Endometriosis is a complex fertility issue believed to affect an estimated 10% of women worldwide, roughly 176 million women. This estimate is of women diagnosed with endometriosis and sadly endometriosis is a fertility health issue that is often very challenging to get a diagnosis for. So, these numbers could be higher. This video was shared live on Periscope! Download the Periscope App to get notifications of our live broadcasts!

In endometriosis, abnormal growth of endometrial tissue occurs outside of the uterine cavity, leading to reproductive blockages, fertility problems, pain or excess bleeding. In addition to having a hormonal component, endometriosis is related to excess inflammation and an immune system out of balance.

Having Encouraging a healthy inflammatory response for pain management with herbs and nutritional supplements can make a huge difference for women with endometriosis. This can be encouraged with herbs and therapies known to support hormonal balance and help the body rid itself of excess, abnormal tissue.

So, today I want to share Herbs & Supplements for Endometriosis

• Dong Quai – Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is a powerful analgesic that slightly increases circulation to the reproductive organs and stimulates a healthy immune response. It can help reduce depression, fatigue and psycho-emotional symptoms associated with endometriosis.
• Cinnamon – Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) is used traditionally to curb heavy menstrual bleeding, which is commonly experienced by women with endometriosis. Cinnamon is warming to a cold uterus, supporting healthy circulation to relieve congestion and help the body prevent endometrial tissue from growing outside the uterus.
• Yarrow – Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is revered for its ability to normalize opposing conditions – it is cooling and warming, promotes circulation, yet is extremely astringent, promotes detoxification while it strengthens and tightens tissues. Yarrow has the ability to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and eliminate pelvic congestion by supporting healthy circulation.
• Red Raspberry leaf – Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus, spp) leaf works to tone the uterine muscles and normalize blood flow during menstruation. It is astringent and may help prevent hemorrhage due to excessive bleeding and bleeding of displaced endometrial tissue.
• Antioxidants – Endometriosis may be in part attributed to free radical stress within the body. Free radicals age the cells, including the cells of the reproductive system, in turn decreasing fertility. Antioxidants may help stop the inflammatory cascade that ignites endometriosis, restore fertility health and help to neutralize free radicals in the body.
• Systemic Enzymes – Enzymes are necessary for every bodily process. They build new proteins, cells, tissues and organs, and also break down these same tissues. The human body wards off disease, repairs injuries and maintains homeostasis because of the concentration and strength of enzymes it has within it.
• Melatonin – Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body for healthy sleep, has been found to not only improve quality of sleep but also reduces pain levels for women with endometriosis.

Don’t forget about these powerhouses either:

• Maca – Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a nourishing and balancing fertility superfood for the endocrine system. It is nutrient dense, supports hormonal balance, healthy energy levels and libido levels.
• Pycnogenol – The French maritime pine tree (Pinus pinaster) gives us the powerful antioxidant plant extract Pycnogenol. Several studies have now shown the ability of Pycnogenol to greatly reduce pain for women with endometriosis and supports healthy blood and lymph vessel function as well.
• Bee Propolis – Propolis is a bee product collected by the worker bees from the leaves and bark of trees, that along with beeswax is one of the main ingredients used to construct beehives. Bee Propolis has strong anti-inflammatory effects.

If you have endometriosis…

If you have endometriosis, it’s important to learn the ways to naturally support endometrial lining health and the body’s natural ability to metabolize excess estrogen, maintain a natural inflammatory response, provide the body relief from occasional reproductive system discomfort and encourage normal circulation, helping to bring fresh blood and oxygen to the reproductive organs, particularly the uterus.

For many more details on what I have covered here and to naturally support uterine health when dealing with endometriosis, please visit Natural-Fertility-Info.com and search “endometriosis”! Do also check out our Fertility Herb Guide: Endometriosis.

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women’s fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com