Endometriosis affects 10 to 15 percent of menstruating women between the ages of 24 and 40 years old, according to Dr. Tori Hudson, a naturopathic physician and contributor to the "Textbook of Natural Medicine." Endometriosis is characterized by painful menstrual periods, pain with sexual intercourse and infertility. Certain herbs may be helpful for endometriosis when combined with a personalized and well-rounded treatment plan. Before taking herbs, consult a health-care professional.
Chaste Tree
Chaste tree, also known by its Latin name Vitex agnus castus, is member of the Verbena family. The fruits are used medicinally, and they have a pungent taste. Chaste tree has traditionally been used to treat hormone imbalances in women, such as in menstrual cramping, breast pain, fibroids, menopausal complaints and uterine bleeding. According to Hudson, chaste tree acts on the pituitary gland to increase luteinizing hormone, which enhances the body's natural production of progesterone. With greater levels of progesterone compared to estrogen, the uterine tissue receives less estrogen stimulation, which helps relieve endometriosis symptoms. Chaste tree berry may be prepared as an infusion or dry liquid extract, or it may be taken as a capsule. Chaste tree should be used cautiously because it can interact with birth control pills and other forms of hormone therapy.
Burdock
Burdock, also called Arctium lappa, is an Aster family plant. Burdock is native to Europe and Northern Asia, and it now grows throughout the United States. In Japan and Europe, burdock is consumed as a vegetable. Burdock root also has a long history of medical use, particularly for detoxification and treating ailments of the skin and digestive system, and well as for alleviating the common cold. Its constituents include carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins and fatty oils. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," states that burdock stimulates the liver, helping it to metabolize hormones and efficiently excrete them. This process may account for burdock's therapeutic effect in endometriosis. Burdock may be eaten as a vegetable or prepared as a decoction, tincture or fluid extract. Burdock is also available as a capsule. Burdock should not be taken during pregnancy.
Prickly Ash
Prickly ash, also known as Xanthoxylum americanum and Zanthoxylum clavaherculis, is a member of the Rue family. The bark is used to make medicine. Prickly ash is known to help conditions of sluggish circulation. It stimulates blood flow throughout the body, which increases the delivery of nutrients to organs and hastens the removal of cellular waste products. Enhancing circulation to the pelvis can be helpful for women with endometriosis. Prickly ash also supports the immune system, owing to its constituents alkylamide and neoherculin. According to Tilgner, prickly ash bark is best taken as a dry liquid extract and should not be used in pregnancy.
References
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. & Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 2006
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Chasteberry
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Burdock
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