Herbal Approach to Uterine Fibroids

As seen in Home Herbalist Magazine

Many discussions on female health can be plagued with uncertainty and unanswered questions, especially in western culture where access to more natural means may not be readily discussed in a modern doctor’s office. This of course, in my opinion, is not due to any maliciousness on the practitioner’s part, but rather that these types of options are not yet fully embraced as a partnered path to healing in modern western medicine.

I think that in modern times, it is often forgotten that Herbalism is the oldest healing modality known to man and has a rich history of traditional use.

In the spirit of learning, it is my full intention to offer an understanding of this female reproductive issue from the standpoint of modern western medicine as described in medical texts, and to share the more common herbal, supplemental, lifestyle, and dietary allies that are readily available. Due to the fact that this is indeed a clinical issue, I have not included a full herbal protocol as each individual is different and their needs will be different.  Please contact a clinical herbalist if you would like to explore the option of herbal medicine, and continue to work with your medical doctor.

​Understanding Uterine Fibroids:
Uterine fibroids (also known as Leiomyoma of the uterus or just Myoma) are the most common type of tumor of the genital tract. They are bundles of smooth muscle and connective tissue, surrounded by a thin capsule that can be as small as a pea or in some cases, as large as a grapefruit. Although they are sometimes referred to as tumors, fibroids are considered non-cancerous. However, because they disrupt the blood vessels and glands in the uterus like a tumor, they are spoken of in these relative terms.  Uterine Fibroids are generally classified by their location in the uterus, these are:

• Intramural – The most common and the type that grows on the wall of the uterus.
• Subserosal – The type that grows outside of the uterus.
• Submucosal – The type that grow just underneath the uterine lining and can grow into the uterus cavity.
• Pedunculated Submucosal – The type that grows in the uterus lining. These fibroids are attached to the uterine wall by a stalk-like growth called a peduncle.

 
Causes:
Current medical science has not yet determine the actual cause of uterine fibroids, some of the theories are that they occur with genetic changes, hormone imbalances (fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine muscle cells), and other growth factors (other hormones or external factors that might affect the bodies substances that maintain healthy tissues – possibly xenoestrogens). Despite medical science not having a clear understanding of the mode of cause, it is known that fibroids do require high estrogen levels as a mechanism to grow. Concentrations of estrogen receptors are higher in fibroid tissue than in the surrounding tissue.
In addition to an excess of estrogen production within the body, a strong case can be made for the role of the most significant environmental factor assaulting female hormonal health – as discussed earlier, these compounds are known as xenoestrogens. These compounds are endocrine/hormone disruptors, environmental estrogens, hormonally active agents, estrogenic substances, estrogenic xenobiotics, and bioactive chemicals. Examples of xenoestrogens include phthalates (used in most plastics), pesticides and herbicides, tobacco smoke and by-products, and various solvents (think about your common household cleaners). Xenoestrogens enhance or block the effects of estrogen in the body by binding to estrogen receptors. They also promote a shift from healthy estrogen breakdown products to cancer-causing estrogen metabolites in some people.
Lastly, another theory is that chronic use of the birth control pill can also contribute to the growth of fibroids. It is also common to see fibroids shrink after menopause.
 
 
 
A Brief commentary on phytoestrogens (plant based estrogens):
Phytoestrogens are able to bind to the same cell receptors as the estrogen your body produces. That’s a very good thing, because when phytoestrogens occupy the receptors, estrogen can’t affect cells. By competing with estrogen, phytoestrogens cause a drop in estrogen effects, and are thus sometimes called “antiestrogens”. Great sources of phytoestrogens include organic, non-processed soy, ground organic flax seed, and organic nuts and seeds. In particular, it is recommended to have 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily.
 
On the opposing view, some have suggested that since soy foods are high in phytoestrogens (specifically isoflavones), which have a weak estrogenic effect, women with uterine fibroids or endometrial cancer should avoid phytoestrogens. This recommendation has not stood up to clinical trial. Soy isoflavones appear to be selective in terms of tissues in which they have an estrogenic effect and the tissues in which their effect is antiestrogenic.
Soy phytoestrogens do not appear to have an estrogenic effect on the human uterus and may in fact help shrink uterine fibroids due to an antiestrogenic effect.
It is recommended to have moderate, but not excessive soy consumption in the range of 45 to 90mg of soy isoflavones per day, you can find this in a standardized capsule if needed, but again, be mindful of processing.
 
Common symptoms of uterine fibroids:

• Symptoms depend on the size and the position of the fibroid.
• The majority of fibroids are generally lacking in symptoms, but can often times be associated with vague feelings of lower abdominal discomfort, pelvic pain and pressure, congestion, bloating, and heaviness. Fibroids can also include pain with vaginal sexual activity, an increase in urinary frequency, lower backache, abdominal enlargement, and abnormal bleeding which occurs in roughly 30% of women with fibroids.

 
 
Complications of uterine fibroids:

• Increased risk in some types of cancers.
• In pregnant women, increased risk of miscarriage – if the fibroid significantly distorts the uterine cavity.
• Infertility – rarely and only when the fibroid is causing tubal blockage.
• Pregnancy complications.
• Anemia (iron deficiency).
• Heavy/painful menstrual periods.
• Surgical Hysterectomy – in some cases, this is recommended by a medical professional and involves the removal of the uterus and sometimes ovaries. In most cases, a myomectomy may be performed where all detected fibroids are removed from the uterus.

 
Natural Suggestions for uterine fibroids:

• Diet:
  • The most important dietary recommendations are to eat a high-fiber diet rich in phytoestrogens (plant based estrogens) and to avoid saturated fat, sugar, and caffeine. These simple changes can dramatically reduce circulating estrogen levels and reduce estrogen’s influence on the fibroid.

• Increase in brassica family (cabbage family) vegetables. Research has shown that compounds from vegetables in the brassica family helps to break down cancer-causing forms of estrogens to nontoxic forms, making them especially important in women with uterine fibroids.

• Environment:
  • Reduction of xenoestrogen exposure. This means an immediate mindfulness of all exposure to plastics (this can be difficult but not impossible). Pay attention to the plastic packaging of foods and cosmetics. Be mindful of processed and chemically enhanced foods and personal body products (some feminine hygiene products and menstrual products can expose us to increases in xenoestrogens). Consider instead, natural care products, whole and non-processed foods, whole material hygiene and menstrual products (think cotton, cloth, flannel etc.).

• In addition to the mindfulness of plastics exposure, I would extend this into cautions with non-stick cooking materials. Teflon is a commercial name for the chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is a common non-stick coating in pots and pans. PTFE has shown to be carcinogenic (cancer causing), and can disrupt our natural hormone balance and have affects upon fetal development. A safe alternative are steel pots and pans, copper, or good old fashioned cast iron.

• Easy Self Care:
  • Castor oil packs over affected area. Three thicknesses of cotton wool or suitable material such as folded flannel soaked in castor oil. Cover with a clean cloth and electric heating pad. Apply 3 to 4 nights a week for 6 months minimum to assist in shrinkage.

 
 
Commonly Used Herbs:

• Chaste Tree Berry – Hormonal normalizer, gynecological problems (traditionally).

• Motherwort – Uterine tonic, promotes normal menstrual flow, nervine, female reproductive issues (general/traditional).

• Dandelion Root – Powerful detoxifier, and antioxidant, supports the liver while also promoting proper elimination of toxins to best support the process in its entirety.

• Red Root – Promotes lymphatic circulation. As such it promotes the removal of cellular wastes and the supply of nutrition, thus supporting the overall aim of restoration to degenerated uterine tissue.

• Life Root – Uterine tonic, promotes normal menstrual flow, astringent, hemostatic, a traditional herb for use with gynecological complaints.

• Prickly Ash – Excellent when sensation of congestion accompanies fibroids. Helps increase proper circulation or circulatory insufficiency, thus also moving other herbal/medicinal constituents through the blood stream. Also used in conditions of the body’s mucosal membranes. Anti-inflammatory due to its circulatory improvement.

• Thuja – Anti-tumor, anti-mutagenic do not take in high doses or over a long period of time due to the constituent Thujone. Use under supervision of a practitioner, do not self dose.

• Blue or Black Cohosh – Uterine tonic, hormone/endocrine balancer, promotes normal menstrual flow, demulcent (blue),

• Cats Claw – Anti-angiogenic (cuts off blood supply to tumors), anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor (general), helps to correct/destroy abnormal mutating cells. Can be taken in combination with North American paw paw (freshly grown twigs of the plant, not the fruit) – see your clinical herbalist or practitioner for this combination, do not self-dose. Combinations of these herbs are generally used in a pulse or ramp dose and may not be appropriate for some individuals.
  
  
• Burdock Root – Lymphatic circulation, blood cleanser, actions used are those similar to red root, but a bit more gentle.

• Shepherd’s Purse – When fibroids cause heavy menstrual cycles or out of control menstrual bleeding. It can be taken as a tea, as a tincture, or even traditionally used as a douche in combination with other herbs.

• Miatake, Shiitake, or Reishi Mushroom – To strengthen the body and improve overall health. Potent immune-stimulant properties that are also traditionally used in inhibiting tumor growth, Reishi is considered an adaptogen which is an excellent foundation to many herbal formulations.

 
Commonly Used Supplements:

• Fish Oils:– Anti-inflammatory

• Flaxseed Oil: – Rich in phytoestrogens and increased fiber to help eliminate xenoestrogens.

• Coenzyme Q10:  - Promotes immune function and tissue oxygenation, increases vital energies and helps cells perform their vital processes more readily.

• L-arginine and L-lysine: – Enhances immune function and may slow the growth of fibroids.

• Multivitamin: – A good multivitamin is important because all nutrients are necessary in balance.

• Vitamin A with mixed carotenoids: - Important in immune function and to promote tissue repair. Use emulsion form for easier assimilation and greater safety.

• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids: - Promotes immune function, is anti-inflammatory, and acts as an antioxidant.

• Zinc: - Needed for a healthy immune system.

 
I hope you have found information of value in this article, and that the richness of our herbal allies show once again that for man-kind’s maladies, nature has supplied us with a remedy. 

In health and wellness,
-Petra
References:

• Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine – By Thomas Bartram- Constable and Robinson Ltd London 1998
• The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine – By Michael T. Murray, N.D. & Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. – Third Edition – Atria Publishing New York, New York, 1990 
• The New Holistic Herbal – By David Hoffmann- Element Publishing, Victoria 1990 
• Herbal Solutions for Healthy Living – By Richard Salzo (Herbalist) & Dr. Michael Cronin N.D.
• A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs – By Kerry Bone – Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone 2000 
• Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine 22nd Edition – Churchill Livingstone Elsevier 
• Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment – by Maxine A, Papadakis and Stephen K. McPhee – McGraw Hill Education/Medical 2015 
• Fundamentals of Obstetrics and Gynecology 8th Edition – by Jeremy Oats and Suzanne Abraham – Elsevier Mosby 2005 
• Prescription for Nutritional Healing 5th Edition – By Phyllis A. Balch, CHC – Penguin Group Publishing 2010 
• https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/detox-your-kitchen-safe-nontoxic-cookware-to-rebalance-your-hormones/