Top Herbs for Endometriosis Relief [2024]
January 1, 2024
Essential Takeaways
- Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing symptoms like pelvic pain, painful periods, and infertility. It often takes several years to receive a proper diagnosis due to factors like symptom normalization and lack of awareness among healthcare providers.
- While there is no cure for endometriosis, various treatment options are available to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Some individuals have found natural relief by taking herbs for endometriosis. These herbs offer a holistic approach to healing that addresses both symptoms and root causes.
- It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate herbal treatment options, as well as to receive personalized advice and support.
Around 190 million females are living with endometriosis globally, according to the World Health Organization. This condition, which can cause serious pain and even impede fertility, doesn’t have a known cure.
Many medical teams struggle to provide appropriate diagnosis or treatment for those living with endometriosis, which can lead to a long and frustrating road as they try to manage their symptoms.
While surgery and medication are helpful in some situations, other individuals have found renewed health by taking herbs for endometriosis. This article will shed light on endometriosis symptoms and causes and will dive into some of the best herbs for endometriosis relief.
Can Herbal Remedies Relieve Endometriosis Symptoms?
Herbal remedies have long been used by women around the world to treat reproductive health issues. From polycystic ovary syndrome to severe period cramps, women have been using natural herbal remedies to find relief from a wide range of maladies, including endometriosis.
In herbal medicine, endometriosis is viewed as an imbalance of energy (Qi) and a condition of blood stagnation. Qi is made up of Yin and Yang, which reside within each other and must be kept in proper balance. The imbalances or interruptions of this flowing force, caused by inflammation, can be helped by herbal remedies.
Herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so finding herbal remedies that are reliable, safe, and effective is a common obstacle for those hoping to use Chinese herbal medicine to enhance their well-being.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an herbalist, before using herbs for endometriosis so that you can get the right mixture and dosage of herbs. They can provide personalized advice, consider any potential interactions or contraindications, and help determine the appropriate dosage or form of herbal preparations based on your individual circumstances.
Though many people struggle to find effective herbal supplements, customized herbal medicine solutions with the guidance of a qualified doctor can have life-changing benefits.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which a woman’s body grows endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. Because the tissue acts the same as uterine tissue, it thickens, bleeds, and breaks down during every period, but it doesn’t have a way to leave the body. As a result, scar tissue and cysts may form.
Having this tissue outside of the uterus can make it difficult to get pregnant and can cause severe pain, especially during periods, sex, and bowel movements.
Endometriosis impacts about 10% of females of reproductive age worldwide. Unfortunately, there is not yet a known cure for endometriosis. Usually, medical teams focus on alleviating painful symptoms and promoting fertility through endometriosis treatments like surgery and medication.
However, there are natural remedies, including dietary changes and herbal supplements, that can have a beneficial effect on endometriosis symptoms.
Causes and Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a complex condition that presents differently for different women.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Some women are not aware they’re living with endometriosis until they try to get pregnant and struggle to conceive. For others, endometriosis can cause pain so severe that they seek medical attention early on in their reproductive lives.
Symptoms of endometriosis are highly variable, but they can include the following:
- Excessive bleeding during periods
- Bleeding in between periods
- Pelvic pain during periods
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain during urination or bowel movements
- Infertility
- Fatigue
- Depression and anxiety
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Bloating and nausea
Note: the amount of tissue outside of the uterus does not directly correlate with the severity of the symptoms.
Causes of Endometriosis
There is still speculation about the cause of endometriosis. Sometimes, it’s not clear what causes this condition. In some cases, the cause of endometriosis can be linked back to the following factors:
- Genetic disposition may play a role in the likelihood of a person developing endometriosis.
- Abdominal surgeries like c-sections and hysterectomies may lead to cell transplantation that results in endometrial tissues outside of the uterus.
- Endometrial tissues may be transported outside of the uterus through the blood or the lymph system.
- Reverse or retrograde menstruation occurs when menstrual blood flows into the fallopian tubes and the abdomen instead of being released during a period. This can cause endometriosis if the cells in this blood cling to pelvic walls and organs, developing tissue over time.
- Cell transformation can change other cells in the body into endometrial cells.
- Immune system issues may hinder the immune system from recognizing and getting rid of endometrial tissue in the wrong place.
Best Herbs for Endometriosis Relief
There is promising research supporting the use of Chinese herbs for endometriosis treatment. However, using the correct herbs in the correct dosages to correlate with particular symptoms is critical for finding relief from endometriosis pain.
The best way to ensure you are taking high-quality herbal medicines that are well-matched with your condition is to work with a Chinese Medicine Doctor and receive a personalized treatment plan. Qi Health will find the root cause of your female health-related symptoms and start healing.
Or, keep reading about the best herbs to help with endometriosis:
1. Dang Gui (Angelica sinesis)
What it is: Also known as female ginseng, dang gui is frequently used in Chinese Medicine for women’s health. Known to tonify and invigorate the blood, dang gui has been shown to treat gynecological disorders like hot flashes. By promoting blood circulation and alleviating pain, dang gui may be beneficial for endometriosis-related pain and other symptoms.
How dang gui helps with endometriosis:
- Opens blood vessels to promote healthy circulation
- Relaxes uterine muscles
- Reduces pain
2. Yi Mu Cao (Leonuru heterophyllus)
What it is: Also known as Chinese Motherwort, Yi Mu Cao is thought to balance female hormones, promote blood circulation, and regulate menstruation. Often used to treat irregular menstrual cycles, postpartum pain, and heavy period flow, yi mu cao is regularly suggested for conditions involving blood stasis and menstrual irregularities.
How yi mu cao helps with endometriosis:
- Treats heavy menstrual flow
- Balances hormones
- Reduces pelvic inflammation
3. Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta Chinesis)
What it is: Tu si zi, or cuscuta seed, is believed to tonify the kidney and liver and provide overall strength in the body. It is used to help balance hormonal function and to treat conditions related to reproductive health and fertility.
How tu si zi helps with endometriosis:
- Improves fertility
- Balances hormones
- Increases kidney and liver function
4. Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum wallichii)
What it is: Chuan Xiong is known for promoting blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain. It is sometimes used to address conditions characterized by blood stagnation such as autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, and blood clots.
How chuan xiong helps with endometriosis:
- Promotes blood flow
- Reduces inflammation
- Alleviates pain
- Addresses hormone imbalance
5. Chi Shao (Paeonia rubra)
What it is: Chi shao, or red peony root, is thought to invigorate the blood. It is particularly useful for endometriosis because it may help clear abdominal masses and trauma, which may include scar tissue and cysts caused by endometriosis. It is also used to reduce swelling and inflammation.
How chi shao helps with endometriosis:
- Clears abdominal masses
- Reduces swelling
- Relieves pain
6. Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora)
What it is: Also known as white peony root, bai shao is often used to treat pain and inflammation. Believed to nourish the blood and balance female hormones, it is helpful in many cases of endometriosis. It is often used in formulas for conditions involving blood stagnation and muscle spasms, especially for menstrual disorders.
How bai shao helps with endometriosis:
- Relieves cramping and muscle spasms
- Reduces pain
- Balances female hormones
How to Use Herbs for Endometriosis
A quick internet search and an online order will seldom provide the endometriosis relief that people so desperately need.
Many people end up feeling frustrated with herbal medicine because the vast selection of brands and herbs is very difficult to sift through alone. Because herbal remedies are not FDA-regulated, many of them may not even contain the ingredients claimed on the bottle.
This lack of regulation in herbal medicine makes it particularly important to work directly with an herbal medicine practitioner and purchase through them only.
Here’s how to safely take herbs for endometriosis:
1. Work with a Herbal Medicine Practitioner
The realm of herbal medicine requires advanced training and knowledge to yield desired results. Work with an herbal medicine practitioner who will look at all your symptoms with the goal of restoring balance in the body, so that your Qi can flow.
Only through this understanding and by leveraging high-quality herbs can you hope to find relief. With Qi Health, simply book an herbal consultation to talk with a Chinese Medicine Doctor with a deep understanding of herbal remedies for endometriosis and other health issues.
During the consultation, the doctor will review your tongue diagnosis and health questionnaire, ask follow-up questions, explain your diagnosis based on your specific symptoms, and discuss what different diagnoses mean in the body.
In addition to the custom blend of herbs the doctor will prescribe, they’ll also review lifestyle and dietary recommendations, what changes you can expect to see, and exactly how the herbs will take effect on your endometriosis.
2. Access a Custom Herbal Plan
After you meet with a highly trained and experienced Chinese Medicine Doctor through Qi Health, you’ll receive your completely custom herbal plan. This custom plan is formulated to your exact needs, symptoms, and goals and also includes an in-depth note on exactly what to monitor until your next appointment.
Instead of playing a guessing game online, this process allows you to leverage the deep knowledge and expertise of certified Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors. They’ll prescribe you the exact herb blend and dosages which you can easily access through the Qi Health platform.
3. Healing & Follow Up
You’ll receive your customized herbs right at your door. Then, you can start taking the prescribed doses as directed. Keep track of the way your symptoms progress, and hop on monthly follow-up calls with your Qi Health doctor.
These calls will allow for further fine-tuning of your personalized herbal treatment so that you can progress in your healing and find long-term relief.
How to Get Herbs for Your Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common condition that can take years to diagnose. Fortunately, there are herbal solutions that can provide endometriosis symptom relief.
However, the effectiveness and safety of these supplements for endometriosis are not regulated by every store selling herbs online. It’s critical to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any herbal supplements to ensure you’re getting the right blend and dosage for your body and your pain needs.
With certified Chinese Medicine doctors and fully personalized herbal remedies, Qi Health is dedicated to facilitating the pain-free life everyone deserves. Qi Health’s team of certified Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors each have over 25 years of experience and have impacted thousands of lives.
You can finally leave the pain and frustration of endometriosis behind when you work with Qi Health to find herbal treatment for endometriosis.
External Sources on Herbs for Endometriosis
- World Health Organization: Endometriosis
- FDA
- The Royal Women’s Hospital: Treating endometriosis
- Mayo Clinic: Endometriosis Symptoms and Causes
- Johns Hopkins: Endometriosis
- Reuters: Chinese herbs show early promise for endometriosis
- National Library of Medicine: Treating Gynaecological Disorders with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
- Science Direct: Lingusticum wallichii
- Healthline: The Potential Benefits and Side Effects of the White Peony Root
- Adiantum School of Plant Medicine: Medicinal Uses of White Peony Root (Bai Shao)
