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Herbal Protocols for Endometriosis by Jane Smolnik, N.D., Master Herbalist, Cert. Iridologist, Intuitive Healer
Disclaimer: The FDA had not reviewed or approved these statements. This information is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Endometriosis is the presence of endometrium tissue outside of its usual location, the uterus. Endometrial tissue may implant itself on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, abdominal organs, and in rare cases, it may travel to the lungs, spinal cord and other extremities. Excess estrogen stimulates the growth of this tissue. It still contains hormones and may "bleed" during the monthly cycle.
Some of the symptoms are: Severe abdominal pain around menstruation and ovulation Excessive and irregular menstrual flows Bleeding between cycles, which can be painful Intestinal discomfort, Painful bowel movements and urination Backaches, Mood swings, depression and irritability
Although the cause is not completely known, it is considered to be a 20th century disease, mostly due to the modern American diet, faster lifestyles, stress, and delaying childbirth till later years. Endometriosis patients tend to have these imbalances; Estrogen excess and Progesterone deficiency, excess calcium, and magnesium deficiency. Essential fatty acid deficiency, high stress, excess dietary caffeine and excess alcohol intake.
On an emotional level, endometriosis is indicative of "not being on your right path in life." Feeling confused, not sure which way you should be going. This can cause emotional pain and unhappiness.
With a few dietary and lifestyle changes, supplements, as well as herbal support, it can be managed very successfully. I myself have had endometriosis since I was 24. I had emergency surgery and hormone therapy, but later refused to have a hysterectomy! When I finally talked with Naturopathic doctors and Herbalists, I found out so much more about this condition, that none of the doctors I had seen were even aware of. I adjusted my diet, took an herbal combination for several months, and went from to severe pain, to completely normal, pain-free cycles ever since! It has been over 8 years now, and I have had NO return of symptoms! My periods are great, I am happy and doing what I love!
IMPORTANT Dietary Guidelines:
Reduce and eliminate ALL beef, pork, lamb, and dairy products (they contain an unusable form of estrogen for the female body and create estrogen imbalance) Avoid all caffeine, alcohol, sugars, acid-forming foods (red meat, dairy, excess carbohydrates, especially refined foods) Try a short juice fast, and use an herbal cleansing program to help clear out toxins. Eat cultured foods, such as miso or tempeh, plenty of fresh greens, fruits, and a reasonable amount of whole grains. Reduce salt intake as well. Include shitake mushrooms in the diet regularly to inhibit abnormal tissue growth and build the immune system. Avoid yams, wheat, citrus (foods that increase estrogen) Avoid X- rays, I.U.D.'s and tampons!
Suggested Nutritional Supplements to choose from: B Complex with extra folic acid and B6 (50-100 mg.) Flax Seed Oil, Evening Primrose, or Black Current Seed oil daily Vitamin E, 400-800 i.u. daily Cal/ Mag/ Zinc supplement 3-4x day Vitamin C Plant-based liquid Vitamin/mineral supplement containing vitamins, macro, micro, and trace minerals, amino acids, green foods, spirulina, algaes, electrolyte activators, live anti-oxidants, all your essential fruits and vegetables, digestive plant enzymes, Co Q10, omega fatty acids, and more! (Call me for details)
According to Dr. Hulda Clark's book, The Cure for All Diseases, she claims that endometriosis patients may have Clonorchis, the human liver fluke, or Eurytrema, the pancreatic fluke, which can invade the uterus wall, and travel outside of the uterus, bringing the endometrial tissue with it. When you do a good herbal parasite cleanse as well, the pain and symptoms disappear..
Since endometriosis is a "hyper-estrogenic" condition, the treatments call for lowering estrogen levels in the body. Birth control pills are often used, estrogen replacement therapy, surgery, or pregnancy (although very temporary). Danazol, a medication that is often used for treatment, is a dangerous drug. It is a male steroid that creates a scary scenerio of symptoms, including growth of facial and chest hair, acne, bloating, weight gain, decrease in breast size, etc. The estrogen levels can be decreased very easily, avoiding estrogen producing foods, and using herbal support to balance the hormones back to normal levels.
Suggested Herbal Supplements There are a variety of different herbs that can be used in combination with each other. Specific formula's can be made according to each individual. I have created a specific formula for endometriosis which I personally used many years ago with excellent results - having no symptoms for 24 years after that.
A combination of herbs will help to tone and strengthen the uterus, balance the hormones, reducing estrogen and increasing progesterone production. It will ease painful cramps and spasms and will help to drain lymphatic and uterine tissue. It will also help ease the nerves and mood swings that accompany hormone imbalance. It is important to remember that IT TAKES THREE FULL MONTH TO FULLY BRING THE BODY BACK INTO BALANCE! Continue the program for at least 90 days!
While you may see some improvement right away, the symptoms will continue to improve over a few months time. Please stick with the herbal formula for 3-6 months. This should be taken 2-3x a day. The diet should be modified, generally reducing animal products that contain natural and synthetic hormones (especially beef, pork, and dairy!), and eating a whole and varied diet. Include good liver foods and herbs such as beets, carrots, lemons, dandelion and burdock roots, bitter greens in salads.
'Woman of Wisdom' formula – A good general formula to help keep the hormones and emotions balanced, strengthen the reproductive system, relieve pain, and increase libido. Can use for pre- menstrual and menopausal symptoms, and infertility where hormonal imbalance may be a factor. Contains Black Cohosh, Wild Yam, Vitex, False Unicorn, and Damiana with flower essences of Uva Ursi, Lady's Mantle. Chamomile, and Hemlock for emotional balance. (Available from Jane or Crystal Garden Herbs)
'Womanly Wisdom' Tea - Helps tone the female reproductive system, balance hormones, and soothe the emotions. Packed with calcium and nutritious minerals. A must for all women! Raspberry leaves, Squaw vine, Vitex, Motherwort, Oatstraw, Skullcap, Orange Peel and Stevia.
Live Cleaner – Helps to stimulate bile production, tone, strengthen, and detoxify the liver, while relieving inflammation and congestion. Contains Milk Thistle, Dandelion root, Burdock, Yellow Dock, and Barberry with flower essences of Pansy, Bloodroot, Red Cedar, Higher Spectral Colors #11 for emotional balance.
‘Natural Woman’ Progesterone Cream – use three weeks out of the month to keep progesterone levels healthy and acts as a precursor to maintain all hormones in balance. Reduces risk of breast cancer and increases Bone Mass density with long term use.
Notes taken from: Wholistic Herbal Protocols for Women's Health, by Amanda McQuaide Crawford,M.N.I.M.H., A.H.G. and Brenda Jackson, M.S., N.P. Therapeutic Herbalism textbook, by David Hoffmann, M.N.I.M.H. Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar, Herbalist Protocols for Botanical Healing, Endrometriosis, by Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D.
Jane Smolnik is a Naturopath, Master Herbalist and Board Certified Iridologist with a private practice in Asheville, NC.. For more information, or to make an appointment for a consultation, please call her at 828-777-JANE.
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