Endometriosis affects women of Child bearing age and is the condition caused when the tissues that normally grow inside the uterus start growing in other locations. This condition is extremely painful and debilitating and is accompanied by irregular bleeding, painful intercourse, fatigue, depression, mood swings etc. This can lead to the formation of scar tissue which can eventually lead to infertility.
This condition is not properly understood and its exact cause is unknown by the doctors and treated using painkillers, or prescribing contraceptives which only treat the symptoms but not the condition itself, eventually leading to various side effects and complications. Drugs that are prescribed are addictive and surgery is not always successful. If diagnosed properly and early there are various alternative therapies that can be used to treat Endometriosis.
Best Natural Cures For Endometriosis
Castor Oil Packs
The transdermal castor oil packs can be used to reduce the severity of the symptoms during the menstrual cycle. Take some pure, cold pressed castor oil. Dip a washcloth in it and let the oil soak on the cloth.
Now place this washcloth directly on the skin of the lower abdomen. Place a plastic bag or a small sheet of plastic to cover the cloth. On top of the plastic place a hot water bag. The water in the bag should be made hot upto the maximum tolerance level of the patient. Leave this for thirty minutes. This procedure is repeated throughout the cycle and will provide great relief.
A person suffering from endometriosis must only eat organic meat and avoid factory farmed meat. Iron Rich foods must be included in the diet. Refined sugar, refined flour and white rice must be avoided as they can increase the inflammation. Honey is anti inflammatory and can be used as a sweetener instead of sugar.
Eat only brown rice and whole wheat flour. Drink only non homogenized milk. Avoid soy as they contain compounds that mimic estrogen and can lead to further hormonal imbalance and worsen the condition of endometriosis. Consumption of processed and additive laden foods must be reduced as all the chemicals used in them can cause inflammation.
Vitamin B is essential for the proper functioning of the liver and hence is very essential for a person suffering from endometriosis as the liver is the organ that is helpful in discharging the excess estrogen. Selenium is very useful to treat endometriosis and can be found in cod, nuts, tuna and meats. Vitamin E is responsible to maintain a healthy uterine lining and along with selenium repair damage to the membrane and prevent oxidation.
Chlorophyll supplements reduce the dioxins in the body which have been proven to cause endometriosis. Folic acid is responsible for the production of haeme which is responsible for the proper functioning of the red blood cells. Also Folic acid helps in the proper functioning of the liver, chelation of lead and proper absorption of zinc in the body.
Herbal remedies work in curing the condition of endometriosis because the specific herbs used help in reducing the high levels of estrogen which is the reason for the excessive pain during endometriosis. The herbs that are used to treat endometriosis are Cranberry, Blue Cohosh, Plantain, Black Cohosh, St. John’s Wort, Valerian, Peppermint, False Unicorn, Dong Quai, Evening Primrose Oil, Uva Ursi, Chasteberry/ Vitex, Red Raspberry, Couchgrass, White Willow and Yam.
Licorice is known to improve liver function and Dandelion is beneficial to both the kidney and the liver. Milk Thistle and Radishes are well known for its benefits on improving liver function. In states that the use of medical marijuana is legal Cannabis is used not only to help with the pain but also to reduce the inflammation.
Acupuncture is used to bring relief to the body by restoring the balance and flow of energy in the body. This is achieved by inserting thin needles at various points in the skin. Acupuncture also releases endorphins which are the body’s natural pain killers. Exercise helps to reduce stress and depression. It also releases endorphins which help in reducing pain. Naturopathy involves a combination of various techniques like hydrotherapy, herbs, colour therapy, fasting, breathing exercises, massage etc to cure the condition of endometriosis.
Essential oils extracted from various plants have many medicinal properties and are used in Aromatherapy. Oils that are used for the effective treatment of endometriosis are bergamot, geranium, fennel, sage and cypress. Osteopathy can be used to relieve the pain by manipulation of bones, muscles and ligaments. Chiropractic treatments can also be used especially to treat the lower back pain that is seen in a person suffering from endometriosis.
Photo Credit: http://listverse.com/2012/10/27/top-10-painful-illnesses/