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Home Remedies Index
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Home Remedies for Uterine Fibroids
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Home Remedies for Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids affect up to half of all women and are one
of the primary reasons for hysterectomies. In the majority
of cases, though, natural treatments can help a woman
avoid such are a benign overgrowth of muscle tissue
within the or within the uterine wall. The presence of any
type of abnormal growth can be frightening, but it is
important to know that fib raids are not cancerous, nor
are they associated with a higher incidence of uterine
cancer. Common symptoms of fibroids include heavy
bleeding during menstruation, irregular menstrual
periods, and pelvic pain.
While these symptoms may be uncomfortable, they are
generally not harmful.More serious symptoms include
anemia caused by heavy menstrual blood loss and bowel
or bladder discomfort,
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if the fibroids grow in such a way that they put pressure on the intestines or bladder. If there is not an
immediate health threat, you have time to experiment with dietary changes, herbs, and other natural remedies
to shrink the growths. Consult with your health-care practitioner, preferably someone who takes a holistic
approach to your wellbeing and is willing to take the time to consult with you about alternative approaches to
surgery.
Herbs for Uterine Fibroids
The basis of an herbal approach to treating uterine fibroids is to help to balance hormone levels and to improve
liver function, which helps to detoxify excess estrogen. In addition, herbs can help to relieve symptoms caused
by fibroids such as excessive bleeding and cramping.
Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) helps to normalize estrogen levels by stimulating the production of progesterone.
For the greatest benefit, vitex should be taken for at least six months. To make a tea, pour three cups of boiling
water over two tablespoons of crushed vitex berries. Steep for 20 minutes, strain, and drink three cups a day.
Vitex has a spicy, peppery taste. You can also take one-half teaspoon of liquid extract or two capsules three
times daily.
Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) stimulates bile flow, which helps to gently decongest the liver and
improves liver function. It also has mild laxative properties, which encourages the elimination of excess estrogen.
For best results, take dandelion for at least three months. To make a tea, simmer three tablespoons of dandelion
root in three and one-half cups of water for 15 minutes in a covered pot. Remove from heat and let stand for an
additional 15 minutes. Strain, and drink three cups a day. Dandelion root has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor. You
can also take one-half teaspoon of liquid extract or two capsules three times daily.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a potent liver-protective herb that stimulates the growth of healthy new
liver cells and improves the ability of the liver to detoxify estrogen. For best results, take an extract of milk thistle
standardized for silymarin, which is considered to be the primary active ingredient. Take 140 milligrams of
silymarin three times daily for at least three months. If you prefer to use the whole herb, you can grind milk
thistle seeds in a coffee grinder and sprinkle them on cereals, salads, or other dishes. Eat approximately two
tablespoons daily.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is an excellent general health tonic. Rich in iron and other minerals, nettle builds healthy
blood and is helpful for relieving anemia caused by excessive menstrual blood loss. Nettle is safe and gentle and
can be taken indefinitely. To make a tea, pour three cups of boiling water over two tablespoons of dried nettle,
cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, and drink three cups daily. Nettle tea has a rich, pleasant flavor.
Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) is an excellent detoxifying herb. It improves liver function by stimulating bile flow
and has mild laxative properties. Yellow dock is high in iron and helps to improve blood quality if anemia is a
problem. To make a tea, simmer two tablespoons of dried root in three and one-half cups of water for 15 minutes
in a covered pot. Remove from heat and allow to steep for an additional 10 minutes. Strain, sweeten if desired,
and drink three cups daily. Yellow dock has a bitter, earthy flavor. If you prefer, you can take one-half teaspoon
of liquid extract or two capsules three times a day.
Aromatherapy Treatments for Fibroids
Essential oils increase circulation to the pelvic organs, relax tense uterine muscles, ease cramps, and encourage
a state of overall relaxation that promotes healing. Use the following essential oils in Sitz baths, massage oils,
and abdominal compresses.
Ginger is a potent circulatory stimulant with warming properties. It also helps to improve liver function. Ginger
has a spicy, warm scent.
Marjoram has potent sedative properties and is an excellent muscle relaxant that eases uterine cramps. It also
has mild laxative action and helps to relieve constipation when used as an abdominal massage oil. Marjoram has
a spicy, herbaceous, slightly sweet fragrance.
Rose is gentle and relaxing, and helps to ease physical and emotional tension. It has mild hormone-balancing
properties and is considered to be a uterine tonic. Rose has a deep, sweet, floral fragrance.
Sitz Baths for Fibroids
Sitz baths help to move blood into the pelvic area, which improves circulation and relieves the stagnation that
contributes to the development of uterine fibroids. For best results, sitz baths should be used five times a week.
Natural therapies take time and effort, but the results are well worth it.
Alternating hot and cold sitz baths are the most effective type of sitz bath for increasing energy flow to the
uterus. The hot bath dilates the blood vessels and brings fresh blood to the pelvic region, while the cold water
constricts the blood vessels and forces the blood out of the pelvis. The alternating dilation and constriction
creates a surge of circulation that cleanses and nourishes the uterus.
You'll need two plastic tubs that are large enough to sit in comfortably. Fill one tub with water as hot as you can
tolerate, and the other with ice-cold water. You'll need to fill the tub only halfway or less with water-you'll be
able to determine how much water you need by sitting in the tub. It usually takes a bit of experimentation to get
the amount of water and the temperature just right. The hot tub should be approximately 105-110 degrees F,
and the cold tub should be between 55 and 65 degrees F. You may need to add ice cubes to the cold tub to
obtain the desired temperature. To increase the healing benefits of the bath, add five drops of ginger or
marjoram essential oil to the tub of hot water.
Begin by lowering your buttocks into the hot tub-the water should feel uncomfortably hot at first. Sit with your
upper body and your legs out of the tub, and make sure that your pelvic region is covered up to your navel with
the water. Stay in the water for three minutes and then immediately move to the cold tub for one minute.
Alternate between the hot and cold tubs three times, remaining in the hot tub each time for three minutes and
the cold tub for one minute. Finish with the cold tub, towel off briskly, and rest for a few minutes, concentrating
on the healing energy circulating in your pelvis.
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Uterine Fibroid Tea
2 teaspoons dandelion root
2 teaspoons yellow dock root
2 teaspoons ginger root
2 teaspoons licorice root
3 teaspoons vitex berries, crushed
3 teaspoons nettle
4 cups water
Simmer dandelion root, yellow dock root, ginger root,
and
licorice root in water in a covered pot for 15 minutes.
Turn off heat, and add vitex berries and nettle. Cover,
and steep for 20 minutes. Strain, and drink in equal
portions 15 minutes before meals 3 times a day.
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Massage Oil for Fibroids
10 drops ginger essential oil
10 drops rose essential oil
2 ounces almond oil
1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
Pour oils into a dark-glass bottle. Store tightly
capped in a cool, dark place, and shake well
before using. Use as a massage oil over the
abdomen and lower back.
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