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Endometriosis is the presence of endometrium
tissue outside of its usual location, the uterus. Endometrial tissue may implant
itself on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, abdominal organs, and in rare cases, it
may travel to the lungs, spinal cord and other extremities. Excess estrogen
stimulates the growth of this tissue. It still contains hormones and may
"bleed" during the monthly cycle. Some of the symptoms are:
- Severe abdominal pain around
menstruation and ovulation
- Excessive and irregular menstrual flows
- Bleeding between cycles, Painful
- Intestinal discomfort, Painful bowel
movements and urination
- Backaches, Mood swings, depression
and irritability
Although the cause is not completely known, it is considered
to be a 20th century disease, mostly due to the modern American diet, faster
lifestyles, stress, and delaying childbirth till later years. Endometriosis
patients tend to have these imbalances; Estrogen excess and Progesterone
deficiency, excess calcium, and magnesium deficiency. Essential fatty acid
deficiency, high stress, excess dietary caffeine and excess alcohol intake.
On an emotional level, endometriosis is indicative of
"not being on your right path in life." Feeling confused, not sure
which way you should be going. This can cause emotional pain and unhappiness.
With a few dietary and lifestyle changes, supplements, as well
as herbal support, it can be managed very successfully. I myself have had
endometriosis since I was 24. I had emergency surgery and hormone therapy, but
later refused to have a hysterectomy! When I finally talked with Naturopathic
doctors and Herbalists, I found out so much more about this condition, that none
of the doctors I had seen were even aware of. I adjusted my diet, took an herbal
combination for several months, and went from to severe pain, to completely
normal, pain-free cycles ever since! It has been over 8 years now, and I have
had NO return of symptoms! My periods are great, I am happy and doing what I
love!
Here are a few IMPORTANT Dietary Guidelines:
- Reduce and eliminate ALL Animal
products (they contain an unusable form of estrogen for the female body
and create estrogen imbalance)
- Avoid all caffeine, alcohol, sugars,
acid-forming foods (red meat, dairy, excess carbohydrates, especially
refined foods)
- Try a short juice fast
to help clear out toxins. Eat cultured foods, such as miso or tempeh, plenty of
fresh greens, fruits, and a reasonable amount of whole grains. Reduce salt
intake as well. Include shitake mushrooms in the diet regularly to inhibit
abnormal tissue growth and build the immune system. Avoid yams, wheat, citrus
(foods that increase estrogen) Avoid X-rays, I.U.D.'s and tampons!
Suggested Supplements to choose from:
- B Complex with extra folic acid and B6 (50-100 mg.)
- Flax Seed Oil, Evening Primrose, or Black Current Seed oil
daily
- Vitamin E, 400-800 i.u. daily
- Cal/ Mag/ Zinc supplement 3-4x day
- Vitamin C
Since endometriosis is a "hyper-estrogenic"
condition, the treatments call for lowering estrogen levels in the body. Birth
control pills are often used, estrogen replacement therapy, surgery, or
pregnancy (although very temporary). Danazol, a medication that is often used
for treatment, is a dangerous drug. It is a male steroid that creates a scary
scenerio of symptoms, including growth of facial and chest hair, acne, bloating,
weight gain, decrease in breast size, etc. The estrogen levels can be decreased
very easily, avoiding estrogen producing foods, and using herbal support to
balance the hormones back to normal levels.
Herbal Supplements
There are a variety of different herbs that can be used in
combination with each other. Specific formula's can be made according to each
individual, although this is a good general formula that will be very useful for
all. Vitex- hormone normalizer, balances estrogen and progesterone
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False Unicorn - uterine tonic, emmenagogue, anthelmintic
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Black Cohosh - uterine tonic, anti-spasmodic, hormone
balancing
Wild Yam -uterine tonic, progesterone
producing, anti-spasmodic
- Prickly Ash -circulatory and lymphatic stimulant,
alterative
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Valerian or
Skullcap - nervine relaxers, antispasmodics
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Woman
of Wisdom – Helps
to keep the hormones and emotions balanced, strengthen the
reproductive system, relieve pain, and increase libido.
Can use for pre-menstrual and menopausal symptoms,
and infertility where hormonal imbalance may be a factor.
Contains Black Cohosh, Wild Yam, Vitex, False Unicorn, and Damiana
with flower essences of Uva Ursi, Lady's Mantle. Chamomile, and
Hemlock for emotional balance.
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'Womanly Wisdom'
Tea -
Helps tone the female reproductive system, balance hormones,
and soothe the emotions.
Packed with calcium and nutritious minerals.
A must for all women! Raspberry leaves, Squaw vine,
Vitex, Motherwort, Oatstraw, Skullcap, Orange Peel and Stevia.
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Live
Cleaner
–
Helps
to stimulate bile production, tone, strengthen, and detoxify
the liver, while relieving inflammation and congestion.
Contains Milk Thistle, Dandelion root, Burdock,
Yellow Dock, and Barberry with flower essences of Pansy,
Bloodroot, Red Cedar, Higher Spectral Colors #11 for
emotional balance.
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"By far the BEST supplement I've ever used!"
- Jane Smolnik |
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| This combination will help to tone and strengthen the uterus,
balance the hormones, reducing estrogen and increasing progesterone production.
It will ease painful cramps and spasms and will help to drain lymphatic and
uterine tissue. It will also help ease the nerves and mood swings that accompany
hormone imbalance. It is important to remember that IT TAKES THREE FULL MONTH TO
FULLY BRING THE BODY BACK INTO BALANCE! Continue the program for at least 90
days! While you may see some improvement right away, the symptoms
will continue to improve over a few months time. Please stick with the herbal
formula for 3-6 months. This should be taken 2-3x a day. The diet should be
modified, generally reducing animal products that contain natural and synthetic
hormones (especially beef, pork, and dairy!), and eating a whole and varied
diet. Include good liver foods and herbs such as beets, carrots, lemons,
dandelion and burdock roots, bitter greens in salads.
Notes taken from:
- Wholistic Herbal Protocols for Women's Health
,
by Amanda McQuaide Crawford,M.N.I.M.H., A.H.G. and Brenda Jackson, M.S., N.P.
Therapeutic Herbalism textbook, by
David Hoffmann, M.N.I.M.H.
Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary
Gladstar, Herbalist
Protocols for Botanical Healing,
Endrometriosis, by Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D.
Jane Smolnik is a certified Herbalist and Iridologist in
Springfield, Vermont. For more information, or to make an appointment for a
consultation, please call her at 802-885-5500
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