As you may already know, I’m a HUGE fan of herbal medicine. Herbs can reduce symptoms as well as balance the body from the inside out- getting to the root cause of your hormonal imbalance. There are literally thousands of herbs out there and many are helpful for women’s health, but how do you choose from the myriad of choice?
Firstly, I will always recommend seeing a qualified natural health care practitioner before starting any kind of herb or supplement regime. That being said, I’m outlining here my top 5 herbs for endometriosis. I have used these with success in many of my private clients, including Lindsay!
Before starting the 30 Day Jumpstart, I felt that my hormones and my Endometriosis were taking control of my life and my body. I was constantly tired, moody, and had an upset stomach after every meal. Before this, I really felt that nothing would work for me. 3 surgeries, several different medications, pain killers, and I never experienced any relief in my symptoms compared to what I am feeling now. After making changes that you recommended over the last 30 days I have noticed a major increase in energy, my moods are much more stable, and I no longer have stomach aches/digestive issues. I can't thank you enough for the huge impact you have made! I finally feel in control! - Lindsay K.
Pau D'arco
Pau D’arco is the inner bark of a tree from Central and South America. It has a very mild flavour, and so lends itself well to tea. Pau D’arco is fantastic for endometriosis for a few reasons.
- Immune Modulator: Immune system issues often coincide with endometriosis, and this herb helps our body to create the proper types and amounts of immune-boosting white blood cells. This also reduces inflammation.
- Hormone Balancer: Through all the other actions, this herb could be helpful in balancing sex hormones.
- Liver Detoxifier: A stagnant liver is correlated with hormonal imbalances, since your body isn’t able to detoxify hormones as it should (especially estrogen). This leads to poor digestion, hormonal craziness and much more. Detoxifying the liver is an important step in balancing endometriosis.
- Anti-Microbial: Any kind of virus or bacterial overgrowth (including parasites and candida) will negatively impact the immune system, meaning more shitty endo symptoms for you. Pau D’arco will kill off these bad guys, leaving your body clean and healthy.
Oregon Grape Root
Oregon grape root is a berberine herb. What?! Well- this is a chemical constituent in several herbs (like goldenseal and barberry) that is extremely helpful for both balancing insulin and modulating the immune system. This is another great liver detox herb as well- making it excellent for reducing excess estrogens found in endometriosis. This herb will also assist in great digestion, something that is often lacking in endometriosis.
Vitex
One of my absolute favourite hormone-balancing herbs (for almost any age and condition) is Vitex. Vitex and I are having a steamy, sexy love affair. Sometimes known as Chastetree Berry, this herb is helpful for reducing pain and inflammation in the uterus. Vitex also stimulates your pituitary gland, a gland in the brain that regulates all hormone function in the body. By way of this, vitex could increase progesterone, reducing the estrogen dominance often found in endo.
Dandelion Root
A super helpful herb for SO MANY things, dandelion root is another indispensable herb for endometriosis. Why? It helps to detoxify your liver (dandelion leaf has an affinity for your kidneys). Dandelion also provides essential nutrients for hormone balance such as vitamins A + C, iron, calcium, and potassium, plus some pretty sweet trace minerals. This herb is even better when combined with other liver-detox herbs and hormone balancers like the ones we’re gabbing about in this article.
Dong Quai
Lastly, but NOT least- dong quai aka angelica aka female ginseng (though it’s not a ginseng) is a fantastic female tonic herb. This herb is nourishing to the blood and could mildly balance mood. Do not use dong quai while you are menstruating, as it could create a heavier cycle- something most endo divas don’t need. It could help with regulating the cycle, reducing pain and balancing overall sex hormones.