|
One of the worst things about having endometriosis
is the pain that is involved with the disease. There is a wide range of pain symptoms that
women with Endo endure; sharp stabbing pain, dull aching pain, headaches, body aches, pain
the vaginal area, pelvic region, abdomen, urinary tract, lower back, flanks and legs.
Traditional Western medicine tends to prescribe
anti-inflammatory drugs to ease this pain and discomfort. While many women can experience
some relief on these drugs, there are many women who cannot. These drugs can also cause
side effects including an inability to concentrate, memory loss, dizziness, spaced-out
feelings, headaches and migraines, nausea and stomach distress, rashes and skin problems,
urinary troubles, and even liver and gall bladder disease. Women can also find that they
develop a "tolerance" to the drugs, needing more and more pills to find relief.
This can be dangerous and lead to possibly lethal overdoses.
Fortunately, Mother Nature can provide some pain
relief in the form of herbs that have little or no side effects! The following is a list
of some of the herbs most widely used for pain, especially pain associated with
endometriosis:
Cramp Bark (Black Haw) is on the best remedies for
menstrual pain. It is an anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and uterine and
muscle relaxant.
White Willow is what aspirin is synthesized from as it
contains salicylates (aspirin is salicylic acid). It contains high amounts of calcium and
magnesium which can be extremely helpful in controlling pain. White willow also reduces
inflammation, heat and is analgesic. Although most people with aspirin sensitivities can
effectively use this natural form without side effects, caution is advised.
Morinda (Noni) reduces pain and swelling, is an
anti-inflammatory, can help with minor depression, is cleansing and building for all body
systems.
Thyme was traditionally known as "Mother
Thyme" and used for centuries for uterine problems, it is an anti-inflammatory and
anti-spasmodic.
Horsetail (Shavegrass)
is also high in calcium and
magnesium. It helps to heal damaged tissues and helps to stop excessive menstrual flow. It
is an anti-inflammatory.
Wood Betony is a nervine herb that acts as a general
relaxant for the nervous system. It helps to relax muscles, blood vessels, bowels, and
organs. Animals in the wild have been known to seek out this herb when wounded.
False Unicorn is a stimulating tonic herb for the
reproductive and urinary organs. It helps to balance and regulate hormones. Especially
good for a "heavy, dragging" feeling in the lower abdomen, and easing menstrual
cramps.
Feverfew inhibits the release of histamine (which can
irritate pain receptors) and can also help allergies. It is an anti-inflammatory and
relaxant, and is especially good for migraines and other headaches. It helps to promote
menstruation which could be helpful to those suffering from amenorrhea. Not recommended
for anyone taking blood thinning drugs.
Ginger is an aromatic stimulant that improves
digestion, appetite, circulation, nausea and vomiting. It is an anti-spasmodic and
anti-inflammatory.
Chamomile is a relaxing
and cleansing herb that helps to relax smooth
muscle contractions. Can help ease GI irritations, stomach and menstrual cramps. Is and
anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic gentle sedative. Do not use if you have allergies to
ragweed or daisies.
Valerian Root is a strong nervine herb, natural
tranquilizer and sedative. It helps with nervous headaches and insomnia. It can be used
internally for cramps, although some prefer to make a poultice of Valerian and lay that
right on the area of pain. Most effective when used for 2-3 weeks, with a week or two off.
Passion Flower is an anti-spasmodic, mild sedative
nervine herb that acts as a muscle relaxant and helps to relax digestive and uterine
spasms. It can help to turn off "mental
chatter", thus promoting sleep.
Blue Cohosh is a tonic for female organs that helps to
regulate menstruation. It can relieve many kinds of muscle cramps and spasms. It is
especially good for feelings of "coldness" or a sense of "congestion and
fullness" in the pelvic area, and leg pains.
Black Cohosh is another female tonic herb that can
also help menopausal symptoms. It acts as a sedative for the central nervous system. This
herb is especially good for dull, aching and tense ovarian pain and also for a sense of
"soreness and dragging" in the womb, also good for menstrual pain. It can be a
gastric irritant, causing nausea or headaches if used in large quantities.
Red Raspberry is one of the best female nutritive
tonics. It can relieve excess menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia). This herb helps to
strengthen and normalize female organs and tones the uterus. Great for pregnancy!
Dong Quai (Angelica)
is "The Queen of Female
Herbs", used for over 20 centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is also called
"Female Ginseng". It helps with feelings of "coldness", regulating
monthly periods. This herb is also good for anemia, as it helps to "build" the
blood. Not recommended for anyone taking blood-thinning agents.
Burdock has anti-inflammatory and anti-infective
properties. It is good for removing acids and waste, and helpful for water retention and
Endo inflammation. It is a very good cleansing herb.
Wild Yam contains diosgenin, a precursor to
progesterone. It can help to reduce fatigue and stress, and has anti-spasmodic and
anti-inflammatory qualities. I will have more information on wild yam and natural
progesterone in the next column.
Also, don't forget Evening Primrose oil, Borage oil, and Black Currant
oil (see April newsletter). Many women with Endo have found not only pain relief with
these supplements, but have also increased vitality, strength, and a general sense of
well-being!
You can generally
find the above herbs in capsule or
tablet form at health food stores. Some companies make blends of a combination of herbs
for different health problems and these are usually more effective than just using the
single herbs alone. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not use any of the herbs
listed except for the Red Raspberry, Chamomile (but do NOT use the essential oil of
Chamomile), and Ginger is ok in very small amounts.
Good luck and good health to all!
This information is not intended to prescribe or diagnose in any way. Please
consult a health care professional before using any of the herbs mentioned above.
|
