Turmeric and flax seed are natural treatments for endometriosis

This is a gynecological condition which is affecting approximately 10% of girls and women all around the world [1]. This condition happens when the endometrium, which is the tissue that makes up the surface of the uterus, grows outside the uterine cavity. It can grow on the tissues lining the pelvis, bowel, and ovaries.

This misplaced endometrial tissue follows the normal menstrual cycle (it grows, thickens, and breaks down) due to the hormonal changes that are happening in a woman’s body. It has no way to exit her body, and it becomes trapped, and it is causing irritation and the formation of scars and adhesions. This causes severe pain during periods and possible fertility. Both factors can have a massive impact on the life of a woman.

Women of all ages are having the risk of developing endometriosis. In most cases, it affects women from 25–40. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. A key role in endometriosis can play backflow of menstrual fluid and retrograde menstruation.

Also, there are other factors that could lead to endometriosis, such as the reproductive system, the immune system, environmental toxins like dioxins that affect the body, a weak immune system, and genetics.

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are nausea, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, swollen abdomen, infertility, fatigue, heavy or irregular bleeding during menstrual periods, painful bowel movements, pain during sexual intercourse, sharp pain during ovulation and pelvic pain and cramping during menstruation.

The symptoms of endometriosis can vary from woman to woman. In most cases, women who suffer from endometriosis have no symptoms. This condition tends to get better when menopause begins. You can try some of the below-mentioned home remedies to control the severity of endometriosis and alleviate the main symptoms of pain and infertility. You need to talk with your doctor before you start using some of the below-mentioned home remedies for endometriosis if they are suitable for you and for the proper dosage.

10 Home remedies for endometriosis

Wild asparagus

Wild asparagus in Ayurveda was known as Shatavari. It is rich in folic acid, and it can help to treat anemia as well as endometriosis that is caused by a deficiency of folic acid. Also, it has Vitamin E, which can help to alleviate pain, particularly cramps. You should mix one teaspoon of wild asparagus powder in one glass of warm milk. You should drink this home remedy 2 times per day until you feel better. [2]

Dandelion

There are many herbalists which are recommending dandelion as a natural treatment for alleviating the symptoms of endometriosis. It can strengthen kidneys and liver, and also it can help to regulate hormone levels. You should put one teaspoon of dried dandelion root in one cup. You should pour hot water into the cup, cover it and let it steep for ten minutes. Strain it and add honey for taste. You should drink this tea 2 or 3 times per day until you get better. [3]

Turmeric

Turmeric has curcumin which has anti-inflammatory benefits and can be used as a natural treatment for endometriosis. It has been shown that it has anti–endometriotic properties [4]. You should bring 2 cups of water to boil, and you should add one teaspoon each of ginger powder and turmeric powder and one tablespoon each of lemon juice and honey. Drink this home remedy once per day until you rid of the problem. Also, you can take turmeric capsules (300 mg) 3 times per day.

You should avoid turmeric remedies if you are taking blood-thinning medications.

Flaxseed

This is a very effective home remedy for endometriosis. It has Omega – 3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which can help to slow the growth of abnormal endometrial tissue. Flaxseed can help the body to eliminate harmful toxins. You should soak 3 – 4 tablespoons of flaxseeds in one cup of water overnight. You should strain it and drink the flaxseed water the next morning. You should follow this home remedy until your symptoms subside. Also, you can add ground flaxseeds to salads, soups, smoothies, and yogurt. [5]

Pelvic massage

You should massage your pelvic area and abdomen with essential oils like sandalwood or lavender because it can help a lot to relax and soothe minor pain that is associated with endometriosis.

You should lie on the bed and stretch out your body. You should rub some essential oil on your stomach. You should gently massage in a rotating pattern for 5 – 10 minutes. You should do this natural treatment once per day. You should not do this massage during your menstrual cycle.

You should try to maintain a healthy weight, and you should avoid fatty foods. You should not drink homogenized milk. You should try to drink filtered water or spring water. Also, you should avoid alcohol and not smoke. You need to take all the necessary steps to reduce stress.

Sitz bath

Many naturopathy practitioners are recommending a contrast hot and cold sitz bath because it can help to reduce the symptoms of endometriosis. The hot bath will help to relax the pelvic muscles, which in turn can reduce pain and cramping. A cold bath can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. You should fill 2 large bathtubs, one with cold water and another with hot water. You should add ten drops of lavender essential oil or rosemary essential oil to each bath and stir well. You should sit in the tub with hot water up to your waist for 3–5 minutes. Then, you should sit in the tub of cold water up to your waist for one minute. You should repeat this natural treatment for 2 – 5 rounds. You should do this natural treatment 3–5 times a week. You should avoid this natural treatment during menstruation.

Castor oil

This is one of the most effective home remedies for endometriosis. It can help your body to rid of excess toxins and tissues. This home remedy should be used at the beginning of the menstrual cycle when the cramping is first noticed. It can help to reduce the severity of symptoms throughout the cycle.

You should mix ¼ cup of castor oil with 8 drops of lavender essential oil. You should soak a washcloth in this home remedy, fold it, and heat it in the microwave until it is comfortably warm. You should place a warm cloth directly on your lower stomach. You should put a piece of plastic on top of the cloth, and you should place a hot water bottle on top of that. You should use this pack once per day for thirty to sixty minutes. You should rinse it off with lukewarm water after each application. You should not use this home remedy during the menstrual flow.

Chamomile

This home remedy has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the inflammation as well as swelling that is often associated with endometriosis. Also, it acts as a natural diuretic which can help to flush out the bladder.

You need to steep two teaspoons of dried chamomile in one cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Strain it, add a little honey, and drink this tea. You should drink 2–3 cups of chamomile tea on a daily basis until you feel better. Also, you can take chamomile in the form of capsules or tinctures but always talk with your doctor before you start taking them. [6]

Ginger

This home remedy has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve menstrual cramps and reduce inflammation [7]. Also, it can relieve nausea that is happening with endometriosis. It plays a big role in cleaning the liver of excess toxins. You should boil one tablespoon of grated ginger root in 2 cups of water for ten minutes. You should strain it, add honey and drink 2 – 3 cups of this herbal tea on daily basis. Also, you can chew fresh ginger pieces several times per day to recover quickly.

Motherwort

This is also a very effective home remedy for endometriosis. There are several components in the motherwort that can help to enhance the blood volume in the reproductive system, which is very important for proper functioning. This, in turn, can help to combat menstrual problems like poor flow or blood clots.

You should steep one teaspoon of the dried motherwort in one cup of hot water for about fifteen minutes. You should drink this herbal tea at least two times per day until your condition improves. Also, you can take motherwort in capsule or tincture form but talk with an herbalist before you start taking them. if you are using any kind of sedating medication, then you should avoid this herb. [8]

References

[1] Giudice LC. Clinical practice. Endometriosis. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;362(25):2389-98.

[2] Kumar S, Mehla RK, Kumar Dang A. Use of shatavari (asparagus racemosus) as a galactopoietic and therapeutic herb – a review. Agricultural Reviews. 2008;29(2):132-138.

[3] Wang T, Xue B, Shao H, et al. Effect of dandelion extracts on the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells and expression of hormone receptors. Chinese Medical Journal. 2018;131(14):1694-1701.

[4] Arablou T, Kolahdouz-Mohammadi R. Curcumin and endometriosis: Review on potential roles and molecular mechanisms. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2018;97:91-97.

[5] Chang VC, Cotterchio M, Boucher BA, et al. Effect of dietary flaxseed intake on circulating sex hormone levels among postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled intervention trial. Nutrition and Cancer. 2019;71(3):385-398.

[6] Ali B, Al-Wabel NA, Shams S, et al. Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2015;5(8):601-611.

[7] Chen CX, Barrett B, Kwekkeboom KL. Efficacy of oral ginger (Zingiber officinale) for dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;2016:6295737.

[8] Lans C, Taylor-Swanson L, Westfall R. Herbal fertility treatments used in North America from colonial times to 1900, and their potential for improving the success rate of assisted reproductive technology. Reproductive Biomedicine & Society Online. 2018;5:60-81.