Herbal Therapy: A Natural Approach to Endometriosis
A diagnosis of endometriosis - the growth of endometrial tissue in the abdominal cavity outside the uterus where it ordinarily functions as the uterine lining - often means years of excruciating pain as the rogue tissue swells with a woman's monthly cycle.
Surgery to remove the tissue and hormone-suppressing drugs are the most common treatments, but neither guarantees a cure. For some women, the pain becomes so unbearable that they resort to hysterectomy.
As an alternative, Dr. Mary Hardy, head of the Integrative Medicine Unit at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, has found herbal formulas that ease endometrial pain. She answers some frequently asked questions about herbs for endometriosis below:
Q: How do mainstream and alternative therapies differ in their treatment of endometriosis?A: Traditional herbalists classify endometriosis as a disease of excess hormones or insufficient clearing of hormones. Thus they try to regularize and balance the hormonal process by using herbs meant to cleanse and normalize the cycle and promote good elimination. Conventional medical treatments suppress ovulation, circumventing the whole menstrual cycle.
Q: Which herbs may be used to treat endometriosis?A: Milk thistle and dandelion are believed to promote clearing of hormones out of the body, specifically through promoting liver function. Yarrow, too, is traditionally thought to be a good blood-moving and cleansing herb, and may help take away some of the stagnant congestion in the pelvis. Many other herbs have been used traditionally as well.
What to Know Before You Go Herbal
Q: Do these herbal therapies have side effects?A: Unfortunately, because there has been virtually no scientific study of these herbs, we really don't know. However, we can look at the historical record and anecdotal case studies for actions and reactions.
While these herbs are generally regarded as safe, seek herbal advice and care from someone well trained in this kind of medicine, and inform your doctor of your decisions.
Q: Could I try herbs before seeing my regular doctor?A: For mild endometriosis, yes. For moderate to severe cases where there's a lot of bleeding and potential for scarring, you should work with your gynecologist and alternative practitioner simultaneously for the safest and most effective treatment.
Q: How will I know if the herbs are working?A: If the herbs are working, your pain will get dramatically better, your periods will get better, and your symptoms will improve within the first few months and continue to improve for as long as you take the herbs.
Q: How do I find a qualified herbalist?A: National organizations such as the American Holistic Medical Association can give referrals to physicians and naturopaths using herbal medicine. The American Herbalist Guild is a professional organization that has a referral service.
Likewise other alternative practitioners such as those employing traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathic physicians, or Ayurvedic medicine practitioners may be experts in their own herbal traditions. Chiropractors or massage therapists may also know of a good practitioner. Ask your physician or pharmacist if they know an herbalist whose expertise they respect.
Q: Where can I find good herbal products and how much will herbs for endometriosis cost? Will insurance cover them?A: You can start with your local health food store. One good trend in this industry is that more pharmacies now carry herbal products and are becoming an important source for herbal and nutritional supplements. Your herbalist should be able to make recommendations as well. Herbal treatments for endometriosis could be as low as $30 per month, but special formulations or expensive herbs may cost more. Generally those costs are out of pocket and not covered by insurance.
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