Sharon Mccormick wrote in a message to Alex Vasauskas:
AV> Preliminary evidence exists to also suggest saw palmetto may also
AV> aid those suffering from thyroid deficiency. 
AV> 
AV> Saw palmetto is a good expectorant for use in clearing chest
AV> congestion and can be used to treat coughs, asthma, and bronchitis.
 SM> Then this is not necessarily primarily a "male" herb?
I have no personal experience with saw palmetto and do not know
anyone who has used it, but the above information is consistent
with other literature I have read regarding this herb and was
just passing along some information that seemed to be credible.
Of course, the questions to ask are:  How good is good? and
How beneficial is something that "may also aid"?
Often herbs are billed as "male" and "female" herbs because of their
traditionally most common and most potent uses.  But, they may also
have effects that are beneficial for the either sex.
I have found that, as a starting point, if you want to treat a
condition or take a tonic, it is usually best to start with an
herb recognized to be particularly potent for the condition or
tonic use.  For example, I would read up on the herbs to make
sure that there are no contraindications for me and then  choose
something like licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and ephedra
(Ephedra sinensis) and for coughs/asthma/bronchitis.  On the
other hand, if saw palmetto happens to be growing in my back
yard and there is nothing about it that would prevent me from
taking it, I would give it a try to see how effective it is.
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