Herbal Treatments for Uterine Fibroids

There are different approaches currently practiced to treat women suffering from uterine fibroid symptoms. The most common treatments for uterine fibroids include surgical intervention. But there are some non-invasive methods such as MR guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery.
There are also a variety of herbal treatment options for uterine fibroids. These herbal medicines effectively alleviating common symptoms related to fibroids such as abdominal pain and heavy bleeding. However, herbal treatments have not been proven to remove the uterine fibroids.

Herbal Medicines for Uterine Fibroid Include:

• Vitex (Vitex Agnus-Castus)
Vitex reduces estrogen levels by promoting the production of progesterone. For optimal results, Vitex should be taken for at least six months.
To make vitex tea: pour three cups of boiling water over two tablespoons of crushed vitex berries. Steep for 20 minutes, strain, and drink three cups a day.
Vitex has a spicy, peppery taste. You can also take one-half teaspoon of liquid extract or two capsules three times daily.

• Dandelion Root (Taraxacum Officinale)
Dandelion root affects the liver by improving bile flow. This leads to effective degradation of excess estrogen, which is flushed out of the body. For best results, take dandelion for at least three months.
To make Dandelion root tea: Simmer three tablespoons of dandelion root in three and one-half cups of water for 15 minutes in a covered pot. Remove from heat and let stand for an additional 15 minutes. Strain, and drink three cups a day.
Dandelion root has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor. You can also take 1 to 2 teaspoon of liquid extract or two capsules three times daily.

• Milk thistle (Silybum Marianum)
Milk thistle is a very effective herbal medicine which works on the liver by promoting the regeneration of liver cells. This helps to maintain effective liver function.
For best results, take an extract of milk thistle standardized for silymarin, which is considered to be the primary active ingredient.
Take 140 milligrams of silymarin 3 times daily for at least 3 months. If you prefer to use the whole herb, you can grind milk thistle seeds in a coffee grinder and sprinkle them on cereals, salads, or other dishes. Eat approximately two tablespoons daily.

• Nettle (Urtica Dioica)
Nettle is a superb broad-spectrum health tonic. It contains iron and other natural elements, which promotes the production of new red blood cells thus counteracting anemia caused by excessive bleeding. Nettle is safe and gentle and can be taken indefinitely.
To make nettle tea: Pour 3 cups of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of dried nettle, cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, and drink three cups daily.
Nettle tea has a rich, pleasant flavor.

• Yellow Dock (Rumex Crispus)
Yellow dock is an outstanding purifying herb. It improves liver function by stimulating bile flow and has mild laxative properties. It acts as a tonic which improves the production of blood cells thus correcting anemia caused by excessive bleeding.
To make yellow dock tea: Simmer 2 tablespoons of dried root in 3.5 cups of water for 15 minutes in a covered pot. Remove from heat and steep for an additional 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten (if desired), and drink 3 cups daily.
Yellow dock has a bitter, earthy flavor. If you prefer, you can take 0.5 teaspoon of liquid extract or 2 capsules three times a day.

• Red Raspberry
Red Raspberry is used to control disproportionate menstrual bleeding while strengthening the uterine muscles. Red Raspberry is effective for helping the body return balance to the reproductive organs. Also it offers anti-inflammatory and anti-emetic effects making Red Raspberry a powerful herb for easing menstrual symptoms related to uterine fibroids.
Red Raspberry is a rich source of nutrients, including Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Vitamins A, B, C and E. This is a very useful tonic for women suffering from severe menstrual symptoms.

• Herbal Tea (Red Clover)
Herbal teas suggested for the treatment of uterine fibroids include a tea brewed from the blooms of the red clover herb. Red clover is rich in phytoestrogens. This naturally-occurring plant analogue compounds of naturally occurring estrogens. Red Clover inhibits the growth of uterine tissue making it an effective way to treat the uterine fibroids. Drink 2 to 3 cups of red clover tea to help shrink uterine fibroids.

• Essential Oil Supplements
Herbal essential oils like evening primrose oil, rich in omega 6 fatty acids: powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, can reduce pain and inflammation of fibroids. Evening primrose essential oil is available in supplemental form at health food stores.

Herbal Treatment Alternative for Uterine Fibroids: Herbal Bath

This is an alternative topical method to treat uterine fibroids. For effective use prepare a warm sitz bath. Pour in 1 to 2 cups of herbal tea decoction brewed from Mexican wild yams into the water. Sit in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes; repeat twice a day. Herbal tea infusion brewed from horsetail can be substituted for Mexican wild yam.

Please note that herbal treatments for uterine fibroids are not clinically proven. Before starting any treatment, consult your doctor.