Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in the muscle walls of your uterus. If they become too numerous or large, they can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, pain and prolonged periods. Over time, you can become anemic or suffer a miscarriage due to fibroids. Conventional treatment may include hormone therapy or surgery. Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, uses herbs to counter the symptoms of uterine fibroids and help shrink or eliminate them. Consult your healthcare provider before starting herbal treatment.
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In TCM, qi is vital energy that flows through your body via a network of energy channels. If these channels become blocked, your energy and body fluids can stagnate, resulting in disease. A basic cause of uterine fibroids is qi and blood stagnation, and the energy channels involved are the spleen, liver and kidney. Herbs for uterine fibroids target those channels to revitalize qi and circulate blood. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of Chinese herbs for uterine fibroids.
Angelica
Angelica, or Angelica sinensis, is a native Asian perennial also known as dang gui. TCM practitioners use the roots to treat gynecological disorders, including painful menstruation, fibroids and pelvic pain. The roots are rich in coumarins, plant sterols, polysaccharides and flavonoids, and act on the liver and spleen channels. In her 2009 book, "The Holistic Herbal Directory," herbal consultant Penelope Ody explains that angelica is useful for stagnant blood conditions, since the bottom of the root moves blood and the top part nourishes blood and promotes circulation. Do not use this herb during pregnancy.
Chinese Corktree
Chinese corktree, or Phellodendron chinense, is a deciduous tree called huang bai in TCM. The bark contains potent alkaloids, such as berberine, phellodendrine and jatrorrhizine, and acts on the kidney channel. In TCM, fibroids are associated with dampness and heat toxins. Herbalist Penelope Ody states that corktree clears heat and dampness and counters fire poisons. It also has a nourishing effect on the liver. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or have diarrhea.
White Peony
White peony, or Paeonia lactiflora, is a perennial herb with large pink flowers native to Asia. In TCM it's known as bai shao, and the roots are used for fever, pain, hemorrhage and irregular menstruation. Peony resolves liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency, and nourishes the blood. In his 2001 book, "The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook," herbalist and Asian medicine specialist Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., D. Ay., notes that peony is used as part of a TCM formula that increases progesterone and reduces estrogen, a cause of uterine fibroids. He explains that peony improves the liver's metabolism of estrogen to enhance its elimination from your body. Do not use this herb during pregnancy or combine it with oral contraceptives.
References
- "The Holistic Herbal Directory"; Penelope Ody; 2009
- "The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook"; Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., D. Ay.; 2001
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