Endometriosis Treatment
Endometriosis treatment is available from various herbal remedies. A chronic, progressive disease in women, this is a condition where the cells that line the uterus grow outside of the uterus. These cells bind to estrogen and progesterone, promoting uterine growth and thickening. The cells, implanted in structures and organs outside the uterus, cause scarring and bleeding. It can interfere with fertility and the ability to become pregnant. It can also cause severe pelvic pain, especially during a woman's monthly flow.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of endometriosis is menstrual pain either before, during or just after their period, located in the pelvic region. Pain may also occur in areas that the endometrial cells have implanted, like the intestine or bladder. Severity of pain varies. Other symptoms include fatigue, joint and muscle aches, bloating, nausea, dizziness, headaches, heavy menstrual bleeding, sleep disturbances, and depression. Women with endometriosis may also experience low back pain, pain during or after sexual intercourse, pain with bowel movements and premenstrual spotting.
Causes
The causes of endometriosis are not understood. Symptoms vary from woman to woman and it can be difficult to diagnose. It occurs in women of all ages from age 8 to over 75, although the majority of sufferers are between 25 and 29 years of age. It is most common in Asian women, then Caucasian women.
Cautions
Women who are at higher risk for endometriosis will have a shorter cycle than normal, heavier and longer periods and a family history of the disease. They may have uterine abnormalities and associated medical conditions. They may have autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis. They may also have diseases like hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, allergies, asthma or migraine headaches.
Herbal Endometriosis Treatment
Internal Applications for menstrual pain:
- Ginger – drinking ginger tea may help with nausea & pain.
- Cramp bark - take 3 times a day.
- Valerian – this herb has been useful for some women to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. This is a sedative, so caution must be exercised when used as endometriosis treatment.
For heavy bleeding:
- Shepherd's purse - take 3 times a day. Infuse 2 grams dried herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes, strain and drink 3 cups a day.
- Horsetail – this herb can curb excessive menstrual bleeding and keeps scar tissue flexible. It also can prevent new scar tissue from forming.
- Lady's mantle - take three times a day.
General treatments:
- Chamomile – this tea can help relieve stress and promote relaxation. Since many women who suffer from endometriosis say stress makes the condition worse, this tea can help decrease stress levels. Take this tea as needed throughout the day.
- Herbal blend – mix vitex berries, wild yam and cramp bark in a large pot of water. Add a small amount of Echinacea root, red raspberry leaf, motherwort and horsetail stalks. Let the tea steep for several minutes before straining the herbs out. Drink two or more cups per day for relief.
External Applications
- Castor – apply a pack of castor oil mixed with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Take a cloth soaked in the mixture, fold and place in an oven-proof dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes until it is hot, but not too hot to touch. Place the heated cloth over the painful area and use a towel to retain the heat. Use for each day of your fever for up to an hour at a time. Remove all traces of the castor oil after the endometriosis treatment is done.
- Lavender - add 3 drops of essential oil to 10ml carrier oil and use as massage to lower back and lower abdomen. Clary sage can be used instead of lavender oil.