Nature's Field - Natural Approaches to Endometriosis

July 1, 2010 Natural Solutions to Endometriosis by Steven Horne, RH(AHG) A common cause of pelvic pain, endometriosis is a disorder where endometrial (uterine) tissue is found outside of the uterus.  This tissue responds to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle just like the uterine lining.  It falls apart at the same time the uterine lining sheds causing menstruation.  This can cause internal bleeding that results in swelling and inflammation of surrounding tissues. It may even cause scar tissue to form. Medical treatment for endometrosis can range from easing the pain with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like ibuprofen) to surgical removal of the endometrial tissue or a complete hysterectomy.  Medical treatment can also involve using birth control pills or other synthetic progestins (progesterone-mimics) to counteract the estrogen stimulation of these tissues.  About 10 to 20 percent of adult women have endometrosis.  No one is sure why this uterine tissue is growing outside the womb, but some researchers believe the high incidence of it is due to the influence of xenoestrogens.  Xenoestrogens are environmental chemicals that mimic the action of estrogen.  This excess estrogen stimulation promotes the growth of estrogen-sensitive tissues such as the uterine lining and breasts. So, the first thing women with endometriosis should do is avoid xenoestrogens.  Don't microwave food in plastics and avoid using plastic wrap and plastic containers.  Also avoid pesticides and herbicides by purchasing organic produce wherever possible and washing all produce in Sunshine Concentrate.  Also avoid commercial meat and dairy products. It is especially important to avoid animal fats from commercially-raised animals, because xenoestrogens tend to concentrate in fat. Other Ways to Balance Hormones Fat cells make estrogen, so if you are overweight, get on a program to lose weight.  This will also reduce estrogen production. Herbal remedies can also help balance hormones. Chaste tree berries can help to normalize levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body by regulating hormones from the pituitary.  Not only is it helpful for endometriosis, it can also be a useful herb for PMS, menopause and even teenage acne caused by raging hormones.  Wild Yam and Chaste Tree may be worth a try, too.  Wild yam is anti-inflammatory and helps to ease pain.  A fairly high dose (8-12 capsules per day) may be needed to be effective.  Start with six capsules per day increase if needed. Because progesterone and estrogen compete for receptor sites (which is why synthetic progesterone is used by the medical community to treat endometriosis), women with endometriosis could try using Pro-G-Yam Cream to enhance progesterone levels.  False unicorn also has a progesterone-like effect. Supplements that break down excess estrogens in the liver, such as indole-3 carbinol, may also be helpful. A good liver or blood purifier formula like All Cell Detox or Chinese Liver Balance will also improve liver detoxification of excess hormones. NSP Manager Pete Nichol's told me about the great results he has had great using Paw Paw Cell Reg (which inhibits abnormal cell growth) and IF-C (which reduces inflammation) to help women with endometriosis.  This makes sense, since Paw Paw is used for growths and tumors and the pain and discomfort is caused by inflammation.  I have passed his suggestion on to others and it does seem to have been helpful in many cases. Caster Oil Packs Endometriosis is often painful. In Chinese medicine pain is a symptom of that blood or energy (chi) is stagnant or "stuck."  In the case of endometrosis, there is stagnant blood in the body which needs to be broken up and dispersed.  A very good remedy for breaking up this stagnation and easing the pain associated with endometrosis is caster oil packs.  This topical application of caster oil boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation, pain and swelling and can help the body detoxify.  Caster oil packs have also been used to break up cysts and tumors. I found a great description of how to make a caster oil pack on the website Endo Resolved.  This website is full of useful information about natural therapy for endometriosis, too. Emotional Issues I have also found that unresolved emotional issues surrounding sexuality and reproduction can be a factor in problems like endometriosis.  Flower essences can be helpful here, particularly Easter Lily, which is for purifying the female reproductive organs and releasing negative attitudes about sexuality and menstruation.  For more information on emotional healing techniques purchase my new book, The Heart's Key to Health, Happiness and Success or attend my upcoming webinar on the same topic and get the book free. (See sidebar.) Medical science believes that endometriosis is incurable, however, many women have found relief from this problem naturally by adopting a healthier diet, using appropriate supplements and working with their emotions and stress.  Symptoms of endometriosis will disappear naturally with menopause, so even if natural means don't offer a complete cure, they may allow a woman to be symptom-free and maintain the integrity of her reproductive organs by avoiding drugs and surgery until the problem naturally resolves itself at menopause. For additional ideas about supplements and natural therapies for endometriosis consult The Comprehensive Guide to Nature's Sunshine Products, available at treelite.com. Steven Horne Invities You to a Free Webinar: Emotional Healing— The Missing Link in Holistic Health Care Have you ever been faced with a health problem (either with yourself or a client) that just didn't respond to herbs and supplements the way you know it should?  I have, and in every case, when I've done emotional healing work it has helped the healing process to move along. Diet, nutrition, exercise, rest and other physically-oriented therapies account for half of the healing equation.  The other half centers on unresolved mental and emotional stress.  Much of my effectiveness in working with people one-on-one is due to my 24 years of experience in approaching healing on this level. In this free webinar, I'm going to talk about why emotions are the "blind spot" in our culture and in our holistic healing paradigm.  In our culture, thinking is overrated and feeling is underrated, because what's in our hearts has more to do with our well-being than what's in our heads.  Discover the missing link in holistic health care and the key to finding greater health, happiness and success in this free webinar.  Click here to register. The Heart, Not the Head, Is the Key to Your Ultimate Well-Being Whether you realize it or not, your heart, not your head, is guiding most of your actions. That's because your innermost goal is to feel good—to be happy. Unfortunately, we've been taught from early childhood to ignore, reject or downplay the role of emotions in our life. That's why Steven Horne wrote his new book, The Heart's Key to Health, Happiness and Success.  This book provides profound insights into the world of our emotions and how you can heal the emotional wounds that are holding you back from achieving the health, happiness and success you desire. This ground-breaking book is based on 24 years of research and hands-on emotional healing work.  It will profoundly change the way you view your heart and your emotions, and provides practical tools you can use to start using your emotions in a positive way. Order your copy of The Heart's Key to Health, Happiness and Success today for just $17.95 plus shipping. If you want help in applying what this book teaches, Steven is also hosting a four-session webinar focusing on practical application of the principles taught in The Heart's Key to Health, Happiness and Success.  The webinar will be held at 7:00 Mountain Time on July 28, Aug 18, Sept 1 and Sept 8.  Each webinar will be two hours long, but Steven will stay on the webinar longer if necessary to answer questions.  The webinar is $147 and includes a free copy of The Heart's Key book (no shipping charge). Order the book or register for the webinar by going to www.treelite.com or calling 800-416-2887 today. Emotional Healing Workshop in Pace, FL Steven is teaching his first Emotional Healing Workshop based on his new book, The Heart's Key to Health, Happiness and Success at Storage Masters, 4636 Woodbine Road in Pace, Florida on July 10.  Cost for this workshop is $125 if you pre-register by July 2. The class is $150 at the door.  The price of the class does not include a copy of The Heart's Key  book). Do not call Tree of Light Publishing to register for this class.  Contact The Wellness Center at 850-994-5656 to register.