Natural Cures for Cervical Dysplasia

The words Cervical Dysplasia mean that the cells lining the cervix, the slender entrance to the uterus, are abnormal. But because the condition can be a precursor to cervical cancer, they’re among the most unwelcome words a woman can hear at her gynecologist’s office.

The truth is, most women diagnosed with cervical dysplasia do not develop cancer. They recover fully. About one-third of mild cases spontaneously regress. Of the other cases, the Pap test’s early warning offers a chance to prevent the condition from progressing. It usually takes 10 or more years for cancer to develop from mild dysplasia, according to the National Cancer Institute. The more advanced the abnormality is, the more likely the cells will become cancerous. Once a Pap test reveals the dysplasia, what happens next depends on how advanced it is, but even mild dysplasia requires careful monitoring.

You’ll see below that herbs that support and repair the liver are an important category in fighting cancer and threatened cancer. Why? Abnormal cell growth is often a response to a continual irritant, such as cigarette smoke, the body’s own wasted products, waste products of disease-causing bacteria and other organisms, and environmental toxins such as pesticides. The liver produces enzymes that help the body break down and get rid of toxic waste. A decrease i liver function has been linked to an increased chance of developing cervical dysplasia and cancer. The liver is equally important in breaking down and regulating hormones such as estrogen. Certain herbs and foods may help the liver do its job better.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Burdock (Arctium lappa, A. minus)

This traditional detoxifying herb has demonstrated antitumor effects in animal studies; in other research it has acted as an antimutagen. Traditional Western herbalists and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine consider the dried root of this plant a blood purifier. Some research shows that it stimulates the flow of bile, one of the key digestive substances the liver produces. Typical dosage: up to six 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or three cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried root in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or times daily.

Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)

Although no research exists to validate its use, yellow dock has traditionally been used to treat enlarged lymph nodes, skin conditions, and respiratory infections. Its is a folk remedy of high repute for cancer. Typical dosage: up to four 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 40 drops of tincture, up to two times per day. Caution: Avoid during pregnancy. If you have kidney stones, consult a health care practitioner before using.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

This herb is not only one of the oldest remedies for any kind of condition involving liver stress, it’s also one of the best researched. More than 300 studies have verified the effectiveness of its main compound, silymarin. It also deactivates harmful free radicals and prevents them from attacking the liver. Typical dosage: 140 milligrams of standardized silymarin capsules, three times per day; after 6 weeks reduce to 90 milligrams, three times per day; or 10 to 25 drops of tincture up to three times per day.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

This spice’s active ingredient, curcumin, has been shown to reduce the incidence of cell mutation in smokers. Typical dosage: 250 to 500 milligrams of standardized curcumin capsules up to 3 times per day; or 10 to 30 drops of tincture up to 3 times per day; or up to 1 teaspoon per day of the ground spice in food.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

This spice is thought of in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a warming herb that helps remove stagnation. It also helps strengthen digestion and settle the stomach. Typical dosage: up to eight 500-to 600-milligram capsules per day; or several 1/8-inch slices of the fresh root slices in 1 cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes). Caution: Do not exceed recommended dosage; do not take if you have gallbladder disease.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense)

Although its action to prevent or cure cancer has not been studied, re clover is a rich source of phytoestrogens–plant chemicals similar to human estrogens. Phytoestrogens may be responsible for the absence of cancer in those who eat a plant-based diet, because these plant-based estrogens lock on to certain cells, preventing the “real” estrogens from overstimulating the body. Red clover flowers are easily obtainable and safe and they make a reasonably tasty tea. Typical dosage: up to five 5oo-milligram capsules per day; or 2 or 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1 tablespoon of dried flowering tops in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 15 to 30 drops of tincture up to four times per day.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida)

You’ll see this immune booster in many commercial formulas, mainly for colds and flu. To get best results from echinacea, take it for two weeks, then take a one-week break. Typical dosage: up to nine 300-to 400-milligram capsules per day; or 60 drops of tincture up to three times per day. Caution: Anyone allergic to other members of the aster family such as ragweed may be allergic to echinacea. Do not use with immune disorders such as lupus or HIV.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

This root has been used as a general tonic by the Chinese for 2,000 years. Studies show it has helped cancer patients’ immune systems regain normal function. Astragalus sticks, widely available in Chinese pharmacies or health food stores, can be added to soups during cooking and then removed before serving, though you won’t be sure how much you’re getting this way. You may see astagalus in formulas blended with ligustrum berries (Ligustrum lucidum), another Chinese remedy. Typical dosage: eight or nine 400- to 500-milligrams capsules daily; or 3 to 4 dropperfuls of tincture, three times per day.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

These edible fungi contain immune-boosting compounds. You can simmer a few dried mushrooms to make a broth, add a few fresh mushrooms per day to soups, or take tablets or liquid extracts. Typical dosage of reishi: up to five 500-milligram capsules per day; or up to three 1,000 milligram tablets up to three times per day. Typical dosage of shiitake: 5oo milligrams standardized extract capsules or tablets 2 times per day.

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)

Also known as chaste berry or chaste tree, vitex is considered the herb of choice for treating PMS and other hormone-based conditions affecting women. While it hasn’t yet been studied for cervical dysplasia, it may be useful in any condition involving the female reproductive tract. Typical dosage: up to three 650 milligrams capsules per day; or 1 cup of tea per day (steep 1 scant teaspoon of dried, ground berries in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 15 to 40 drops of tincture per day. Caution: Do not take vitex if you also taking hormone-replacement drugs. Do not use it if you are pregnant.

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Women can decrease their risk for developing cervical dysplasia by practicing safe sex and avoiding cigarette smoking. One study found that women with cervical dysplasia are six times more likely than other women to be infected with the human papillomavirus, the some virus that causes genital warts. Dysplasia is also promoted by herpes simplex type II, the virus that causes genital herpes. Dysplasia is two to three times more likely to occur in women who smoke cigarettes. When smokers get it, it’s often more severe.

Many women with dysplasia have a deficiency of folic acid, a part of the vitamin B complex. Folic acid also tends to be low among women who take oral contraceptives or drink heavily. Excessive estrogen, whether synthetic or produced by the body, can also increase the chances of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. And DES daughters–women exposed prenatally to the synthetic estrogen diethylstibestrol–are at special risk of cervical dysplasia and vaginal cancer.

Whether you have additional risk factors or not, all women should have regular Pap tests, because one of the keys to treating and preventing cervical cancer is early detection of abnormal cells.

SUPPLEMENT FOR CERVICAL DYSPLASIA

Often, women with cervical dysplasia are deficient in several nutrients. If you are at risk, check whether you’re getting enough of the following daily nutrients, or consult your doctor about fashioning a supplement regimen.

* Vitamin A (5,000 to 10,000 IU)

* Riboflavin (1.6 to 10 milligrams)

* Vitamin C (1, 000 to 2,000 milligrams)

* Folic acid (400 to 600 micrograms)

* Vitamin E (400 to 800 IU)

YOU SAY TOMATO

Lycopene, a carotenoid found in both fresh and cooked tomatoes, seems to protect against dysplasia. Of course, in any condition that challenges the immune system, the more chemical toxins you avoid the better, so consider looking for organic tomatoes or growing your own. If you want to take lycopene as a supplement, take 1 to 5 milligrams daily.

CERVICAL DYSPLASIA TEA

This tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days; drink 2 to 3 cups per day before meals.

2 teaspoons vitex berries

1 teaspoon burdock root

1 teaspoon red clover

1 teaspoon astragalus root

1/2 teaspoon stevia leaf (optional)

1/2-1 teaspoon peppermint, spearmint, or wintergreen (optional)

5 cups water

Bring herbs and water to a boil. Simmer gently for 5 minutes. Cover pot and let steep 2o more minutes. Strain out herbs.