Uterine fibroids are growths found in some women of childbearing age and are noncancerous or benign growths, according to the Mayo Clinic. Uterine fibroids generally do not require treatment unless they cause pain or increased menstrual bleeding. Conventional treatment may include surgical removal or hormone therapy to shrink fibroids. Several herbs may have the same effect as conventional treatment in reducing size or treating pain associated with uterine fibroids.
Chaste Tree
Chaste tree, or Vitex angus, is a shrub that produces violet flowers and berries and the dried leaves and the extract is used as an herbal treatment for uterine fibroid cysts, according to the University of Utah. Chaste tree is used to balance hormones in women and may have a normalizing effect on estrogen and progesterone. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not use Chaste tree and may interact with other medications or herbs. Talk to your health care provider before taking herbal treatments or supplements.
Dandelion
In a 2002 article on the "Feminist Women's Health Center" site, the author, Susan Weed, states that dandelion is a liver strengthening herb that may help metabolize estrogen out of the body, thus reducing fibroids. Life Extension recommends taking either 5 to 10 milliliters three times per day of a dandelion tincture or 200 to 500 milligrams dandelion capsules two times per day for women with uterine fibroids to enhance liver function.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, or Cimicifuga racemosa, is an herb that is considered a phytoestrogen which helps with both low and high estrogen, balancing women's hormones and providing nutritional support for women with uterine fibroids, according to NatureDoctor.com. The University of Maryland states that women with uterine fibroids can take 20 to 40 milligrams of black cohosh extract twice per day.
Green Tea
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that green tea extract may be effective in treating uterine fibroids and in lab animals, green tea extract kills human leiomyoma cells and eliminates fibroid lesions. Green tea has potent antioxidant properties, but may interact with some medications and should not be used by people with heart problems, kidney disorders, stomach ulcers or psychological disorders like anxiety, according to the University of Maryland.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Uterine Fibroids
- University of Utah Health Care: Chaste Tree
- Feminist Women's Health Center; "Help for Women with Fibroids"; Susan Weed; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menstrual Pain
- U.S. Department of Human and Health and Human Services: Green Tea May Help Treat Uterine Fibroids
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
