Ovarian cysts are usually benign and are one of the leading causes of pain, excessive menstrual bleeding and infertility in women, according to The Herbal Encyclopedia website. Women of all ages can experience ovarian cysts. The ovaries, two reproductive organs about the size of a walnut, flank the uterus, one on each side. Sometimes cysts or fluid-filled sacs develop on the surface of the ovaries. The Mayo Clinic states that ovarian cysts are usually caused by hormonal imbalances. In addition, some fertility drugs may over stimulate the ovaries and cause cysts. Many times ovarian cysts produce no symptoms and go away on their own. If cysts grow large or twist they may produce symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding, and pain during intercourse. A healthy diet complete with a variety of herbal remedies can help reduce ovarian cysts.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry is often used to treat hormonal imbalances in women, according to the website Natural Solutions for PCOS. Chasteberry has the effect of stimulating and normalizing pituitary gland functions and progesterone levels in women. Chasteberry not only impacts the key hormones that regulate and balance the menstrual cycle, it can also help balance the levels and ratios of hormones required for normal menstrual function, ovulation and fertility. Chasteberry is especially beneficial for women who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women who have PCOS do not ovulate or menstruate regularly. Hormone problems often stem from insufficient levels of progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. A corpus luteum insufficiency is an abnormally low progesterone level after the onset of menstruation. A deficiency in progesterone may result in the formation of ovarian cysts.
Red Clover
Red clover may alleviate ovarian cysts by thinning out the walls of the cysts and encouraging the cysts to rupture early in the menstrual cycle, according to the Robert McDowell website. Holistic Online states that it is believed that red clover contains a plant estrogen that stimulates the ovaries and restores healthy body functions. Herbal practitioners believe red clover acts as a blood cleanser for boils, carbuncles, infected cysts, internal cysts and ovarian cysts.
Wild Yam
For many years it has been believed that the herbal properties of wild yam can help to reduce ovarian cysts. MoonDragon Birthing Services states that wild yam may help eliminate ovarian cysts by promoting glandular balance in women. Mexican wild yam root is considered a phytoestrogen (progesterone) without the side effects of synthetic hormones. Wild yam consists of steroidal saponins, starch, alkaloid and tannins (compounds that constrict blood vessels). In addition, wild yam may help regulate menstrual cycles by making them more predictable and regular. This herb usually comes in a cream form and can be used as treatment for menstrual disorders, hormonal imbalance, infertility, fibrocystic breasts and ovarian cysts.
Milk Thistle
Herbal practitioners believe that milk thistle can reduce ovarian cysts by balancing a woman's estrogen and progesterone levels. According to MoonDragon Birthing Services, milk thistle is an excellent herb for the liver because it works to efficiently rid the body of excess estrogen. The Natural Health Website for Women states that milk thistle may act as a tonic and support the liver's detoxification process. During the detoxification process abnormal cells are destroyed and excess hormones excreted. Milk thistle may help to prevent ovarian cysts by stabilizing ovary functioning.
Echinacea
Dr. Marilyn Glenville states that echinacea is thought to help the body rid itself of ovarian cysts by improving the immune system, increasing white blood cells and helping the body eliminate abnormal cells. Echinacea may restore and maintain hormonal balance within the body, thereby preventing the development of ovarian cysts. Echinacea may also stimulate the overall activity of the cells responsible for fighting all kinds of infection.
