Fibroid Tumor/Herbal Remedy?

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I have a large fibroid tumor (uterus) that causes havoc with my monthly, causing massive bleeding and clots to the point that I must remain at home for 3-4 days each month. I have had too many accidents in public (including blood pooling at my feet). This has also caused me to become massively anemic so that I must take mega doses of iron. I am 45 years old and can't wait for menopause.

The doctor says a complete hysterectomy is all that will cure it. Cutting it out will only do temporarily because they usually grow right back.

I have heard that there are herbal remedies for this. Does anybody have any suggestions?

Thanks. I'm desperate.

www.geocities.com/shilohschild

-- Shilohs Child (shilohschild@christianemail.com), June 16, 2001

Answers

I have a ton of herbal medicine bookmarks, and also I have a pretty fair hard-copy library. It's late tonight, but I'll try to find some info for you tomorrow. There is probably a remedy that will help. But like many chronic problems, you may not get a cure- you may only keep it under control. That is the case with my mother. A few years ago, she was not expected to live long. She was all but completely bed-ridden and going down fast. We started her on herbal and nutritional therapy, and now, at 66 years, no one can keep up with her! However, if for some reason she misses certain of her supplements for a few days, her conditions hit her fast! Read a condensed version of her story at: http://homepages.about.com/trinityhealth/trinityhealthsolutions/id1.ht ml BTW, my private email address is at christianemail.com. I'll write you from there, if you wish.

-- Cathy<>< (trinityhealth@nativestar.net), June 17, 2001.

I found a lot of answers to women's problems in the books "What Your Doctor May NOT Tell You About Pre-Menopause", and "What Your Doctor May NOT Tell You About Menopause", by Dr. John Lee. You may be overloaded with estrogen, and progesterone cream may help you immensely.

We don't consciously take too much estrogen, but our bodies get out of whack because there is estrogen "act-alikes" in all the plastics that we are surrounded by and eat food from. And I guess cattle and chickens are given estrogen-like stuff to make them grow faster, so we all get zapped with it whether we know it or not.

I started progesterone cream about a year ago (post-menopausal), and one of the most wonderful side effects of it is that I am MUCH more calm, and it has practically stopped episodes of irregular heartbeats that I used to get (gas-inspired), so I don't panic all the time. I'm very grateful to my friend who recommended it, and grateful to the books.

-- Bonnie (chilton@stateline-isp.com), June 17, 2001.


I agree with Bonnie. I used to stay home doring my monthly like you too until I started the progesterone cream. Aworld of difference. I reccommend it to all my older friends, and even some of the younger ones with problems.

-- Sandra Nelson (Magin@starband.net), June 17, 2001.

Have you tried Essiac tea? It's also called 4-Herb Tea. I truly believe in it and it has helped me through a variety of problems. I get mine from the Herbal Healer Academy at www.herbalhealer.com. Essiac tea is also the bitter herbs that the bible mentions that can cure man's ills. The website has testimonials attesting to the value of 4-Herb Tea. This sounds like a commercial, but to me this is THE wonder non-drug!

Hope you heal and feel better soon! I'll say a few prayers for you.

Xanadu

-- Xanadu (tookums3@aol.com), June 17, 2001.


Has your doctor offered you the Depo-Provera shot? With or without the removal of the tumor, if you take two shots, one and then another three months later, it should stop your cycle. I am 32 years old and recently had a fibroid the size of an orange removed from my uterus. I do not have children. My OBGYN offered a hysterectomy if I felt I would never want children. I don't think I want to procreate, but who knows what the future holds. I don't know what you mean when you say " Cutting it out will only do temporarily because they usually grow right back." If you have a hysterectomy, they can not grow back, as there is no medium for them to grow back into. I too, have suffered the embarrasment of standing in line at the grocery store, only to feel the trickle down you leg and see the pool at your feet. I LOVE Depo Provera- Stops everything. If this stops working for me soon, I will have the hysterectomy. Life is too short to worry.

-- Terri Perry (teperry@stargate.net), June 17, 2001.


All of the following information is from Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Healing for Women.

Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are benign tumors, generally solid in nature, that grow on the uterus. Small fibroids can be totally symptom-free. As they grow larger and/or more numerous, they may cause some pain, bleeding between periods, and excessive bleeding during periods. Large fibroids can also prevent pregnancy and/or cause miscarriages, but this is rare and occurs only if the fibroid has grown quite large. Though their cause is not fully known, we do know that they are dependent on estrogen for their growth. Estrogen treatments, oral contraceptives, and pregnancy stimulate their growth. Lowering estrogen levels in the body slows the growth of fibroids. Uterine fibroids will often shrink considerably or disappear completely during and after menopause, when estrogen levels naturally decrease.

Ovarian Cysts

An ovarian cyst is a sac containing fluid or semisolid material that develops in the ovarian tissue. Like fibroids, ovarian cysts are often symptom-free in the early stages. If they continue to grow, excessive bleeding, painful menstruation cycles and pain in the pelvic area may be experienced. The most common symptoms are lower abdominal discomfort, together with distention of the abdomen. As the cyst enlarges, the abdomen begins to extend and will begin to mirror the early stages of pregnancy. Cysts seem to develop when a follicle fails to rupture or release an egg during its normal development. These follicles fill with clear fluid or become semisolid and develop into little sacs. Cysts seldom require surgical removal and most disappear by themselves with a little added help.

General Information

Usually, ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids are discovered during routine pelvic exams or testing done for other problems. They may also be detected when they’ve grown quite large or numerous and are causing physical problems such as excessive bleeding, painful menstrual cycles or distention of the abdominal wall. Once the discovery is made, you will usually have time to try natural remedies. If your doctor recommends immediate surgical removal or other radical treatments, consider your second and third options. And get at least one second opinion.

According to the work of Dr.. Catherine Kousimine, who has treated degenerative illnesses such as cancer for over forty years, cysts and fibroids are a part of the body’s normal defense system. When the liver isn’t able to detoxify the system, she believes, a “second liver” is created in the form of a cyst or fibroid. This second liver performs the role of storing toxins and maintaining the organism’s equilibrium.

Medical science doesn’t know the exact reasons or what causes growths to form on the ovarian and uterine walls, nor are they able to provide answers for preventing them.

Natural Therapies for Uterine Fibroids and Ovarian Cysts

Below are some suggestions designed to help the body rid itself naturally of abnormal growths like fibroids and cysts. It generally takes three full menstrual cycles for most growths to either disappear or shrink in size. If they are large, it may take longer. If they are large, it may take long. If the growth(s)are already dangerously large when discovered, you may wish to consider orthodox therapies. But be sure to follow up with a good natural cleansing/building program that will both heal your womb area and prevent further growths from occurring.

ß Focus on a diet that helps lower estrogen levels and slows the growth of benign tumors. Eliminate sugar, white flour, and refined foods. Eliminate all methyl-xanthines, such as caffeine, theophyline, theobromine (coffee, chocolate, cola and black/green teas). Eliminate red meat, which is a source of exogneous estrogen. If you wish to include red meat in your diet, do so on a limited basis, and be certain it is organically raised. Decrease fats, especially animal fats. Replace with unsaturated vegetable oils which are high in unsaturated fatty acids. Decrease milk and dairy products which are sources of exogenous estrogen Yogurt and cultured milks are acceptable. Increase foods that are high in vitamins C, E, and selenium. These are antioxidants and help increase the detoxification of estrogen. Include complex carbohydrates, which are found in vegetables and whole grains. Also, include foods high in sulfur-containing amino acids such as garlic, onions, beans and eggs.

ß Take two tablespoons of spirulina daily (or capsules....much easier to get down!)

ß Take two capsules of 500 milliliters black current seed oil, evening primrose oil or borage oil three times a day.

ß Take two capsules of dong quai three times a day, except during menstruation.

ß Take NatureWorks Herbal Iron are recommended on the container.

ß Take 600 I.U. vitamin E capsule daily (unless you have diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)

ß Eat shitake mushrooms several times a week. These can be sauteed, steamed and/or eaten raw.

In the following recipes, a part constitutes and “equal amount”, such as an ounce, a half ounce, etc.

IMMUNE CLEANSER

1 part yellow dock root 1 part ginger 3 parts dandelion root 1 part dong quai 2 parts burdock root 1 part astragalus 1 part licorice root 4 parts pau d’arco 1 part vitex (chaste berry) Optional: cinnamon, orange peel, sassafras and stevia to taste.

To Make: Use four to six tablespoons of herb mixture per quart of water. Add herbs to cold water and simmer over low heat for twenty minutes longer. Strain. Drink three to four cups a day.

CHAPARRAL CAPSULES

1 part chaparral powder 1 part yellow dock root powder 1 part pau d’arco powder 1 part vitex (chaste berry) powder Can mix together and fill herb capsules.

Take two of these a day, three times a day for three months.

[Marcee’s Lazy, Cheaper Alternative: Just buy Chaparral and Pau D’Arco capsules, and take one of each three times a day for three months.]

LIVER CLEANSE TEA

1 part yellow dock root 1 part Oregon grape root 2 parts wild yam root 2 parts burdock root 1 part dandelion root 1 part vitex (chaste berry) Cinnamon, ginger, sassafras and orange peel to taste.

To Make: Use four to six tablespoons of herb mixture per quart of water. Add herbs to cold water and bring to a simmer over low heat. Keep pot tightly covered. Gently simmer for twenty minutes. Remove from heat and infuse twenty minutes longer. Strain. Drink three to four cups daily.

[Marcee’s Suggestion: Maybe take Red Clover Tincture a couple of times a day to help keep the blood cleansed as well as it is going to be carrying lots of toxins around the body.]

ß Use castor oil packs three to four times a week, more often if your schedule allows. [ Marcee’s way: Use flannel, preferably wool. Heat the bottle of castor oil in a bowl of hot water. Lie down and generously apply castor oil to lower abdomen area or to the flannel and lie it over the lower abdomen. Then, put a hot water bottle on it, or a plastic bag and a heating pad. Keep it as warm as possible and on for an hour. I usually lie under the covers to help retain the heat in my water bottle, and then half way through I change the water, add more oil and reapply the flannel and heat.]

ß Make use of green clay packs. Clay is the essence of the mountains, ground down over the ages into a smooth powder. it is the rich substance of the earth, blessed by thousands of sunrises, sunsets, wind, and rainstorms. When we take the minerals that we call clay, mix them with water and place the resulting paste over our wounds, we are using a powerful, age-old medicine.

Clay has strong drawing properties and will help draw blood to the area of the cyst or fibroid and concentrate it there. The strong flow of blood to an area disperses energy and helps break up the congestion and stagnation that often contribute to growths and blockages in the body.

To make a green clay poultice for a cyst or fibroid, take one-half to one cup of clay and mix it into a paste with warm water. Spread a little vegetable oil directly over the area of the fibroid or cyst. Next, spread the clay thickly over the area. Cover it with a thick piece of gauze or cotton cloth and leave it on until the poultice is completely dry. The longer you leave it on the better. I generally suggest leaving a clay poultice on for one to two hours or overnight. Rinse off with warm water. For the clay poultice to be most effective, it is necessary to apply it three to four times a week for several months.

ß Make use of spitz baths. An old European hydrotherapy treatment, spitz baths are probably the single most effective method, next to diet and herbs, for shrinking abnormal growths in the reproductive organs. They are easily done, but are a bit awkward at first. You will have to get used to them to fully appreciate the benefits. Spitz baths apply the principles of hydrotherapy to draw fresh blood to the pelvic area. Using applications of hot and cold water, you alternately dilate and constrict the blood vessels in the pelvic area. When the blood vessels are dilated, a fresh flow of blood is carried to the area. When they are constricted, the blood is forced away. This pumping action serves to concentrate energy in the area and aids in removing stagnation and blocked energy.

To do a spitz bath you will need two large buckets. They need to be big enough to hold your buttocks comfortably, yet must fit inside your bathtub or shower. Plastic buckets are more comfortable than metal ones. Fill one bucket with hot, hot water. For added benefit you can make an herbal tea, such as nettle or raspberry tea to add to the hot water. The other bucket needs to be filled with the coldest water possible. You might need to drop a few ice cubes into the cold water to keep it really icy cold.

Now, get ready. Carefully ease your buttocks into the hot water. The water should be almost uncomfortably hot, but not so hot that you burn! Sit for several minutes and just when it starts to get comfortable, transfer you hot, pick buns to the cold bucket. It will be shocking. Force yourself to sit there for several minutes. And just when it begins to feel tolerable-- you’ve got it --back into the hot bucket. Repeat this process five to six times, several times a week. Just in case it sounds too torturous, it really doesn’t feel that uncomfortable, and the benefits are certainly worth it.

Marcee’s interpretation:

Now, what is important is to focus on what feels right to you, and hit a bit of everything. For example, certain herbs are repeated in a number of formulas. How about the Chaparral and Pau D’Arco capsules daily, drink tea of dandelion root and burdock root (burdock grows wild too and is free for the taking) and maybe yellow dock, along with the chaste berries? The chaste berries are good hormone regulators, and would be important. That would be a good Immune Cleanser/Liver Cleanse combo. Follow all the dietary recommendations, period. Add more good oils to the diet, and black currant oil capsules or borage capsules can be a good source. The castor oil packs are easy to do while reading or watching t.v., and relaxing to do because of the warmth. The spitz baths can be done before a shower. The green clay can be done overnight. Those would be my choices of how to do it. I take red clover tincture daily at the moment when I remember, so I am used to this. The tea will be bitter, but remember, it is healing your body.

Herbs can be ordered from Blooming Prairie and Frontier Herbs. Their bulk herbs are only sold in 1# quantities. Mountain Rose Herbs, (800)879-3337 sells herbs, mostly organic or wild crafted in 4 ox, bozo and 1 # quantities. They are easier to get hold of than Jean’s Greens and seem to ship faster, but Jean’s Greens, (315)845-6500 offer smaller quantities, of ooze. at one price, 9-15 oz. at one price, and then a pound price. Most of theirs are wild crafted and organic too. Both are pretty cool small businesses. They also carry some tinctures, etc.

Have you tried having them removed so you know they grow right back? You may want to try it again, but then follow up with this stuff. Also, I would suggest you look for a Nationally Certified Classical Homeopathist and have some homeopathic work done. It works deeper than herbs, and may shift your body's system enough that you don't get them.

-- Marcee King (thathope@mwt.net), June 18, 2001.


I have been looking up all the info I can about uterine fibroids, and also about anemia, which accompanies the condition. I am posting the info at the address below. I will keep adding more information as I find it. If anyone else wants to contribute, PLEASE DO SO! http://pub50.bravenet.com/forum/show.php?usernum=4248179107&cpv=1

-- Cathy<>< (trinityhealth@nativestar.net), June 18, 2001.

I am astounded at the numerous responses I have received. I have never seen anything like it. It both thrills me to know of the compassion of so many who are willing to research for me and share so willingly of their time and heartaches with the same problem.

Many responses have come directly to my e-mail, because of the personal nature of the problem at hand.

It also is heart breaking to know that so many people have suffered with the problem. Many of your doctors seem to be a bit more helpful than my own. His response was only to have a hysterectomy. No other advice was offered. Thanks to all of you for filling that void.

Thank you all, and may God bless you abundantly.

www.geocities.com/shilohschild

-- Shiloh's Child (shilohschild@christianemail.com), June 18, 2001.


I came across this in the July 2001 Harriet Carter catalog (www.harrietcarter.com). The Fibromyalgia Relief Handbook by Chet Cunningham (#B9678). 216 page paperback. $9.98 plus S&H. Says, in part, "You'll learn about brand-new natural, alternative and medical solutions that can bring relief."

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), July 15, 2001.

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