Kelp & Endometriosis

Endometriosis -- a health problem that occurs when your uterine tissue grows in locations outside your uterus -- is a relatively common ailment among American women. The Cleveland Clinic states that approximately 5.5 million women in North America have endometriosis, and that between 30 and 40 percent of women with this condition are infertile. Before using kelp or other herbal remedies to help treat your endometriosis, meet with your primary care provider to discuss herb-related issues.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis can affect all women of reproductive age, regardless of social standing, race or ethnicity. According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, approximately 2 to 10 percent of American women of reproductive age have this health problem. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with endometriosis include pain during or after sexual intercourse, pain during bowel movements, heavy menstrual periods, intestinal discomfort, long-term pelvic pain or discomfort and debilitating menstrual cramps.

Plant Information

Kelp, a type of seaweed, contains a significant amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, including iodine, vitamin K, magnesium, folate, calcium, iron and beta-carotene. There are many kinds of kelp, and kelp ranges in color from dark green to light brown. This plant is commonly consumed in granulated or powder form. Kelp is well-known for its incredible growth rate; these plants can grow up to 150 feet tall. Kelp possesses one of the highest mineral contents of any herbal remedy.

Plant Actions

Kelp and other sea vegetables, such as dulse, nori and kombu, have long been used in treating various health problems. According to nutritionist and biologist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," kelp has historically been used to help resolve female health problems associated with excess estrogen, as it binds to estrogen receptors and crowds out the estrogen synthesized in your body. Endometriosis, breast cancer and PMS are all conditions that may be caused, at least in part, by excess estrogen production. Further scientific scrutiny may be needed to evaluate the true effectiveness of kelp in treating your endometriosis.

Warning

Possible complications of this condition, especially if it is left untreated, include infertility, chronic pelvic pain, pelvic cysts and even cancer, in rare cases. If you experience the characteristic signs and symptoms of endometriosis, report to your doctor immediately for a thorough evaluation of your health condition. Avoid using herbs, including kelp, to help treat your endometriosis until you have discussed procedures, alternatives and risks with your physician.