Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
Having a hysterectomy is major surgery, sometimes requiring a month or more of recovery time. In addition, a complete hysterectomy induces premature menopause with symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain, and mood swings. In many cases, natural therapies can be explored as an alternative in order to help the uterine area normalize naturally.
This article is going to discuss the top ways to improve uterine health for women with fibroids. It explores gentle diet approaches and whole herbs, which you can discuss with your holistic physician or natural health practitioner.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are growths between the size of a walnut and orange that appear on, or within the uterine walls. Most fibroids are not cancerous, and, according to some estimates, have less than 1/2 of 1% chance of becoming cancerous before menopause. In fact, most fibroids go away after menopause.
Further, uterine health can be supported by making simple diet changes including specific whole herb formulas.
Natural Uterine Support for Women With Fibroids
- Follow a low fat, vegetarian diet. Italian research reported in Obstetrics and Gynecology shows while eating red meat doubles the risk of developing uterine fibroids, eating plenty of vegetables cuts fibroid risk in half. Eating a plant-based diet can relieve symptoms by reducing inflammation and enhancing metabolism.
- Reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine can aggravate fibroids by increasing estrogen production. (Estrogen receptors are higher in fibroid tissue.) Research reported in the journal Fertility and Sterility shows women who consume 500 milligrams of caffeine daily, the equivalent of 4-5 cups of coffee, produce 70% more estrogen in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle than women who consume less than 1 cup of coffee. Some women report they can drink green or white tea without ill effect.
- A short cleanse can really help. A 24-hour vegetable juice diet helps clean out acid waste and reduces body congestion. There are many good cleanses to try. I like the 24 hour cleanse in Linda Page’s bestselling book, Healthy Healing 14th Edition: A Guide to Self-Healing For Everyone.
- Eat cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts 3-4 times a week. Indole 3 carbinol in these vegetables improves estrogen metabolism and the body’s ability to eliminate excess estrogen.
- More fiber in your diet is a natural estrogen balancer. Studies have shown that women on a high-fiber diet have lower levels of circulating estrogen. Having an apple or pear every day keeps your system free flowing.
Whole Herb Formulas for Uterine Support
Fibro Defense caps can help your body rebalance, naturally.
Fibro Defense caps use herbs such as:
- Pau d’Arco (Tabebuia heptaphylla): a powerful antibacterial herb to help promote healthy uterine tissue.
- Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa): helps relax the uterus and support a healthy menstrual cycle. Early Chinese research demonstrates a reduction in the size of fibroids with black cohosh use.
- Dandelion (Taraxacum off.): supports healthy liver detoxification and hormone metabolism. Dandelion has a mild diuretic action to reduce bloating and abdominal congestion.
Fibro Defense can be taken for up to 4 months. Rest one month before resuming the formula if desired.
Closing Thoughts
Natural therapies can help bring your body back to balance if you’re dealing with uterine fibroids. Medical approaches may be necessary for some women, but even in these cases, gentle natural therapies can guide a woman’s body to faster recovery.
- Chiaffarino F, Parazzini F, La Vecchia C, Chatenoud L, Di Cintio E, Marsico S. Diet and uterine myomas. Obstet Gynecol. 1999;94(3):395-398.
- Tempest, Megan, RD, Uterine Fibroids and Nutrition — Studies Suggest Healthful Dietary Modifications May Cut Risk and Ease Symptoms, Today’s Dietitian, Vol. 14 No. 5 P. 40
- Katz, V., Comprehensive Gynecology, Fifth Edition, Mosby Elsevier, 2007.
- Xi S, Liske E, Wang S, et al. Effect of isopropanolic Cimicifuga racemosa extract on uterine fibroids in comparison with tibolone among patients of a recent randomized, double blind, parallel-controlled study in Chinese women with menopausal symptoms.
Sarah has worked in the field of natural foods and herbalism for over 20 years. She’s a published author, Certified Herbalist, and health and wellness consultant. Sarah Graduated from the Professional Herbal Studies from the East West School of Herbology, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Working with women on their journey to wellness is her passion and she loves to share what she has been blessed to learn from naturopaths and other herbalists over the years.
