Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), more commonly known as an enlarged prostate, affects millions of Americans, and in many cases, the condition does not require medical treatment.

Some people may wish to try complementary remedies like green tea and other drinks alongside traditional treatment methods for BPH.

However, it is important to understand that scientific research on the efficacy of these complementary remedies is lacking. BPH can lead to severe health complications, so it’s best to talk with your doctor about any BPH symptoms.

Keep reading to learn more about the potential benefits of green tea and other drinks on BPH and prostate health.

Up to 50 percent of men between ages 51 and 60 have BPH and around 90 percent of men over age 80 live with the condition.

Because of the location of the prostate gland, when it enlarges, it can interfere with the ability to urinate properly. It constricts the urethra and puts pressure on the bladder, leading to complications such as leakage, a reduced ability to urinate, and a weak urine stream.

Over time, BPH can lead to incontinence, damage to the bladder and kidneys, urinary tract infections, and bladder stones. It’s these complications and symptoms that send many looking for treatment.

If the prostate didn’t press upon the urethra and bladder, BPH might not require treatment.

People often refer to green tea as a “superfood.” Numerous studies have assessed the tea and its nutritional content for potential health benefits. Some of these health benefits may include:

Drinking green tea may also have positive effects on the prostate gland. However, its association with prostate health is primarily due to research that connects it to protection against prostate cancer, not prostate enlargement.

However, one study of people with known or suspected BPH did link improved lower urological health with consumption of a green and black tea extract supplement.

Researchers found that people who supplemented with 500 milligrams (mg) or 1000 mg of a green and black tea extract blend showed improved urine flow, decreased inflammation, and improvements in quality of life in as little as 6 weeks.

However, green and black tea extracts are highly concentrated and will have different health effects than traditionally brewed teas.

Despite the lack of evidence, adding green tea to your diet could have prostate health benefits. It also has known chemoprotective properties in the case of prostate cancer, so green tea is a good choice regardless.

If green tea isn’t your cup of tea, there are other options. Reducing your caffeine intake can be beneficial if you have BPH since it can cause you to urinate more.

You may want to choose teas that are naturally caffeine-free or find a caffeine-free version.

Matcha is the highest grade of green tea and comes in powdered form. However, matcha does contain caffeine, so it may not be suitable for all people with BPH.

Choose a high quality matcha powder to make tea. You can also use culinary-grade tea for food.

Here are some basic directions for making matcha tea:

Limited evidence from animal studies suggests that stinging nettle root tea may be beneficial for prostate disorders. A 2015 study on adult male rats found that nettle root extract could prevent some effects of BPH when taken for 6 weeks. However, there’s currently no human research supporting the use of nettle tea in the treatment of BPH.

Chemicals present in stinging nettle root tea can interfere with some medications. You should also avoid taking nettle root with:

Hibiscus tea has numerous health benefits. It is high in antioxidants, may help reduce blood pressure, and findings from test-tube studies suggest that it may help slow the growth of cancer cells in the prostate. However, no studies have assessed its direct impact on BPH.

Its tart and tangy flavor make it easy to drink. You can use dried or fresh hibiscus flowers to make the tea. Serve it hot or chilled with honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Hibiscus can affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and it can interact with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Do not take within 2 weeks of scheduled surgery.

Learn more about the health benefits of hibiscus tea.

If you don’t want to drink cup after cup of green tea, there are other ways to include it in your diet. The possibilities are endless once you start to think outside the cup.

Besides teas, other drinks can help improve overall prostate health and potentially reduce symptoms of BPH:

While certain remedies may be of benefit, maintaining an overall healthful lifestyle can help to improve BPH symptoms and protect against BPH. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and managing weight can all help achieve this.

When an enlarged prostate starts to impact someone’s quality of life, they’ll likely turn to a doctor for relief. There are numerous medications that can help treat BPH.

Surgery is also an option. Surgery for BPH typically removes tissue pressing against the urethra. This surgery is possible using a laser, entrance through the penis, or with an external incision.

Far less invasive are lifestyle measures that may assist in managing BPH. Avoiding alcohol and coffee, avoiding certain medications that can worsen symptoms, and practicing Kegel exercises may relieve BPH symptoms.

Learn more: Traditional treatment methods for enlarged prostate

Last medically reviewed on November 16, 2021

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