Power of Plant-Based Medicines: Effective Ways to Manage Uterine Fibroid

In this fourth blog post of our health series on uterine fibroids, we will highlight the benefits and uses of plant-based medicine. While we have explored some conventional treatment options, the role of supplements, and seed cycling in our first three blogs, this blog is dedicated to exploring some of the well-known plant-based medicine options.

So let’s get started and dive deep into the knowledge of plant-based medicine such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese medicine, and other plant-based therapies and see how they can help you overcome the health complications associated with uterine fibroids. 

Introduction to Plant-Based Medicine 

• Plant-based medicine is based on the use of a variety of herbal and natural treatments in the  healing of different illnesses and health problems.
• It has been used over centuries throughout  various cultures in treating different illnesses and promoting overall health and wellness. These  therapies are based on components that are derived from different parts of the plants such as leaves, roots, stems, flowers, etc., or on the plant extracts.
• These aim at supporting the body's  healing mechanisms, reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and improving general  well-being. 

Ayurvedic Interventions for Uterine Fibroids 

There can be a comprehensive solution in the management of uterine fibroids through dosha balancing and promotion of holistic health via Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine.

Most treatment approaches in Ayurvedic Medicine focus on detoxifying the body,  improving digestion, and balancing hormone levels that help decrease symptoms and establish  a healthy foundation for reproductive health. 

Important Aspects of Ayurvedic Treatments: 

1. Triphala: It is a compound of three fruits, amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki. It purifies the system and keeps the liver healthy. 
2. Ashoka (Saraca asoca): The herb acts as a uterine tonic and relieves excessive bleeding and pain during mensuration. 
3. Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa): This herb is used to manage heavy bleeding.
4. Haridra khand or Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Curcumin, an active principal  ingredient, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, useful in the management  of the symptoms of fibroids. 
5. Aloe Vera: Often used to support digestion and general health improvement 
6. Kanchanar Guggulu: A classical formulation from Ayurveda for the management of  growths and lumps of various kinds, including fibroids. 

Other Ayurvedic Preparations: 

1. Chandraprabha Vati: It is given to support the urinary and reproductive system and for overall health. 
2. Pradrantak Churna: It is an herbal powder that is used to balance hormones and manage menstrual problems. 
3. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): It is known for its potential hormone-balancing properties and supporting the reproductive system and overall vitality. 

Procedures in Ayurvedic Treatment: 

1. Panchakarma: It is mainly a detoxification procedure that has many therapies such as  Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), and Basti (medicated enemas)  to cleanse the toxins from the body and restore the balance in doshas. 
2. Abhyanga: It is a therapeutic massage using Herbal oils that improves circulation and promotes relaxation. 
3. Uttar Basti: It is specialized enema therapy that directly treats uterine and other reproductive system problems. 
4. Nasya: Nasal administration of herbal oils to clear toxins and balance doshas. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Uterine Fibroids 

Chinese herbal therapies aim the balance the body's energy, improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, etc. The following are some of the important herbs in Traditional Chinese  Medicine used for fibroids:  

1. Poria (Fu Ling): This edible mushroom will reduce cramps and suppress inflammation,  promoting relaxation, endocrine regulation, and hormone balance.
2. White Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Alba, Bai Shao): Known for improving focus and  emotional stability, this root acts as an immune booster and helps to balance hormones  and reduce symptoms of PMS.
3. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca, Yin Mu Cao):

For centuries, this herb has been used  to alleviate symptoms of PMS, improve menstruation problems, and reduce menstrual  cramping by enhancing uterine circulation and blood supply. 

1. Cortex Moutan (Mu Dan Pi): Mu Dan Pi is prepared from the root bark of Paeonia  suffruticosa. It has varied use in traditional Chinese medicine as it is a cold herb that  has potent anti-inflammatory activity, hence indicated for severe menstrual cramps. 
2. Angelica Root (Angelica Sinensis, Dang Gui): Anti-inflammatory support for blood  circulation, simultaneously decreases water retention. Balances the uterus; reduces  PMS, bloating, and hormonal weight increase. 
3. Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria Baicalensis, Huang Qin): Baicalein is a flavonoid extract  derived from the root of Chinese skullcap. Flavonoids are used to reduce oxidative  stress and inflammation. 

Other TCM Procedures: 

• Acupuncture: This is done by the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the  body to elicit the desired effects for general energy flow, reduction of pain, and  regulation of menstruation. 
• Cupping Therapy: Uses cups with a suction action for increased blood flow and the  prevention of muscle tension. 

Other Plant-Based Therapies 

• Herbal infusions and teas offer a gentle and effective way to manage uterine fibroids. 
• Green Tea: Abundant in EGCG, which shrinks the size of the fibroid and inflammation. ii. Ginger Tea: Anti-inflammatory, thus reduces pain and improves circulation. iii.Raspberry Leaf Tea: Tones the muscles of the uterus, decreasing bleeding and  cramping. 
• Chamomile Tea: General relaxation, which brings both mental and physical general  health. 
• vi.Peppermint Tea: Anti-bloating menstrual discomfort, a digestive. 

How to Benefit from Plant-Based Medicine:

• Consult a healthcare provider: Before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if  you are already taking medical treatment for uterine fibroids, consult with your  healthcare provider as some of the herbal formulations, can interact with the drugs. 
• Avoid self-medication: If you want to give a shot to any herbal medicine, consult an  expert as they are very much capable of providing the appropriate therapy according to  your symptoms and needs. Self-medication without knowledge can cause side effects  and reactions. 
• Create a balanced treatment plan after discussing with your healthcare provider to  create a balanced plan with plant-based medicine and conventional treatments to give  the greatest overall effectiveness. Make sure you are incorporating practices of plant based therapies, dietary changes, herbal supplements, and physical activities along with  yoga and meditation. 
• Track Your Progress Journal or use health apps to track symptoms and overall progress.  

Uterine Fibroids Management Guide

Here is the 5 Steps Complete Guide for Management of Uterine Fibroids.

Conclusion 

In this post, we've discussed the treatment of uterine fibroids with the use of plant-based  medicine, such as Ayurvedic treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and other herbal  therapies in management. Incorporate these natural remedies into your treatment plan for  uterine fibroids to possibly alleviate symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.

 

In the  upcoming blogs in our series, we will delve into the role of physical activity and general dietary  recommendations when managing uterine fibroids. Stay connected to learn more about uterine  fibroids and how to tackle their symptoms. 

 

Check 5 Steps Complete Guide for Management of Uterine Fibroids which can help in effectively alleviate symptoms and enhance overall well-being.

References: 

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370231281_Management_of_Uterine_Fibro id_Through_Ayurvedic_Approach_A_Case_Report 
2. https://mylofamily.com/article/lodhra-the-wonder-herb-for-womens-health-218146
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3881498/ (Chinese medicine)
4. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Schematic-presentation-of-the-effects-of-green tea-on-uterine-fibroids_fig4_369338181
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/fibroids-natural-treatment#causes 8. https://www.herbatorium.com/1186/herbal-tea-for-fibroids-5-teas-to-soothe-your symptoms/