Though many women can develop uterine fibroids without presenting any symptoms, in others uterine fibroids present in a similar fashion as endometriosis. In fact, without a proper diagnosis, the differences between severe uterine fibrosis, endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can present similar symptoms. Let’s look at the causes of uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are growths in the connective tissues of the uterine walls. Though the exact cause hasn’t been identified, they are usually related to one of three causes; genetic changes in uterine tissue, high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone, and hypothyroidism. The symptoms that typically present with uterine fibroids include:
- Increased or heavy menstrual bleeding;
- Extended length of menstruation, lasting more than a week;
- Pressure or pain in the pelvic area;
- Need to urinate more often;
- Emptying the bladder is difficult;
- Constipation;
- Chronic pain the legs or back.
We’ve created a list of 15 home remedies to help with uterine fibroids. These remedies are not all inclusive, however, when symptoms become more severe, you should consult a health care professional.
15 Home Remedies to Help with Uterine Fibroids
Black Strap Molasses and Milk
Gaining control over uterine fibroids can include the use of black strap molasses in milk.
What to do:
- Mix 1 or 2 Tbsp of blackstrap molasses in 3/4 cup of warm milk.
- Drink twice daily for 2 to 3 months until symptoms are no longer present.
How it works:
Black strap molasses is rich in iron and other nutrients, when mixed with the calcium in milk, the combination helps to shrink uterine fibroids.
Green Tea
Green tea is another promising treatment to combat the growth of uterine fibroids.
What to do:
- Prepare green tea according to packaging directions.
- You can include lemon and honey if you desire.
- Drink 2 to 3 cups daily.
DO NOT use green tea extract as it tends to worsen symptoms.
How it works:
In addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties the main ingredient in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), also inhibits growth of fibroid cells, and eventually eliminates their production entirely.
Castor Oil Packs
Control the growth of uterine fibroids with castor oil packs.
What to do:
- Put enough castor mil on a piece of wool flannel to saturate it.
- Apply the flannel to your lower abdomen and cover it with plastic wrap.
- Over the plastic wrap, place a heating pad or water bottle.
- Leave the flannel and heat in place for an hour.
- Repeat 3 to 4 times weekly until you see improvement.
Note: Do not use this treatment if you are attempting to conceive.
How it works:
Castor oil stimulates the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which helps your body create more lymphocytes (disease-fighting cells) and gets rid of the toxins that many believe are related to fibroid development.
Apple Cider Vinegar
You can also shrink uterine fibroids with apple cider vinegar.
What to do:
- You can add 1 Tbsp of raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar to a warm glass of water.
- First thing in the morning and 30 minutes before each meal drink the mixture until symptoms improve.
How it works:
Apple cider vinegar helps to keep insulin production in balance. Balanced insulin levels help to balance hormone levels.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids can also help in the regulation of uterine fibroids.
What to do:
- Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids should be added to your regular diet.
- 300 mg daily of krill oil supplement can also help boost your omega 3’s.
How it works:
Omega 3 fatty acids help to reduce androgens in your blood, which also helps balance insulin production.
Aloe Vera
Soothing aloe vera can be a major contributor to the reduction of uterine fibroids as well.
What to do:
- Mix ¼ cup of aloe vera juice in 1 cup of beet juice.
- Add a half tsp lemon juice and 1 Tbsp of un-sulphured, black strap molasses.
- Add enough water to fill a glass.
How it works:
Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-biotic effects helps to flush out the toxins which contribute to uterine fibroid growth.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is another means of gaining ground on uterine fibroids.
What to do:
- Take 1 Tbsp of olive oil with a squirt of lemon juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.
- Repeat this practice daily.
How it works:
Olive oil is known for blocking estrogen production, which helps balance out some of the underlying causes of uterine fibroid development.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry can also help to shrink uterine fibroids.
What to do:
- Mix 25 to 30 drops of chasteberry in a glass of water.
- Drink this mixture 3 to 4 times daily.
Note: Chasteberry can decrease the efficacy of birth control pills.
How it works:
Chasteberry helps to maintain hormone balance, lower estrogen levels and reduce inflammation.
Ginger
Uterine fibroids can also be eliminated through drinking ginger tea or adding ginger to your diet.
What to do:
- To prepare tea, place 2 Tbsp of sliced ginger root in a cup of boiling water.
- Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add honey and lemon to taste.
- Drink 2 to 3 times a day.
How it works:
Ginger is effective at reducing pain and inflammation, but can also create an unfriendly environment for fibroid growth.
Turmeric
You can help relieve uterine fibroids with the use of ginger’s cousin turmeric.
What to do:
- You can prepare whole root tea in the same manner as above.
- If you can’t get the whole root, add 2 tsp of turmeric powder to warm milk.
- Drink either mixture 2 to 3 times per day.
How it works:
Not only is turmeric a powerful pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, but it can also help to limit fibroid growth.
Essential Oil Mix
A blend of several essential oils can also reduce the effects and severity of uterine fibroids.
What to do:
- Mix 3 drops of lavender oil with 3 drops of rosemary oil and 2 drops of frankincense oil in 1 Tbsp of coconut oil as a carrier.
- Massage the mixture into the abdominal area a couple of times a day.
- You can place a drop or two of frankincense on your finger and rub it on the roof of you mouth as well.
- Lavender in a warm bath is also helpful.
How it works:
These essential oils perform a variety of functions to help reduce uterine fibroid symptoms. Lavender helps combat mood swings and depression, as well as helps you relax. Rosemary and frankincense help to balance insulin and hormone levels.
Chamomile
Drinking relaxing chamomile tea is another sure way to get uterine fibroids relief.
What to do:
- Prepare chamomile tea by adding 2-3 teaspoons of chamomile flowers to a cup of hot water.
- Cover and allow the mix to steep for 3 minutes.
- Strain out the flowers and add a few drops of lemon juice if you like.
- Drink a couple of times a day.
How it works:
Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties help eliminate uterine fibroids, but it also helps you relax, which can be a contributing factor in inhibiting their growth.
Garlic and Beet Root
A mixture of garlic and beet root is another way to help eliminate your uterine fibroids.
What to do:
- Puree a half inch slice of raw beet with a clove of garlic along with ½ cup of water.
- Add carrot, tomato or another base juice to the mix.
- Drink this a couple times a day.
How it works:
The combination of the vitamins and minerals in beets along with the anti-septic properties of garlic help to inhibit uterine fibroid growth.
Eat Seeds
Flaxseeds, chia seeds and hemp seeds can also reduce or eliminate uterine fibroids.
What to do:
- You can mix 1 to 2 Tbsp of any of the three in a glass of water and allow to set for 3 hours.
- Eat or drink the seeds once they are saturated.
- They can also be added to salads, soups and other foods in order to reap their benefits.
How it works:
The omega 3 fatty acids and fiber content found in these seeds helps in eliminating uterine fibroids.
Get Rid of Stress
Gain control over uterine fibroids by eliminating or significantly reducing stress.
What to do:
- Spending time in meditation and prayer.
- Enjoy relaxing pastimes and hobbies.
- Add yoga or walking to your daily routine.
- Learn breathing techniques for relaxation and use them to combat stressful situations.
- Go outside into nature and sunshine regularly.
How it works:
Cortisol, produced because of stress is a contributor to the development of other hormones, which contribute to uterine fibroid development. Prolonged stress can reduce the amount of available progesterone which can lead to the reduction of uterine fibroids.
Wrapping It Up
Though uterine fibroids aren’t a major health risk in most cases, they can be extremely uncomfortable and when severe can cause additional side effects like anemia from heavy periods. Reducing stress and making use of several of the 15 home remedies to help with uterine fibroids can help you regain control of your wellbeing and get you back to your normal routine.
Images from depositphotos.com and pixabay.com.