Natural Remedies for Fibroids & Cyst
Types of Uterine Fibroids
- Submucosal: grow in the innermost layer of the uterus
- Intramural: grow in the middle layer of the uterus
- Subserosal: grow in the outer wall of the uterus
- Pedunculated: attached to a stalk either outside of the uterus or within the uterine cavity
- Cervical: in the cervical tissue
- Interligamentous: between the uterine broad ligaments
Causes of Uterine Fibroids
Though a large percentage of women suffer from uterine fibroids, doctors are actually unsure of what causes them to occur. What they do know however, is that estrogen and progesterone contribute to the growth of the fibroids. Estrogen and progesterone are at their highest levels during a woman’s childbearing years, this is why uterine fibroids are thought to develop during this time. Normally, after a woman goes through menopause her body produces lower levels of estrogen and progesterone causing the fibroids to begin to shrink and any associated symptoms, such as pain and pressure to subside.
Uterine fibroids are hormone dependent. They develop during the hormonally active years and decline in menopause. Fibroid tissue has a higher amount of estrogen and progesterone receptors. Fibroid tissue is hypersensitive to estrogen, but does not have the capacity to regulate estrogen response, this is why they can grow to become quite large. Other hormones play a role in the growth of uterine fibroids as well, including prolactin, parathyroid hormone, insulin growth factor, and pituitary growth hormone.
Natural Remedies for Fibroids & Cyst
First cleanse, reduce exposure to xenoestrogens, promote healthy estrogen metabolism. You can start cleansing by doing a detox with Empress Organics Yoni Detox Pearls. Fertility Cleansing: The best way to begin any natural fertility plan would be to do a Fertility Cleanse. A fertility cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones. It also supports the uterus to cleanse itself of old stagnant blood and increases circulation to the uterus while tonifying the uterine tissues.
Self Fertility Massage is a series of massage techniques that are used to help support reproductive health, the menstrual cycle, and your fertility all from the comfort of your own home! One of the greatest benefits of massage is the ability to break up adhesions and bring in circulation to the area being massaged. Uterine fibroids may compress and compromise circulation to the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries or other surrounding organs. Self Fertility Massage™ helps to promote healthy circulation, helps the body to rid itself of old stagnant blood and tissues in the uterus, and promotes hormonal balance by strengthening the hormonal feedback loop. Do not do during menstruation.
Reduce Exposure to Xenohormones: Exposure to certain environmental toxins may contribute to the development of uterine fibroids. Xenoestrogens are a subclass of endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors, also known as xenohormones, are human-made chemicals. These chemicals have the ability to interfere with the natural functions and development of our bodies. The main function of the endocrine system is to serve as our body’s message center. Hormones deliver messages, the endocrine system coordinates hormones. Xenoestrogens have the ability to bind to our estrogen receptor sites. This is particularly concerning for women with uterine fibroids. This is because fibroid tissue is hypersensitive to estrogen, it contains a high amount of estrogen receptors, this is why they can grow to become quite large. Exposure to xenoestrogens can fuel uterine fibroid growth.
Ways to Avoid Xenohormones: Eat rorganic foods, Avoid exposure to pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers, Use natural feminine care products, Use organic, natural body care products, including makeup, Avoid food preservatives and dyes, Use low VOC paints, Use recycled unbleached paper products.
Key Herbs for Fibroids and Their Beneficial Actions:
Fenugreek: This is one of the best herbs for fibroids as it helps with hormone balance and to prevent a state of estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance not only increases the risk of developing uterine fibroids but it also causes fibroids to get bigger and increases the various symptoms of uterine fibroids. Fenugreek is one of the best herbs for fibroids and is the perfect female herb because it contains phyto-estrogens which are similar to the estrogen produced by the body but are much weaker. Phyto-estrogens prevent a state of estrogen dominance as they can replace the excess estrogen produced by the body and because they are weaker than the estrogen produced by the body, they can prevent a state of estrogen dominance. Fenugreek also helps the pelvis eliminate toxins and excess mucus trapped in the pelvis which if left to fester can increase the risk of developing fibroids or worsening the symptoms. Other benefits of fenugreek is that this herbs is said to help increase breast size naturally as well as increase milk production in nursing mothers!
Chasteberry: Chasteberry is also another of the best herbs for fibroids, especially for its ability to shrink fibroids. It has been shown to be able to shrink certain small intramural and subserous fibroids. Vitex is also able to strengthen and heal the entire reproductive system making it an important female herb. Vitex (4,00mg 2 times daily). Vitex or chasteberry reduces estrogen levels by promoting the production of progesterone. It is an excellent herbal solution to maintain hormonal balance, lower estrogen levels and reduce inflammation. Simply take 25 to 30 drops of chasteberry tincture two to four times a day. Note: Chasteberry will help regulate menstruation and bleeding between periods, but may also reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. For best results, vitex should be taken for at least six months.
Milk Thistle: (150 milligrams 2 times daily). Aids body in liver detoxification, which can balance hormones. This herbal remedy helps metabolize and get rid of excess estrogen. Estrogen is a reproductive hormone that stimulates cells to release growth factors, which in turn contributes to fibroid growth. Simply take 10 to 25 drops of a tincture of this herb up to three times a day for three to four months
Evening primrose oil: evening primrose oil for fibroidsThis is another herb that can help promote hormone balance because hormone imbalance can worsen PMS, menstrual cramps, fibroids as well as many other feminine issues. While evening primrose oil injections are very effective, enteric-coated tablets are also effective since they enable evening primrose oil to bypass the digestive system and go directly to the bloodstream where it can be better able to promote hormone balance. Another benefit of evening primrose oil is that it can help to prevent and cure ovarian cysts and cysts in the breasts.
Dong Quai root: Dong Quai increases circulation, which helps to bring in fresh healthy blood to remove excess tissue growth, heal tissue damage, as well as limit scar tissue and adhesion formation. Healthy circulation ensures healthy natural cleansing of the body as well. Proper circulation is required to remove toxins, dead tissue, diseased tissue, and metabolic waste from our bodies. This is very important for women with uterine fibroids, dong quai is a staple of ancient Chinese medicine and is an important female herb as it can relieve painful cramps, menopausal symptoms and PMS. Dong quai is one of the best herbs for fibroids because it mimics the estrogen produced by the body and by doing so it can replace natural estrogen produced by the body with a weaker form which then helps to prevent a state of estrogen dominance that increases the risk of developing fibroid tumors. Do keep in mind that dong quai should not be used by itself. The most effective formulations include dong quai with other herbs including some that are discussed here.
Goldenseal Root: This herb is extremely antibiotic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It works to help reduce pain and inflammation from foreign tissue growth. Reduction in inflammation may help to prevent scar tissue and adhesion formation.
Echinacea: This very beneficial herb is good for treating various issues including many gynecological problems such as fibroid tumors. This North American wild flower which looks like a daisy is a known immune system booster which helps to improve general health and wellbeing in addition to helping the body eliminate disease causing toxins. Research has also shown that the healing properties of Echinacea can help cure fibroids naturally by shrinking the tumors and helping to rid the body of the dissolving matter from these dying tumors.
Dandelion Root & Leaf: This plant provides excellent liver support for improved hormonal balance. Dandelion leaf is very nourishing to the body, being high in vitamins and minerals. The root aids in liver health, and stimulates digestion for improved estrogen metabolism.
Ginger Root: Ginger root is a wonderful herb used to increase circulation and promote blood flow to the uterus. The increased circulation also helps to reduce inflammation of the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Black Cohosh root: This root promotes regulation of the entire menstrual cycle. For women with a uterus that feels inflamed or irritated throughout the month, Black cohosh may be an effective option in relaxing the uterus by helping to reduce inflammation.
Red Raspberry Leaf: Raspberry leaf works to tone the uterine muscles and normalize blood flow during menses. This is one of the best normalizing herbs for the female reproductive organs. Raspberry leaf is astringent, contracting and shrinking internal and external body tissues. It may help prevent hemorrhage due to excessive bleeding and is one of the best herbs for uterine health.
Maitake Mushroom: This mushroom has been shown to enhance immune system function and has been shown through several studies to contain anti-tumor properties. It is also useful for improving glucose metabolism.
Avoid Foods that Makes Fibroids Worse
This includes:
High-Fat, Processed Meats. High-fat, processed meats are some of the worst food choices for women when it comes to fibroids. Foods high in unhealthy fats like non-organic meats are processed meats can increase inflammation levels and often contain chemical additives. (Think hamburgers and processed breakfast sausages.) When you eat beef, you should always opt for grass-fed beef.
Conventional Dairy. Non-organic dairy is very high in steroids and other chemicals that can alter hormones and encourage the development and growth of fibroids.
Refined Sugar. Consuming refined sugar can increase pain and reduce immune function in the body. It may also lead to weight gain and hormonal imbalance, two factors that encourage the development of fibroids. Studies have even shown that a high dietary glycemic index is associated with higher risk of uterine fibroids in some women. (3)
Refined Carbohydrates. Managing hormones not only involves the elimination of sugars from the diet, but also refined carbohydrates.
Refined carbs cause insulin levels to spike and hormones to become out of whack. Consuming processed grains like those in instant hot cereals and commercial breads causes a sharp rise in insulin. These refined carbohydrates have been stripped of everything but starch, so they offer negative health consequences and no good nutritional value.
Alcohol. Overdoing it in the alcohol department increases inflammation throughout the body, reduces immune function and encourages hormonal imbalances. By reducing or eliminating alcohol, you can help to get your hormones back on track and hopefully shrink those fibroids fast.
Caffeine. Too much caffeine is taxing on your body, especially your liver. When you give your liver more work to do than it ideally should have, it isn’t going to do as good of a job at keeping your hormones in check. Drinking more than two cups of coffee daily may boost estrogen levels in women and could worsen conditions with a hormonal basis like fibroids. (4) The more you can keep your alcohol and caffeine consumption down, the easier it is for your liver to detoxify your body and keep your hormones in proper, fibroid-discouraging balance.
Without eating a whole food diet, the body will not respond to herbs, supplements or natural therapies as well. We suggest eating a nutrient dense whole food fertility diet. This way of eating will create a foundation for a healthy, properly functioning body.
The Importance of Fiber
Your main focus and one of the first things you should do right now is eat more fiber. Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess estrogens. Good sources of fiber: Dark leafy greens, Broccoli, Swiss chard, Quinoa, Chia seeds, Beans, Ground flaxseed and Whole Grains. Choose whole grains whenever possible, avoid white refined grains. Good choices of whole grains would be brown rice, millet, spelt, buckwheat, rye and oats.
Eat Foods that Heal Fibroids
The following foods should be included in your diet to keep your fibroids at bay:
Organic Foods. Eating organic foods can help to prevent and shrink fibroids. Pesticides impact estrogen and other hormones levels. Since hormonal balance is key to natural fibroid treatment, you want to reduce your pesticide intake as much as possible.
Green Leafy Vegetables. Green leafy vegetables discourage the growth of fibroids in a woman’s body. These vegetables are vitamin K-rich foods. This vitamin aids in clotting and helps control control of menstrual bleeding.
Cruciferous Vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables support detoxification of your liver and balance estrogen levels. Research has shown that high consumption of broccoli, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, tomato and apple seems to be a protective factor for uterine fibroids. A greater intake of cruciferous vegetables (and fresh fruits) is believed to be capable of reducing the incidence of uterine fibroids in women.
Beta-carotene Rich Foods. Upon digestion the human body turns beta carotene into vitamin A, which promotes the growth of healthy tissues as well as the repair of tissues, which can both be very helpful for healing fibroids. Some foods high in beta-carotene include carrots, sweet potatoes, kale and spinach.
High-Iron Foods. Fibroids sometimes cause some women to lose more blood during their monthly menstruation. This can lead to anemia. To replace the excessive loss of iron, include high-iron foods like grass-fed beef and legumes in your diet to help replace that lost iron and prevent anemia.
Flaxseeds. Flaxseeds help balance estrogen levels in the body, which can help to shrink fibroids. You should aim for at least two tablespoons per day if you have fibroids. You can sprinkle flaxseeds on oatmeal, in your smoothies or simply eat the seeds by themselves.
Whole Grains. Instead of refined grains, opt for healthier whole grains like millet, spelt, brown rice, buckwheat, rye and oats.
Try Supplements that Aid in Fibroid Reduction
Be sure to check with your doctor before introducing new supplements into the mix. These supplements have a strong reputation for creating better hormone balance: Fish Oil (1,000 milligrams daily) or Flaxseed Oil (1 tablespoon daily). The essential fatty acids found in fish oil and flaxseed oil can help reduce inflammation in your body, which may play a part in fibroid growth. B-complex (50 milligrams daily). If B vitamins are lacking in the diet, the liver is missing some of the raw materials it needs to carry out its metabolic processes and regulate estrogen levels. Progesterone Cream (1/4 teaspoon, days 6–26 of cycle). Applying progesterone cream topically can help balance out low progesterone. When treating fibroids, it’s important to work with a doctor who has tested your hormone levels so you can be best advised if natural progesterone cream is the right option for your body.
Turn to Essential Oils
Thyme, clary sage and frankincense are the best essential oils for natural fibroid treatment. They all have the ability to help balance hormones naturally. Clary sage oil has also been shown by researchers to significantly lower cortisol levels as well as have an anti-depressant effect on mood. This is just one of several studies that show clary sage oil’s ability to benefit a woman’s hormones. Rub two drops of these essential oils over your lower abdomen two times daily; put two drops of frankincense oil on the roof of your mouth two times daily.
Castor Oil Packs
By applying a castor oil pack to your abdomen, you increase circulation in the lymphatic and circulatory systems and also increase lymphocytes — white blood cells that eliminate disease-causing toxins from the body. Many holistic practitioners believe a buildup of toxins plays an important role in fibroid development. Castor oil also contains anti-inflammatory ricinoleic acid. While there hasn’t been any scientific research to date that directly studies the impact of castor oil packs on uterine fibroids, it makes sense why castor oil packs could be helpful. A 2011 study did show that castor oil packs can help detoxification for by decreasing symptoms of constipation.
Saturate a piece of wool flannel in castor oil.
Place it on your abdomen and cover it with a plastic wrap.
Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on it and cover that with an old towel.
Leave it on for about one hour, and then remove it.
Repeat three or four times a week for at least one month, or until you see improvement.
Note: Do not use this remedy during menstruation or if you are trying to conceive.
Avoid Exposure to Environmental Toxins
Stay clear of the following to improve your hormonal health as well as your general health: pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, bleach, food preservatives, harmful cleaners (even certain eco-cleaners) and food dyes. You’ll also want to opt for natural, unbleached feminine care products as well as organic body care products and makeup.
Exercise
Getting regular exercise can actually help to prevent fibroids before they start! According to one study, the more a woman exercises, the less likely she is to get uterine fibroids.
Dandelion
Many herbalists believe that poor liver function leading to poor elimination of excess hormones contributes to fibroids. Dandelion aids in liver detoxification and clearing excess estrogen from your body. Herbal teas help soothe the symptoms of fibroids by decreasing inflammation and rebalancing certain hormones. Teas made with chasteberry, milk thistle, yellow dock, dandelion root, nettle and red raspberry all have systemic benefits for the uterus and reproductive system.
Boil three tablespoons of dandelion root in three and one-half cups of water.
Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Turn off the heat, and allow it to steep for another 15 minutes before straining it.
Drink this tea three times a day for at least three months.
Green Tea: Studies indicate that green tea contains a compound called Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that inhibits growth of fibroid cells, eventually increasing their death rate. EGCG offers anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antioxidant effects. Researchers have found that in addition to reducing the size of fibroids, green tea can reduce the severity of fibroid symptoms. Drink two or three cups of green tea or take two 400 mg green tea capsules daily for several months.
Burdock Root Tea: Burdock root improves the liver’s ability to metabolize estrogen, thereby reducing fibroids. Plus, being high in the lignan arctigenin, it can help reduce the size of fibroids and inhibit new tumor growth. Add one teaspoon of dried burdock root to a cup of hot water. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes, and then strain it. Drink this tea three times a day.
Alternatively, you can take 10 to 25 drops of burdock root tincture three times per day.
Continue either of these remedies daily for three to four months.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be helpful in reducing fibroid symptoms because it helps remove toxins from the body and promotes fat loss. Though not proven scientifically, it is believed to help shrink fibroid tumors too. Add one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
You can also add one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses or some natural sweetener for taste.
Drink it daily on a regular basis. Gradually increase the dosage of apple cider vinegar from one teaspoon to one or two tablespoons per glass.
Garlic
Garlic has natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that discourage the growth of tumors and uterine fibroids. So, eat three to five garlic cloves daily. If the garlic taste and odor are too strong for you, then follow it with a glass of milk. Milk will also help reduce the incidence of fibroids. Garlic is one of the best natural cures for fibroids because it helps stop fibroid growth by preventing fibroids from having access to a robust blood supply and nutrients. These tumors will then shrink the longer that they are without what they need to grow.
Indian Gooseberry (Amla)
Being an antioxidant and immunomodulator, Indian gooseberry is an excellent Ayurvedic remedy to reduce fibroids and their symptoms. Mix together one teaspoon each of Indian gooseberry powder and honey. Consume it daily, first thing in the morning. Continue for at least a few months to get positive results. In addition to these remedies, make sure to exercise regularly and drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins. Exercising also helps regulate ovulation.
Fibroids Risk Factors & Root Causes
The following factors can raise a woman’s risk for fibroids:
Heredity: A woman with a mother or sister who had/has fibroids is more likely to develop fibroids herself.
Age: Fibroids tend to appear when a woman is in her 30s and 40s.
Race: African American women are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids than women of other races or ethnicities. Black women tend have fibroids at younger ages, and have more fibroids and larger ones.
Diet: Eating a lot of poor quality beef and any type of pork is linked to higher fibroid risk.
Obesity: Women who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop fibroids compared to women who maintain a healthy weight.
High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure or hypertension seems to increase a woman’s risk of fibroids.
Hypothyroidism: Overt hypothyroidism has been associated with the presence of uterine leiomyoma (fibroids).
Early menstruation: Women who being menstruation prior to the age of 10 are at a higher risk for fibroids than women who started menstruating after the age of 10.
Birth control: Taking birth control pills can make fibroids grow more quickly because of the increased estrogen level in the body. Foods that are high in estrogen, and hormone-disrupting chemicals that mimic estrogen may also play a role in the development of fibroids.
Doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes fibroids, but research and clinical experience point to a few factors likely contributing to the development of uterine fibroids. (5) Since fibroids run in families, fibroids appear to be genetic. For example, identical twins are more likely to both have fibroids than nonidentical twins. Many fibroids also contain changes in genes that are different from the genes in normal uterine muscle cells.
Hormones are another root cause. Estrogen and progesterone hormones are responsible for stimulating the growth of the uterine lining each month in preparation for a possible pregnancy. Estrogen and progesterone also appear to promote the growth of fibroids, which contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine muscle cells. Another reason this hormone theory makes sense is the fact that fibroids tend to shrink after a woman goes through menopause. Menopause coincides with a decline in a woman’s hormone levels.
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Interested
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