Natural Cures Guide

Among the health problems that affect women, endometriosis is the most mysterious. It occurs when uterine tissue migrates outside the uterus to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, bowel, or bladder. Sometimes this tissue even grows outside the pelvic region–in the lungs, for example.
The problem is not where the tissue ends up, but what is does. It swells and bleeds monthly, directed by hormones that cause the same changes in normal uterine tissue.
The symptoms of endometriosis vary greatly from one woman to another. Sometimes they’re severe; other times they’re virtually nonexistent. In fact, some women don’t even realize they have the disease until their doctors diagnose it while looking for the cause of some other disorder–infertility, for example.
Perhaps the most common symptoms of endometriosis are abdominal pain, severe menstrual cramps, excessive bleeding, irregular periods, or painful sexual intercourse. These same symptoms can also indicate pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or a growth on the ovaries. That’s why diagnosing endometriosis is difficult.
Women usually learn they have endometriosis between the ages of 25 and 35, yet the problem is thought to start near the time menstruation begins. While theories abound as to the cause, the condition is known to be stimulated, in part, by estrogen and other menstrual-cycle hormones. When these hormones are kept in balance, endometriosis symptoms often disappear, thus rendering the disease inactive.
There are surgical options for treating endometriosis. One such procedure is called laparoscopy. Using a small, flexible viewing instrument called a laparoscope, doctors first locate the afflicting spots. Sometimes surgical tools or lasers are attached to the laparascope for removing the endometrial tissue and any surrounding scar tissue. After such surgery, however, endometrial tissue can regrow in the same spot.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

This herb has been used for centuries to treat conditions associated with pain, including menstrual difficulties. Experimental studies have shown it acts as a mild sedative and relieves cramping. Typical dosage: 300 to 400 milligrams in capsules standardized to 0.5 percent essential oil per day; or 20 to 60 drops of tincture per day.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

A popular calming herb with antispasmodic properties, chamomile may help quell cramps. It also soothes a mildly upset stomach, a symptom some women experience along with abdominal cramps. Typical dosage: up to six 300-to 400-milligram capsules per day; or 3 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 10 to 40 drops of tincture three times per day. Caution: Some people experience allergic reactions to chamomile.

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)

Native Americans regarded cramp bark as a uterine sedative and tonic. By relaxing uterine muscles, the herb has been beneficial in treating menstrual cramps, discomfort during pregnancy, and in the prevention of miscarriage. Typical dosage: up to 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of bark in 1 cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes). Caution: Do not use if you have kidney stones.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Various yams are used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The root of this particular species of wild yam has anti-inflammatory properties that may be helpful in relaxing uterine spasms. Typical dosage: up to two 400-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 40 drops of tincture up to five time per day.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Chinese researchers have found that motherwort increases the volume of blood circulation and stimulates uterine activity. The herb can help with such endometrial symptoms as late periods and clotted or sluggish menstrual flow. Typical dosage: 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 20 to 50 drops of tincture up to five times per day. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy or attempts to become pregnant.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

A proven remedy for migraines, feverfew also has a 2,000-year history as folk medicine for regulating women’s menstrual cycles. How it works isn’t known, but it may be worth a try. Typical dosage: up to 400 milligrams in standardized capsules per day; or two average-size fresh leaves per day; or 15 to 30 drops of tincture per day. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.

Yarrow (Archillea millefolium)

Also called chaste berry, vitex normalizes and stimulates the pituitary gland functions, particularly those regulating female sex hormones. Typical dosage: up to 650-milligram capsules per day; or 15 to 40 drops of tincture 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). Caution: Do not use during pregnancy or with hormone replacement therapy.

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

Another hormone balancer, black cohosh is approved in Germany for several conditions associated with female hormonal irregularities. Because hormonal imbalances ar thought to be the cause of endemetriosis, this herb is worth a try. Typical dosage: three 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day; or 10 to 25 drops of tincture as often as every four hours. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy or attempts to become pregnant.

Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis)

One of the more frequently prescribed herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, dang gui is used to tone and regulate the female reproductive system. Typical dosage: up to six 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day; or 5 to 20 drops of tincture up to three times per day. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.

Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

This herb is recommended by many modern-day herbalists for toning the uterus during pregnancy and facilitating childbirth. Some women swear by this herb’s ability to relieve periods. Typical dosage: up to six 430-milligram capsules per day; or up to 10 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes). Caution: If you’re pregnant, use red raspberry only under the supervision of a health practitioner.

Dandelion (Tarazacum officinale)

Widely used in Europe, dandelion helps the liver break down excess hormones that may encourage the growth of endometrial tissue. Typical dosage: 2 cups of young leaves eaten raw or lightly cooked; or 30 to 60 drops of liquid extract three times per day; or 2 cups of tea per day (steep 1/2 teaspoon of sifted dry root in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes).

Burdock (Arctium lappa, A. minus)

Burdock is another herb that helps the liver break down excess hormones such as estrogen. Typical dosage: up to six 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried root in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 25 to 40 drops of tincture three times per day.

Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)

Traditionally used for chronic skin ailments, jaundice, and constipation, yellow dock is also considered a cleaning herb, though solid research confirming its use is lacking. 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.

THE DIFFERENCE DIET CAN MAKE

Fats and dairy products can stimulate estrogen production, aggravating symptoms of endometriosis. Stick to low-fat, high-fiber foods, including abundant amounts of vegetables and fruits. Avoid partially hydrogenated oils, including margarine, and increase your intake of essential fatty acids from salmon, nuts, and seeds.
Phytoestrogens found in soy-based foods and other beans can help prevent natural or synthetic estrogens from overstimulating body tissues. Eat these foods regularly, daily if you can.
And cut down on those lattes, sodas, and chocolate binges–caffeine can dramatically worsen symptoms of endometriosis.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS

Antioxidants can help prevent tissue damage and reduce inflammation and scarring. Try the following daily regimen:
* Vitamin E: 400 to 800 IU
* Vitamin C: 2,000 milligrams
* Grapeseed or green tea extract: 200 to 400 milligrams
* Magnesium: 500 milligrams

ENDOMETRIOSIS TEA

Drink 2 cups of this tea per day for 2 weeks for a single course of treatment.
1 teaspoon vitex berries
1 teaspoon red clover blossoms
1 teaspoon wild yam root
1 teaspoon cramp bark
1/2 teaspoon horsetail
1/2 teaspoon red raspberry leaves
1/2 teaspoon motherwort
1 quart water

In a medium saucepan, combine the herbs and water and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let steep and additional 15 minutes. Strain and discard the herbs.

TWO TREATMENTS WORTH A TRY

Many herbalists use castor oil packs for any kind of pelvic pain. Preliminary studies suggest that they improve immune system functioning. To make a castor oil pack, saturate a piece of flannel or wool folded in four thicknesses with cold-pressed castor oil at room temperature. Put the flannel directly on your lower abdomen. Cover it with a plastic bag, and then place a hot water bottle or a heating pad on top of the plastic. Try using the pack for an hour at a time, three times a week, for at least three months. If you find that it relieves symptoms of endometriosis, scale back to once a week.
Acupuncture has been shown to greatly reduce and sometimes eliminate menstrual pain. One preliminary study indicates it may also be effective in treating infertile women who have endometriosis.