Herbal Therapy for Uterine Fibroids
by Jane Smolnik, ND, Intuitive, Iridologist and Herbalist

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease or ailment,
but to educate and inform.  Please seek proper information, diagnosis and treatment when needed.

Fibroids are benign Tumors.  A tumor is considered any growth (even pimples). Cysts are sacs filled
with liquids and tissues.  Fibroids are solid muscle-like, and dense. Growths are the bodies defense
system, they can hold and then discharge toxicity. They have a purpose and often then dissolve. This
can be a social issue, not just personal, as women tend to hold in many social concerns. They are also
stimulated by excess estrogen.  20% of women develop fibroids.  40-50% of American Women will
have their uteruses surgically removed by the age of 65!  This is an alarmingly high rate!  Surgery
should be the last resort.  While Doctors often tell patients to "Wait and See" till they do surgery,
Herbalists like to "Wait and DO!"

There are lots of successful natural techniques for reducing and eliminating fibroids of both the breast
and uterus.  Early detection and diagnosis are very important! (You must know exactly what you are
working with, whether you have fibroids, a cyst, endometriosis, or uterine cancer!)  Fibroid symptoms
may include heavy bleeding, clogging, pain, cramping, lower back pain, excessive pain, discharge
during the month, clear fluid or dark and pussy, and often an extended abdomen.  They are often
discovered during routine pelvic exams.

Natural Treatments

First, Diet must be addressed
to eliminate toxins and excess estrogens.  Avoid animal products,
including dairy and eggs, (they all contain animal estrogens that women's bodies can't use) especially
red meats and fats. Proteins should come from soy products like tofu, tempeh, seitan, fish, organically
raised chicken, and a variety of beans and nuts. Emphasize a diet high in dark, leafy green vegetables,
fruits, and whole grains.  Limit your sugar, COFFEE, and alcohol intake. Reduce highly refined foods,
and white flour.

The diet needs to be cleansing and building, supporting the liver to help to body eliminate excess
hormones and toxins. Try to avoid additives, preservatives, and chemically sprayed produce. (Organic
is best whenever possible).  Change your attitude from "I can't change" to "I have to change to survive"
and be healthy!  Love yourself and care for yourself like you were a small child.
An excellent Liver supporting/cleansing Tea should be drunk 2 or 3 times a day. It is also high in
Vitamins, Minerals, Iron.  You may also want to take Spirulina, Wheat Grass Juice, or Blue/Green algae
every day.(rich in chloraphyll and minerals)

Liver Cleansing Tea -A good tasting daily tea made of Dandelion Roots, Burdock root, Yellow Dock,
Nettles, Red Clover.  Add Vitex and Wild Yam to balance hormones, Cleavers for lymphatic drainage of
the uterus. Add honey, cinnamon, ginger, orange peel to taste.  Simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. May
store in refrig. for 2-3 days.  Drink often.

Essiac Tea  is also is good supporting tea for the liver which helps to rid the body of toxins and reduce
tumors. It contains Burdock, Sheep Sorrel, Slippery Elm, and Turkey Rhubarb. (available through
Crystal Garden Herbs, Springfield, Vt.)

Castor Oil Compresses -This is used to dissolve growths of the breasts and uterus. It absorbs
moisture and toxins. Get an 8 oz. container from a health food store. Warm a bottle of Castor Oil in a
saucepan with hot water. Put some on a piece of flannel and wrap it up. Lay it on your abdomen and
cover it with towels or hot water bottle to keep it warm.  Save oily cloth to reuse.  Do this for 4-5 nights in
a row.  Be consistent!  Treat yourself for three full cycles to see if it is working.  
Ginger Root Compresses- Simmer Ginger root in water for 20-30 min. (covered) Use a wash cloth
dipped in the hot decoction and place on abdomen.  Re-dip as needed to keep warm.  Ginger helps to
loosen and dissolve toxic matter, cysts and also stimulates circulation and helps to reduce cramping.

Sitz Baths -A form of Hydrotherapy to bring fresh blood to the pelvic area and heal uterine congestion.  
You will need two tubs large enough to fit your buttocks.  Fill one with hot water (you may add hot teas or
essential oils of lavender, rosemary, chamomile, raspberry leaves or comfrey) , fill the other with very
cold water.  Sit in the Hot bath for 5 -10 minutes then plunge into the cold tub for 2 minutes.  Go back
and forth several times.  Do this Daily!  It is essential for growths, helps with infertility, PMS, and.
blockages.  This brings fresh blood to the area, then flushes stale blood away to promote healing.
Do this before your castor oil packs or Ginger compress.

Vaginal Suppositories -Heat 1 cup of coconut oil gently.  when warm, add powdered herbs in these
quantites:  1 part Yellow dock, 1 part chapparel leaf, 1 part goldenseal, 3 parts slippery elm, 1 part
comfrey root powder. Mix into a paste. Add 1 to 2 drops of essential oil of myrhh or tea tree oil.  Shape
into finger size suppositories (like little tootsie rolls)  They will firm up when cooled.  Store in a sealed
jar.  Insert one into the vagina at bedtime. Leave in overnight.  You may wish to wear a panty liner if it
drips.  Use for five days, rest for two.  Remember to douch every few days to remove any leftover herbs.

Herbal Extract Formulas - Several important herbs can be used in combination and can be suited to
meet your needs.  Your local Herbalist or Naturopathic physician can help you.  (If you are drinking a
good liver tea, then you would not need to add liver herbs here)

This extract can be taken as a tonic, 1/2 tsp. (40 drops) 3x a day.  Take for 6 days on, then 1 day off. After
6-8 weeks, take a week off.  Continue again for another 6-8 weeks.   After that you may find that all the
treatments you have used have reduced or eliminated your fibroids and all symptoms are gone.  Use
again only when needed.

In Conclusion
Change your diet to meet your bodies needs.  Support your liver with nourishing teas. Tone your
reproductive organs, drain your lymph glands using herbal therapy.  Flush your pelvic cavity with sitz
baths, draw out the toxins and reduce growths with hot Castor Oil Packs.  Use vaginal suppositories if
other treatments are not working well.  Surgery should be the LAST resort.  Laser surgery to remove
tumors, instead of a radical hysterectomy should be considered first.  Get a second opinion.
Love, nurture, and support yourself!  Use positive imagery to see the toxins leave your body, and see
fresh healthy, vibrant organs!   

Recommended Reading:
Herbal Healing for Women  by Rosemary Gladstar, Fireside Publ.
Our Bodies, Ourselves, Revised and Updated for the Nineties by the Boston Womens Health Collective.
Hygieia: A Womans Herbal  by Jeannine Parvati, Freestone Press.
Natural Healing in Gynecology  by Rina Nissim, Pandora Press.
Roots of Healing,Womens Herbs by Deb Soule, Blackberry books.

Jane has a private practice in Asheville, NC.  You may contact her at 828-777-JANE for a personal
phone consultation. To order herbal products, please call Crystal Garden Herbs at 888-531-8483 or
visit the award-winning site:
 www.crystalgardenherbs.com.


Ultimate Healing
Natural Preventive Healthcare