Fibroids are also known as uterine leiomyomas. They are very common non-cancerous muscular tumors of the uterus.
It is a known fact that about 80% of women develop it until the age of 50. The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not known.
There are some factors that can play an important role in the development of fibroids, such as abnormalities in the blood vessel or vascular system, genetics, hormones, and other growth factors. It is a known fact that uterine fibroids are more common in obese and African American women [1].
Also, women who had their first menstrual cycle before age 10 or who have never given birth to a child have an increased risk of developing uterine fibroids. Most women who have uterine fibroids do not have symptoms. There are some women who can experience symptoms, such as lower back pain, rectal pressure, bladder problems, pelvic pressure, pain, prolonged menstrual periods, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
In most cases, uterine fibroids are not dangerous. They can cause immense discomfort, and also, they can lead to complications, such as anemia from heavy blood loss. In some rare cases, uterine fibroids can cause complications, which affect the pregnancy [2,3].
In those cases where there are no symptoms, the treatment of it may not be necessary. If the symptoms are severe or they are causing complications, then it should be done proper diagnosis and treatment. Along with conventional treatments, you can try some of the below-mentioned home remedies. Most herbal remedies, including milk thistle and chaste berry, are not recommended during nursing, and pregnancy, so always talk with your doctor before you start taking them.
You need to talk with your doctor about the best natural treatment for your uterine fibroids. We do not guarantee that they will help you for sure. You should exercise regularly and drink a lot of water throughout the day to flush out toxins. Exercising will help to regulate ovulation.
11 Home remedies for uterine fibroids
Contents
Milk
There was one study in 2009 in, which was found that black women who consumed 4, or more dairy servings per day, had a 30% reduced incidence of uterine fibroids compared to women who consumed less than one serving a day. [4]
The exact mechanism for this is not known, but there are some researchers believe that the calcium in dairy products can help to reduce cell proliferation. This is a reason why you need to include more dairy products and milk in your daily diet.
Also, you can combine milk with blackstrap molasses, which is rich in iron, and other nutrients, and this combination can help to combat the anemia that results from heavy bleeding caused by fibroids. It is not proven scientifically, but blackstrap molasses can help to shrink fibroids.
You should mix 1 or 2 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses in ¾ cup of warm milk. You should drink this home remedy once or twice a day on a regular basis, or at least for several months.
Green tea
There are some studies which are said that green tea has a compound called EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) that can inhibit the growth of fibroid cells, eventually increasing their death rate [5].
This compound has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative effects.
There are some studies in which it is said that this home remedy can reduce the size of fibroids but also it can reduce the severity of fibroid symptoms. You should drink 2 or 3 cups of green tea, or you can take 2 x 400 mg green tea capsules on a daily basis for a period of several months.
Avoid alcohol
When you are consuming too much alcohol, then it can lead to increased inflammation throughout your body.
Also, this can encourage hormonal imbalance, promote weight gain, and reduce immune function. When you are reducing or eliminating alcohol, then it can help to get your hormones back on track, and this can also help to shrink existing uterine fibroids. [6]
Dandelion
There are many herbalists who believe that poor liver function can lead to poor elimination of excess hormones that contribute to uterine fibroids. This home remedy aids in liver detoxification and clearing the excess estrogen from the body.
Boil 3 tablespoons of dandelion root in 3½ cups of water. You should let it simmer for fifteen minutes. Turn off the heat, and then allow it to steep for another fifteen minutes before you strain it. You should drink this home remedy three times per day for at least 3 months.
Milk thistle
This home remedy can help metabolize and get rid of the excess estrogen. We know that estrogen is a reproductive hormone which is stimulating cells to release growth factors, which in turn can contribute to fibroid growth. You should take ten to twenty-five drops of a tincture of milk thistle up to 3 times per day for a period of 3-4 months.
Chasteberry
This home remedy is also known as Vitex agnus-castus. It is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean areas. It is a very effective home remedy for reducing inflammation, lower estrogen levels, and maintaining hormonal balance.
You should take 25-30 drops of chaste berry tincture 2-4 times per day. This home remedy can help to regulate menstruation and bleeding between periods, but also, it can reduce the effectiveness of the birth control pills.
Castor oil pack
When you apply a castor oil pack to your abdomen, then it can help to stimulate the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and it can increase lymphocytes (which are disease-fighting cells) to eliminate disease-causing toxins from your body.
There are many holistic practitioners who believe that a buildup of these toxins has an important role in fibroid development. Castor oil has ricinoleic acid that has anti-inflammatory properties.
You should saturate a piece of wool flannel in castor oil. You should place it on your abdomen and cover it with plastic wrap. You should place a heating pad or hot water bottle on it and cover this with an old towel. You should let it stay there for one hour and then remove it. You should repeat this natural treatment 3 or 4 times per week for at least one month or until you notice improvements in your condition. This home remedy can help to shrink fibroids, and it can aid in pain relief.
If you are trying to conceive, or if you are pregnant, then you should not use this home remedy. [7]
Apple cider vinegar
This home remedy is very effective in reducing the symptoms of uterine fibroids because it can help to remove toxins from the body and it can promote fat loss. It is not scientifically proven, but it is believed that it can help to shrink uterine fibroids.
You should add one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar to one glass of water. Also, you can add some natural sweeteners or one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses for taste. You should drink this home remedy daily on a regular basis.
You should gradually increase the dosage of apple cider vinegar from one teaspoon to 1 or 2 tablespoons per glass.
Burdock root tea
The burdock root can improve the ability of the liver to metabolize estrogen, which can help to reduce uterine fibroids. Also, it is rich in lignan arctigenin, which can help to reduce the size of fibroids, and it can inhibit new tumor growth.
In one cup of hot water, you need to add one teaspoon of dried burdock root. You should let it steep for ten to fifteen minutes and then strain it. You should drink this home remedy 3 times per day. Also, you can take ten to twenty-five drops of burdock root tincture three times per day. You should continue either of these home remedies on a daily basis for a period of 3 to 4 months. [8]
Indian Gooseberry
Amla is one of the best Ayurvedic remedies to reduce uterine fibroids and their symptoms because it is an immunomodulator and antioxidant.
You should mix together one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of Indian gooseberry powder. You should consume this home remedy on a daily basis, and this should be the first thing that you need to consume in the morning. You should continue using this home remedy for at least a few months to get positive results.
Garlic
This home remedy has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can discourage the growth of tumors and uterine fibroids. You should eat 3 to 5 garlic cloves on a daily basis.
If you think that the garlic taste and odor are too strong for you, then you should follow it with a glass of milk. Milk can help to reduce the incidence of fibroids. [9]
References:
[1] Dina Y, Okoye GA, Aguh C. Association of uterine leiomyomas with central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. JAMA Dermatology. 2018;154(2):213-214.
[2] Saleh HS, Mowafy HE, Abd El Hameid AA, et al. Does uterine fibroid adversely affect obstetric outcome of pregnancy? BioMed Research International. 2018.
[3] Abam DS, Kasso T. Uterine fibroids and pregnancy: A review of the challenges. IntechOpen: Obstetrics. 2017.
[4] Boston University Medical Center. Increased dairy intake reduces risk of uterine fibroids in black women, study suggests. ScienceDaily. 2009. Retrieved from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091204092459.htm
[5] Zhang D, Al-Hendy M, Richard-Davis G, et al. Green tea extract inhibits proliferation of uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro and in nude mice. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2010;202(3):289.e1-9.
[6] Chiaffarino F, Cipriani S, Ricci E, et al. Alcohol consumption and risk of uterine myoma: A systematic review and meta analysis. PLoS One. 2017;12(11):e0188355.
[7] Grady H. Immunomodulation through castor oil packs. Journal of Naturopathic Medicine. 7(1):84-89.
[8] Bufford E. Fibromyalgia: An exploration of herbs for treatment. Regis University (Thesis Study). 2008.
[9] Islam MS, Akhtar MM, Ciavattini A, et al. Use of dietary phytochemicals to target inflammation, fibrosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis in uterine tissues: Promising options for prevention and treatment of uterine fibroids? Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2014;58(8):1667-84.
