|
|
The Eclectic Physician
Natural Health Care
by Beth Burch N.D.
Fibroids-
Fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus. They can be found on the uterus,
in its muscular wall or within the uterine cavity. 20-50% of women can
have fibroids, often very small, although they can grow as large as a grapefruit.
There may be multiple fibroids of different sizes. Most women donít have
any symptoms from fibroids, but if they get large they can cause pressure
on the bladder or rectum or if located in the uterine cavity may cause
severe bleeding and pain. A pelvic exam and ultrasound can diagnosis fibroids
and be used to monitor them over time. They usually shrink with menopause
indicating their growth is influenced by hormones. If they are not causing
symptoms they can just be observed over time. Conventional treatment includes
surgery, either hysterectomy or just the removal of the fibroid, progesterone
treatment, or medication to decrease pituitary hormones.
Again, we find hormonal imbalance, poor circulation and poor elimination
to be related to the development of fibroids. I have treated a number of
women with fibroids- all had relief of symptoms with several months of
treatment, but none continued treatment for an extended time to see if
the fibroids would shrink in size.
Natural treatment includes a whole foods diet with the elimination of
estrogen containing meat and dairy products, plenty of phytoestrogen foods
including soy, flax, and other beans and grains, vitamin and mineral supplementation
including plenty of Vitamin
C, betacarotene, vitamin
E, B vitamins and magnesium.
Pelvic circulation and energy can be increased with kegal exercises
and alternating sitz baths. Acupuncture and massage can also increase circulation
and energy. Emotional work should focus on expressing creativity.
Herbal treatment for fibroids involves balancing hormones, increasing
circulation and elimination, reducing bleeding and managing pain.
To correct hormonal imbalance-
Vitex- helps to normalize
hormonal production and ovulation through its effects on the pituitary
gland
Dosage- Liquid extract- 1/2 teaspoon each morning
Dry herb in capsules- 500 mg each morning
Standardized extract-225 milligrams of an extract standardized for
0.5 percent agnusides
To improve elimination-
Dandelion-a very good
nutritive herb with high levels of vitamins and minerals. Dandelion
improves liver function, helping to metabolize hormones.
Dosage-Liquid extract- 1 teaspoon three times a day
Dry herb in capsules- 1000 mg three times a day
Other herbs- Milk Thistle,
Burdock, Artichoke, Yellow Dock, Goldenseal
To improve circulation and decrease bleeding-
Witch hazel- a good astringent herb to help with excessive uterine
bleeding
Liquid extract- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon three times a day
Dry herb in capsules-250-500 mg three times a day
Caution- only use witch hazel intended for internal use, witch hazel
preparations intended for topical application should not be taken internally
Other herbs- Geranium, Goldenseal
Relief of pain-
Wild Yam-a good antispasmodic
Liquid extract- 1/2-1 teaspoon every 2-3 hours as needed for pain
Dry herb in capsules- 500- 1000 mg every 2-3 hours as needed for pain
Other herbs- Cramp Bark, Black Haw, California Poppy, kava
kava, Jamaican Dogwood
* The information presented in this web site is intended to inform and educate.
It is not intended replace a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
|
|
