Can Herbs Make A Difference
A great many women suffer from fibroids but fear the traditional treatments since most involve the loss of the uterus and fertility. Because of these issues, women are looking for alternative treatments that will give them relief without destroying their reproductive anatomy.
Empowering
One type of treatment you might like to explore is herbal fibroid treatment with a qualified medical herbalist. Self-treatment is possible, too, and this may be the way to go if symptoms aren’t too severe. Some herbalists suggest that such self-treatment may be “empowering.”
The self-help herbal remedies treat a wide variety of symptoms. For heavy or prolonged bleeding for instance, you can try Bilberry (vaccinnium myrtillis), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Lady’s Mantle (Alchelmilla vulgaris), Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa pastoris), Nettles (Urtica dioica), or Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Make a tea of cinnamon, nettles, and yarrow and drink this often in the 2-3 days before menstruation.
Yarrow can also help with menstrual cramps since it can improve the circulation in the pelvis. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) also help circulation. Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita), and Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) meantime, can reduce muscle spasms. For reducing inflammation, you can try ginger, Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) and White Willow (Salix alba). If you want a tea for painful cramps try a strong brew of chamomile, ginger, mint (Mentha Piperita), sweetened with some honey.
Energy Level
The anemia caused by abnormal bleeding may necessitate iron supplements, something for which herbal remedies cannot substitute. But there are herbs that can increase your energy level and give you vitality. The abovementioned herbs for heavy bleeding may help with this, but you can also try Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), or Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) for exhaustion. Cinnamon is a good for this symptom, as well.
With Caution
If you have bleeding between periods, try Chasteberry (Vitex agnus castus). For some women, the remedy increases bleeding, so use it with caution.
It’s important to note that herbs may interact with prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and it’s crucial that you check with a physician or a pharmacist before you use herbs in tandem with these. If you are pregnant or have a chronic condition, you should check with your physician before embarking on herbal treatment.
In addition to worrying about drug interactions and the general advisability of using herbal treatments where there is a preexisting condition, keep in mind that some herbal remedies may have severe side effects. They may also be ineffective when not taken in the appropriate manner. Try a treatment for a couple of weeks to one month. If you don’t feel better, this is not the right remedy for you. If you feel better, stop the treatment after 2-3 months to see if treatment is still necessary.
