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The Eclectic Physician
Natural Health Care
by Beth Burch N.D.
Endometriosis-
Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue (the lining of the uterus)
outside the uterus itself. It can occur on the ovaries, fallopian tubes
and cervix, as well as on the bladder, rectum and intestines. Sometimes
it is even found outside of the pelvic area. Because it is tissue like
the uterine lining, it grows each month with the stimulation of estrogen
and progesterone, and with the menstrual period bleeds as well. This internal
bleeding can cause cysts and adhesions to develop. It usually affects women
between 25 and 40, but can occur even in the early teens with the first
periods. The hallmark of the disease is pelvic pain, especially severe
pain just before and during periods which is often unresponsive to pain
medications. There may also be pain with intercourse, pain with bowel movements
and infertility. While your health care practitioner may feel this is the
diagnosis based on your symptoms and her exam, it can only be firmly established
with a laparoscopy (a surgical tool which can visualize the pelvis through
a small incision). Conventional treatment includes hormonal treatment with
birth control pills or medications which decrease pituitary hormones, surgery
to remove the endometriosis, or hysterectomy.
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.
Massage and manipulation can be helpful, as well as alternating pelvic
sitz baths ( hot then cold 4-6 times).
Endometriosis may be connected with a conflict between a womanís innermost
needs and desires and the demands of the outside world. Working with a
counselor to identify your inner needs and how to fulfill them will be
helpful.
Herbal treatment addresses balancing hormones, improving elimination
and circulation, and the relief of 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-
Prickly ash-
Stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems
Liquid extract- 1/2 teaspoon three times a day
Dried herb in capsules- 500 mg three times a day
Other herbs-Ocotillo, Cayenne, Ginger,Witch
Hazel
Relief of pain-
Kava-
a good antispasmodic
for pain relief
Other herbs- Cramp bark, Black Haw, California Poppy, Wild Yam,
Black Cohosh, 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.
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