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Home Remedies Index
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Natural treatment for cervical dysplasia
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Cervical dysplasia is the term used to describe abnormal cell
growth on the cervix, the lower part and neck of the uterus
that is the entrance to the uterus. Risk factors for cervical
dysplasia include sexual activity at an early age (before age
18), multiple sexual partners, smoking, birth-control pills, and
exposure to herpes simplex type II (genital herpes) and
human papilloma viruses (venereal warts). In addition, a
variety of nutritional deficiencies are clearly associated with
an increased incidence of cervical dysplasia.
A diagnosis of cervical dysplasia is frightening for most
women because of the association between cervical
dysplasia and cervical cancer. The vast majority of women
with cervical dysplasia do not develop cancer. However,
cervical dysplasia should not be ignored, because if it is not
treated it can progress and lead to cancer. The presence of
cervical dysplasia is discovered through a Pap smear, a
routine gynecological procedure that takes a sampling of
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cells from the surface of the cervix. These cells are examined under a microscope for abnormalities and are
graded on a numerical scale from 1 to 4, with higher numbers indicating greater abnormalities. While the accuracy
of Pap smears is controversial, it is still a helpful screening procedure, and stricter standards are making test
results more reliable. If your test results come back positive for cervical dysplasia, you should request another
Pap smear to rule out the possibility of error. You can also request a colposcopic exam, a painless procedure
during which your physician examines your cervix with a lighted magnifying lens.
If you have stage-3 or -4 dysplasia, you should be treated by a physician. Standard treatments are effective and
employ methods for removing the abnormal tissue, such as freezing, burning, laser, or surgery. In some cases,
stage-3 cervical dysplasia can be treated with natural remedies, but this should be attempted only under the
close supervision of your health-care practitioner. Although cervical dysplasia does not usually progress quickly to
a cancerous state, it can.
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Herbs for Cervical Dysplasia
The most important herbs for treating cervical dysplasia are those with immune-enhancing and
hormone-regulating properties. In addition, herbs that improve liver function help to naturally regulate hormones
and promote detoxification, which is essential when working with any condition of abnormal cell growth.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been used for centuries in China as an immune-strengthening
herb. It improves immune function in a number of ways, including stimulating the activity of white blood cells that
gobble up abnormal cells. Astragalus has a mild, sweet, pleasant flavor and makes a tasty tea. Simmer 3
tablespoons of dried shredded astragalus root in three and one-half cups of water for 15 minutes in a covered
pot. Remove from heat and let steep for an additional 15 minutes. Strain, and drink three to four cups daily. You
can also take one-half teaspoon of astragalus liquid extract or two capsules three times daily. Astragalus can be
taken indefinitely and is most effective for strengthening immune function when it is taken for three months or
longer.
Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) helps to gently normalize hormone levels. Vitex works best when it is taken for at
least three months, and preferably six months. Vitex has a slightly peppery flavor. Make a tea by pouring one cup
of water over two teaspoons of crushed berries. Cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, and drink three to four
cups daily. You can also take one-half teaspoonful of vitex extract or two capsules three times a day.
Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a gentle detoxifying herb that helps to bring the body into a state of balance. It
improves digestion and liver function, has mild diuretic and laxative properties, and is rich in nutrients. Burdock
has a rich, earthy flavor. To make a tea, simmer two tablespoons of burdock root in three and one half cups of
water in a covered pot for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for an additional 15 minutes. Strain, and
drink three to four cups daily. If you prefer, take one-half teaspoonful of burdock extract or two capsules three
times a day.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is one of the best livercleansing herbs. The bitter flavor gently stimulates bile
flow, which naturally improves liver function and helps to purify the blood and bring pormones into balance.
Dandelion root also has mild laxative and diuretic properties, both of which promote tissue cleansing. To make a
tea, simmer two tablespoons of dandelion root in three and one-half cups of water in a covered pot for 15
minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for an additional 15 minutes. Strain, and drink three to four cups daily.
You can also take one-half teaspoonful of extract or two capsules three times a day.
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Tea for Cervical Dysplasia
3 teaspoons astragalus root
3 teaspoons vitex berries
2 teaspoons dandelion root
2 teaspoons burdock root
2 teaspoons ginger root
4 cups water
Place herbs and water in a covered pot and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Simmer 15
minutes, remove from heat, and allow to steep until cool. Strain, sweeten if desired, and drink 3
to 4 cups daily.
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Vaiginal Pessary for Cervical Dysplasia
1/2 cup cocoa butter
1/8 cup powdered goldenseal
1/8-1/4 cup powdered slippery elm bark
5 drops tea-tree essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
Melt cocoa butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and add goldenseal,
stirring well. Add enough slippery elm bark to make a stiff paste. Add essential oils and mix
thoroughly. Roll into small cylinders approximately the size of your little finger, place on waxed
paper, and refrigerate until hardened. Store in a glass or plastic container in the refrigerator. To
use, insert one pessary deep into the vagina every evening before bed. The pessary will
gradually melt at body temperature. Use a menstrual pad to prevent staining clothing or bedding.
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Herbal Douche for Cervical Dysplasia
4 tablespoons calendula flowers
1 teaspoon chaparral extract
5 drops lavender essential oil
1 quart water
Pour boiling water over calendula flowers, cover, and steep until lukewarm. Strain, and add chaparral
extract and lavender essential oil. Use daily as a douche.
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