After drugs became popular, natural health products like herbs got pushed aside.  We had something better now.  In recent years though, people have began to realize that with many illnesses, herbal treatments still work and have fewer side effects than drugs.  So I have decided to do a few articles on some of my favorite herbs and their traditional medicinal uses as well as any known spiritual use. 
    Saw Palmetto is a small palm tree found mostly in the southern United States, primarily Florida.  The berry is the medicinal part of the plant.  It has been recommended for many years for older men to maintain prostate health and help shrink an enlarged prostate.  While some medicinal herbs have little, if any, real scientific studies to back up their claims, Saw Palmetto has many.  Enough that even some HMOs such as Kaiser Permanente recommend it and carry it for their members.  Some Native Americans also use it as an expectorant and for urinary tract problems.  
    I think I heard recently that a new study found no evidence to back up the claims for Saw Palmetto, but that is only one study and I didn't hear who did it.  Very often, these studies are done by drug manufacturers who have a vested interest, so I for one am not going to let one study override the many that came before it and I will continue to use Saw Palmetto.  After all, even if it's not very effective, I'll be no worse off than if I didn't take it.