Endometriosis - Herbal Support

In the U.S., the use of commonly found botanical medicines to treat EM has grown in popularity because it is more widely available in local health food stores. Although many can seek out traditional Chinese medicine, the growing number of women seeking local herbs is prevalent; largely due to self-education and obtaining a naturopath or herbalist. According to Pizzorno & Murray (2013), the herbs appropriate for acute pain relief in endometriosis are the same herbs commonly used for menstrual cramps such as valerian, crampbark, and black cohosh, in addition to other traditional herbs that might be helpful such as wild yam, chamomile, blue cohosh, ginger, passion flower and false unicorn root.

The following table, adapted from Pizzorno, J., & Murray, M. (2013). Textbook of natural medicine (J. Pizzorno & M. Murray, Eds., 4th Ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone, are suggested botanical medicine protocols. Again, as with any form of herbalism, first seeking advice from a licensed professional is of utmost importance.

Suggested herbs include:

Chaste Tree (vitex agnus castus): Used as treatment for hormonal imbalance. Increases progesterone. Useful for fibroids, premenstrual syndrome and perimenopause. With its use less estrogen is available to stimulate endometrial tissue.

Dandelion root (taraxacum officinale): One of the most detoxifying herbs. By supporting the liver, excessive estrogens and toxins can be deactivated.

Prickly ash (xanthoxylum americanum): Known for specific effects on capillary engorgement and sluggish circulation. For women with pelvic congestion, this herb enhances circulation throughout the pelvis.

Motherwort (leonorus cardiac): Antispasmodic properties; gently soothes nerves. Useful during the times of extreme pain in the uterus and other regions.

Turska’s Formula: A well-known, old-time treatment for decreasing aberrant cancer cell growth. Useful in endometriosis owing to the similarities in cell growth found in the pelvis. Contains monkshood, yellow jasmine, bryony and poke root.