Fibroids are benign growths or tumors that develop in a woman's uterus and commonly disappear after the onset of menopause. Some women experience pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and urinary incontinence due to the presence of fibroids that have grown very large, and surgery is necessary. However, herbal remedies may be helpful in shrinking fibroids if you choose not to have surgery. Speak to your health practitioner about using herbs.
Chaste Berry
This herb is considered the first one to use if you decide to take herbs to shrink your fibroids, says James Duke in "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Chaste berry may slow the growth of fibroids or even dissolve them by helping to balance hormones. The recommended dose, says the University of Maryland Medical Center is 20 mg to 40 mg daily first thing in the morning.
Herbal Uterine Tea
A mixed herbal tea for the treatment of uterine fibroids may be helpful after using Chaste berry to flush the remains of the fibroids from your system, says "Herbs for Health and Healing." It may be necessary to drink the tea for several months to completely remove debris from the fibroids remaining in your uterus. Mix 1 tsp. each of motherwort leaves, wild yam, dried burdock root and cramp bark with 1/2 tsp. each dried mullein, minced ginger root, prickly ash bark, and cleave leaves. Boil the herbs in 1 qt. water for five minutes, then simmer for another five minutes. Remove them from the heat, steep and allow the infusion to cool. Strain and drink two cups daily. Make a new batch whenever needed.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a commonly prescribed herbal remedy for the treatment of a variety of menopausal and menstrual difficulties, including fibroids, says University of Maryland Medical Center. Black cohosh primarily helps to balance your hormones, bringing your system into harmony and reducing unpleasant symptoms. The recommended dose is 20 mg to 40 mg of standardized extract, twice daily, notes UMMC. It is important to buy high-quality herbs when looking for black cohosh. Look for brands that are approved by the German E Commission, the agency in Germany that is equivalent to the FDA in the United States. This herb can produce side effects, so consult a health practitioner and stop taking it if you experience any new symptoms.
Kuei-chih-fu-ling-wan
Kuei-chih-fu-ling-wan or KBG is a Chinese herbal preparation that shows promise in reducing the size of existing fibroids, according to Alt MD. KBG is a mixture of well-known Chinese herbs including herbaceous peony roots, peach kernels, cassia bark, herbaceous fungus and the root bark of the peony plant. Along with reducing the size of fibroids, KBG also may alleviate other symptoms related to fibroids such as heavy menstrual bleeding and severe cramping. It is thought that KBG may reduce the effects of the hormone estrogen, thus lessening the tendency toward developing new fibroids. Consult a Chinese medical doctor or herbalist before using this remedy.
Wild Yam
Wild yam or Dioscorea is another commonly recommended herb for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome as well as menopausal problems. It may be helpful in shrinking fibroids by balancing hormones, especially the hormone progesterone, says "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Wild yam is used in progesterone creams and should only be used under the supervision of your health practitioner because it can cause side effects.
References
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menstrual Pain
- "Herbs for Health and Healing"; Kathi Keville and Peter Korn; 1998
- Alt MD: Uterine Fibroids
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