Natural Cures for Fibroids

Don’t let the term fibroid tumor scare you. Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are called tumors because they are solid masses, not because they are cancerous. In fact, almost all are benign.
These slow-growing masses, composed of muscle and fibrous tissue, develop in the muscle layers of a woman’s uterine wall. Most fibroids never cause problems. But the ones that do can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding between periods, a sensation of heaviness in the pelvis, frequent urination, sudden severe cramps, or infertility. The excessive bleeding that some fibroids cause may lead to fatigue and anemia.
In addition, fibroids may prevent pregnancy by blocking the pathway of sperm or preventing implantation of an embryo. During pregnancy, fibroids may increase the chance of miscarriage or heavy postpartum bleeding. A large fibroid may obstruct delivery or interfere with uterine contractions.
Fibroids occur most frequently in women between the ages of 35 and 45 who have never been pregnant. Most women who get one fibroid develop others, sometimes 100 or more. Overall, nearly half of all women develop fibroids by age 40. These masses rarely occur before age 20 and tend to shrink after menopause.
The cause of fibroids remains a mystery, but the tumors seem to respond to changes in levels of the hormone estrogen. When estrogen is plentiful, such as during pregnancy or while a woman is taking oral contraceptives, fibroids grow. Other factors may make a woman more prone to developing fibroids, including obesity, alcohol use, a high-fat diet, vitamin B deficiency, and high levels of the hormone progesterone.
The most common treatment for fibroids is hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus. Women who want a less drastic measure or who want to remain fertile may be candidates for myomectomy, a surgery that removes only the fibroid masses themselves.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Traditional Chinese Medicine attributes fibroids to liver problems. Because the liver breaks down excess circulating estrogen, taking milk thistle to help shrink fibroids makes sense. Many studies have shown that silymarin, a compound in milk thistle seeds, stimulates liver repair, blocks toxins from entering the organ, and protects it from free radicals. Typical dosage: 140 milligrams of standardized silymarin three times per day for three months, then 90 milligrams three times per day; or 10 t0 25 drops of tincture up to three times per day for three to four months.

Burdock (Arctium lappa, A. minus)

In addition to treating liver conditions, burdock root has shown anti-tumor capabilities in animal studies. Typical dosage: up to six 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 1 cup of tea three times per day (1 teaspoon of dried root steeped in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 10 to 25 drops of tincture three times per day. Whichever form you take, continue for three to four months.

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)

One of the most widely known women’s herbs, vitex was recommended by Hippocrates in 450 B.C. Researchers believe that vitex works by regulating the pituitary gland, the one that tells other glands how much of each hormone to make. The hormone in question here is estrogen, on which vitex has a regulating effect. Vitex needs to be taken for six months for its full benefits to be felt. Typical dosage: 2,000 to 5,000 milligrams in capsules per day; or 1 to 2 dropperfuls of tincture two times per day. Caution: Do not take during pregnancy. Vitex may lessen the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

This herb is useful if your fibroids cause excessive bleeding during menstruation. Herbalists believe that it gradually improves the tone of the uterus. (If you believe that fibroids are causing other menstrual symptoms, see Menstrual Problems, page 408). Typical dosage: 1 to 2 cups of tea two or three times per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes). Caution: If you are pregnant, use only under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.

Poke Root (Phytolacca americana)

When fibroids cause tenderness in the lower abdomen, topical application of poke root oil can help. Rub the oil on the area twice a day, morning and evening, as long as discomfort persists. Caution: If skin irritation occurs, discontinue use. Do not take this herb internally; it is highly toxic even in small doses.

UTERINE FIBROID TEA

This tea blend combines hormone-balancing herbs with those that ease cramps.
2 teaspoons vitex berries
1 teaspoons black cohosh root
1/2 teaspoon dandelion root
1/2 teaspoon prickly ask bark
1/4 teaspoon cramp bark
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon bark
4 cups water

Combine the herbs in the water and bring to a boil. Lower heat and allow the tea to simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and steep for 20 minutes. Strain and drink at least 2 cups of tea per day for 3 to 4 months.

EASY PAIN RELIEF

Try these simple methods to ease the discomfort of uterine fibroids.
*Hot sitz baths. Water as hot as you can stand it will increase circulation in the pelvis, relax tight muscles, and relieve discomfort.
*Essential oils. Add several drops of rosemary, lavender, or juniper essential oils to the sitz bath to stimulate pelvic circulation.
*Castor oil. The skin absorbs warm castor oil’s active constituents, lectins, which stimulate the immune response to help shrink fibroids. Five drops of lavender essential oil added to a castor-oil pack encourages relaxation. To make a pack, soak a clean cloth in castor oil, then place it on the abdomen or on any painful areas. Cover the cloth with plastic wrap, then another clean cloth. Finally, apply a heat source–a hot water bottle, a heating pad, or a cloth bag of lentils, corn, or rice that’s been microwaved for a few minutes. Leave on for about an hour.

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

To help shrink fibroids, try taking the following supplements once daily for 3 to 4 months:

*Vitamin C: 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams
*Selenium: 400 micrograms
*Zinc: 30 milligrams