter the prostate gland through the urethra. Non-bacterial prostatitis, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), is often associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system dysregulation. Other risk factors for prostatitis include age, sexual habits, and certain medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and diabetes.

Additionally, factors like prolonged sitting, stress, and physical inactivity have also been linked to an increased risk of developing prostatitis.

• Bacterial Infection: Bacterial infections, such as Escherichia coli, are the most common cause of prostatitis, occurring when bacteria from the gut or urinary tract ascend to the prostate gland and cause inflammation.
• Viral Infection: Viral infections, such as the human immunodeficiency virus, can also cause prostatitis by directly infecting the prostate gland or by causing a systemic infection that affects the prostate.
• Chlamydia Infection: Chlamydia trachomatis infections can cause prostatitis, particularly in young men, by infecting the prostate gland and causing inflammation.
• Prostatic Stones: Prostatic stones, also known as prostatic calculi, can cause prostatitis by obstructing the flow of urine and causing bacterial growth and inflammation in the prostate gland.
• Urethral Catheterization: Urethral catheterization can cause prostatitis by introducing bacteria into the urinary tract and prostate gland, particularly if the catheter is not properly cleaned and sterilized.
• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids, particularly those located near the rectum, can cause prostatitis by introducing bacteria into the prostate gland through the rectal-prostatic fascia.
• Rectal Prolapse: Rectal prolapse can cause prostatitis by allowing bacteria from the rectum to ascend into the prostate gland through the rectal-prostatic fascia.
• Prostatic Trauma: Prostatic trauma, such as that caused by pelvic fractures or biopsies, can cause prostatitis by damaging the prostate gland and allowing bacteria to enter the gland.
• Autoimmune Response: Autoimmune responses, such as those seen in prostatitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, can cause prostatitis by triggering an immune response against the prostate gland.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by hypogonadism or thyroid disorders, can cause prostatitis by altering the normal functioning of the prostate gland and allowing bacterial growth and inflammation.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for prostatitis?

The main medicinal herbs used for prostatitis are Serenoa repens, Curcuma longa, Urtica dioica, Prunus africana, Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinale, Cucurbita pepo, Silybum marianum, Equisetum arvense, Cinchona officinalis.

Serenoa repens has been shown to reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress associated with prostatitis. Urtica dioica has been found to reduce symptoms of BPH and prostatitis by blocking the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that contribute to inflammation.

Prunus africana, also known as pygeum, has been traditionally used to treat BPH and prostatitis, with studies showing it reduces the size of the prostate and improves symptoms.

• Serenoa repens: Serenoa repens, also known as saw palmetto, helps with prostatitis by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, helps with prostatitis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the prostate gland due to its active compound curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle root, helps with prostatitis by inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer cells and reducing inflammation in the prostate gland due to its active compound 5α-reductase inhibitors, which can help alleviate symptoms of BPH and prostatitis.
• Prunus africana: Prunus africana, also known as pygeum, helps with prostatitis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the prostate gland due to its active compounds, which have been shown to inhibit 5α-reductase and decrease prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair tree, helps with prostatitis by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation in the prostate gland due to its active compound flavonoids, which have been shown to improve prostate function and alleviate symptoms of BPH and prostatitis.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, helps with prostatitis by reducing inflammation and pain in the prostate gland due to its active compound gingerol, which has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Cucurbita pepo: Cucurbita pepo, also known as zucchini, is not typically used to treat prostatitis, and its effects on the condition are not well-established.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, helps with prostatitis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the prostate gland due to its active compound silymarin, which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Equisetum arvense: Equisetum arvense, also known as horsetail, helps with prostatitis by reducing inflammation and improving prostate function due to its high silica content, which can help alleviate symptoms of BPH and prostatitis.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, also known as cinchona bark, is not typically used to treat prostatitis, and its effects on the condition are not well-established.

What are the main herbal preparations used for prostatitis?

The main herbal preparations used for prostatitis are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Suppository, Salve, Cream, Poultice, Gel, Ointment, Powder.

Decoction is made from herbs like saw palmetto, which may help reduce symptoms by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone linked to prostatitis. Tincture, made from herbs like uva ursi, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate pain and discomfort. Capsules containing herbs like zinc and beta-sitosterol may help reduce inflammation and improve urinary symptoms.

Herbal preparations like salve, cream, suppository, poultice, gel, ointment, and powder are often used topically to reduce swelling and ease pain, while also providing local anti-inflammatory effects.

• Decoction: A decoction of the herb Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) helps with prostatitis by reducing the size of enlarged prostatic tissue, thereby alleviating symptoms such as urinary frequency and difficulty.
• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) helps with prostatitis by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the herb Beta Sitosterol (from the plant Ipomoea purpurea) helps with prostatitis by reducing inflammation and improving urine flow.
• Suppository: A suppository of the herb St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) helps with prostatitis by reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the prostate gland.
• Salve: A salve of the herb Calendula (Calendula officinalis) helps with prostatitis by reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the perineal and genital areas.
• Cream: A cream of the herb Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) helps with prostatitis by reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the prostate gland and surrounding tissues.
• Poultice: A poultice of the herb Willow Bark (Salix alba) helps with prostatitis by reducing pain and inflammation in the prostate gland and surrounding tissues.
• Gel: A gel of the herb Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) helps with prostatitis by reducing inflammation and improving urine flow due to its high content of polyphenols.
• Ointment: An ointment of the herb Arnica (Arnica montana) helps with prostatitis by reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the prostate gland and surrounding tissues.
• Powder: A powder of the herb Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) helps with prostatitis by reducing inflammation and improving urine flow due to its demulcent properties.