The word ‘pollen’ is probably not new for many of us, and you may already know that it occurs when plants produce flowers. Bees collect pollen and carry it to their hive because it is the primary source of protein and vitamins for them.
You might think that this is the sole purpose of pollen, but not many people know that it might be useful for us as well. And today, we will be taking a closer look at the benefits of Swedish flower pollen!
What Is Swedish Flower Pollen
First off, let’s get all the confusion out of the way. Flower pollen extract is often confused with bee pollen but it’s not the same thing. Swedish flower pollen is extracted from a mix of flowers before bees get to it.
More specifically, it is derived directly from the core of the pollen grain using a process that keeps it free of allergens and as a result, the extract has fewer contaminating particles.
Swedish Flower Pollen Benefits
Women’s Health
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her menstruation stops, it usually occurs after the age of 45. While it is an inevitable part of the bodily functions, the symptoms can be quite uncomfortable.
Menopause can cause night sweats, hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, fatigue, and low mood. The good news is, Swedish flower pollen can provide relief for all of the above!
One study found that a supplement containing Swedish flower pollen alleviated symptoms in postmenopausal women. First of all, hot flushes were significantly reduced. And secondly, it was shown to reduce irritability, improve the quality of sleep, and increase energy levels.
Here’s the interesting part. The pollen extract does not show any hormonal activity. But, instead, it regulates serotonergic neuron functions in the brain that control thermoregulation, mood, and sleep.
The bottom line is, this supplement might be the one to reach for during those times when you need it the most!
Men’s Health
Chronic prostatitis is one of the most common illnesses in men aged over 50 years old where the prostate gland becomes swollen, commonly caused by a bacterial infection.
The enlarged gland puts pressure on the urethra and causes chronic pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, impaired sexual function, and other symptoms. Let’s just say that this illness can significantly impact the quality of a man’s life.
Therapy provided usually includes antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and alpha-blockers. Unfortunately, the existing treatments for chronic prostatitis often lack effectiveness.
That’s because the antibiotics cannot isolate bacteria from the urogenital samples, and anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, cannot be consumed for long periods due to their side effects.
At this point, you might be wondering, ‘So in that case, what can flower pollen really do for me?’
Well, it might do quite a lot! Here are some of the benefits Swedish flower pollen brings when used to treat prostatitis:
- According to research, flower pollen decreases glandular inflammation and contributes to muscle relaxation of the bladder, prostate, and urethra.
- Research also found that pollen extract may support prostate cell regeneration and reduce prostaglandin synthesis.
- Improvements in the urinary symptoms that are most likely due to the extract’s ability to slow down 5-alpha reductase activity, which is in an enzyme that reduces testosterone.
INTERESTING FACT: The anti-inflammatory effect of pollen extract is around 10 times higher than that of aspirin.
Swedish Flower Pollen Side Effects
Swedish flower pollen has not been linked to any side effects or adverse reactions at this time. However, we always advise consulting your healthcare provider before trying new supplements.
Conclusion
Flower pollen is essential for the survival of the bees, but they are not the only ones who can benefit from it.
Improvement in certain female and male health conditions are some of the most impressive benefits of Swedish flower pollen. And with no reported side effects, especially compared to antibiotics and painkillers, you don’t have much to lose.
Try incorporating it into your daily regimen, and let us know in the comments below if you noticed any improvements! And if you’re looking for another interesting natural supplement, check out our article about yucca root.