Fibroids are noncancerous growths that commonly occur in the uterus of women over the age of 30. MedlinePlus states that about 1 in 5 women of childbearing age may have uterine fibroids, and while they may be asymptomatic in some women, others may have symptoms such as abdominal gas, heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic cramping, bleeding between periods and pain during intercourse. Birth control pills, intrauterine devices, anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery may be required to treat the condition. Certain herbs and natural supplements may help manage it.
Chaste Tree and Paeonia
Chaste tree fruits and extracts of its fruits are commonly used to regulate and balance progesterone and estrogen production in women. Along with root extracts of paeonia plants and vitamin B6 from B complex supplements, chaste tree fruits may help restore the hormonal imbalance associated with fibroids. University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) also recommends taking 20 to 40 mg of chaste tree extract to treat menstrual pain associated with fibroids. Minor side effects such as gastric disturbances, itching, rash and headache may occur along with undocumented drug interactions. Hence, it is best to talk to a doctor before taking these herbal supplements.
Lycopene-rich Foods
An article published in the July/August 2005 edition of "Complimentary Medicine" reports that some animal studies have indicated that intake of lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, red carrots, watermelons and papayas may lead to fewer and smaller fibroids. However, these results have not been confirmed in humans, and although lycopene-based foods are very safe, you should consult a health care professional before using these for fibroid treatment.
Dandelion
Dandelion root and leaf extracts are rich sources of vitamins A, B complex, C and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium and zinc. They are used to treat a variety of liver, kidney and skin diseases. According to Home-Remedies-for-You.com, dandelion along with yellow dock root and milk thistle may help shrink the fibroids in the uterus. Dandelion is generally safe. However, mild allergic reactions and skin rashes have been reported. As with other herbs, it is important to talk to a physician before taking dandelion extract.
Uterine Fibroid Tea
Uterine fibroid tea, prepared by boiling 1 tsp. each of burdock root, cramp bark, motherwort leaves and wild yam rhizome and 1/2 tsp. each of prickly ash bark, cleavers leaves, mullein leaves and ginger rhizome in 1 quart of water, is recommended by MotherNature.com to treat uterine fibroids and to manage its symptoms such as menstrual cramps and bleeding. However, the adverse reactions and possible drug interactions of these herbs has not been scientifically documented and hence, use caution and consult a doctor before taking them.
Cinnamon and Hoelen
According to an article published in the winter 2004 issue of the "Journal of Chiropractic Medicine," a combination of herbs such as cinnamon, hoelen, amygdalin, paeoniflorin, peach pit, peony root, and moutan bark may unblock the blood vessels and decrease the size of uterine fibroids by almost 60 percent. Adverse reactions and side effects may occur and consulting a professional is strongly recommended.
References
- Natural-Hormone-Health.com: Natural Treatment for Fibroids
- "Complimentary Medicine"; Uterine Fibroids; Dr Ginni Mansberg; July/ August 2003
- Home Remedies: Natural Cures for Fibroids
- MotherNature.com: Uterine Fibroids
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menstrual Pain
- "The Journal of Chiropractic Medicine"; Uterine fibroids:Anintegrative approach; Nicholas R. LeRoy et al; Winter 2004
