PALMETTO, SAW PALMETTO

Sabal serrulata syn. Serenoa serrulata (Palmaceae) HISTORY AND USES Saw palmetto berries were eaten by Native North Americans and animals. According to legend, on seeing the animals grow "sleek and fat", European settlers tried the berries and attributed medicinal properties to them. The fruit pulp was used as a tonic from the l9th century onwards, and today it is used to help in debility, for urinary tract problems and for reducing enlarged prostate glands. MAIN PROPERTIES: Tonic, diuretic, sedative, anabolic.