Fibroids are round muscle growths that develop in the uterus of women, a pear-shaped organ that is located between the bladder and the rectum. The good news is that fibroid is harmless and non-cancerous in most cases. Fibroids can be as small as a pea or as large as a melon.
They are also called uterine fibroids, leiomyomas, or myomas. While some fibroid grow gradually during the reproductive years, others stay the same size for many years. However, fibroid ideally stop growing after menopause. A woman can have either one or multiple fibroids in the body.
Causes and Symptoms
While the actual cause of fibroid has not been detected till date, factors such as weight issues and lack of nutrients can increase the chances of its occurrence in the body. Apart from that, genetics and hormones also play a major role in increasing the risk of developing a fibroid.
The production of progesterone and estrogen can increase the growth of the fibroid, while a decrease in these hormones can cause them to shrink or reduce in size. Almost 80 percent of women suffer from this condition. If your mother or sister has a fibroid, then you too are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with the condition.
The symptoms of fibroid(1) include painful period pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, constipation, miscarriages, difficulty in getting pregnant, pelvic pressure, backache, leg pain, bleeding between periods, frequent urination, and difficulty emptying your bladder.
However, the exact symptoms and the severity of these symptoms depend on where the fibroid is located in your body, what the size of the fibroid is and how many are present.
You may be at a higher risk for fibroids if you are in your 30s or 40s, are overweight or obese, have a family history of fibroids, have a poor diet or lack nutrition, take certain kind of birth control pills, or began menstruating before the age of 10.
How to Treat Fibroids Using Naturopathic Remedies?
There are many effective treatments for fibroid out there. However, not all treatments may suit women. For example, some fibroid treatments may not prove to be safe for women who want to get pregnant in the future.
For all those women who want to conceive, it’s important to know that fibroid can interfere with implantation in some cases. Therefore, the best way to reduce and prevent fibroid is by treating it naturally. Natural ingredients will not do any harm to the body. In fact, they help improve your health.
CURE 1: Home Remedies
Treating a fibroid with the help of natural, homemade items is not only effective in most cases but is also very safe. Even though there are a number of medical treatments available out there, most women prefer home remedies to prevent fibroid growth. Here are seven such natural remedies that are known to prevent fibroid growth and stop it completely:
1. Amla
Amla, popularly known as the Indian gooseberry has many impressive health benefits and is one of the most important foods in Ayurvedic medicine. This humble fruit has almost twice the antioxidant power of acai berry and about 17 times that of the pomegranate. From curing sore throat and painful mouth ulcers to reducing constipation, amla is a wonder fruit that can do it all.
It is packed with Vitamin C. Its medical benefits combined with its versatility make amla a great addition to your daily diet. Including amla in your diet will help you achieve amazing benefits as it improves metabolism and aids in faster digestion.
And that’s not all! Amla has some great hair and skin benefits too. From acting as a natural conditioner for healthy and luscious locks to helping you achieve glowing skin, amla can be the perfect substitute for all the junk food in your life without compromising on the taste.
Why Does It Work?
Rich in antioxidants, Amla makes for an excellent natural remedy for treating fibroid.
How to Use?
Mix amla powder and honey together and consume the mixture every morning as soon as you wake up.
How Much to Use?
Take one teaspoon amla powder and honey each. Continue having this mixture for a few months for noticeable results.
2. Milk
Milk is a nutrient-rich fluid which is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it is also rich in proteins, antioxidants, and contains hundreds of different fatty acids. Milk is considered a ‘complete protein’ as it contains all nine amino acids that your body needs to function at an optimal level.
These nine essential nutrients include calcium for building healthy bones, potassium for maintaining blood pressure, protein for repairing muscle tissue, phosphorous for strengthening bones, Vitamin B12 for maintaining healthy red blood cells, Vitamin D for strengthening bones, Vitamin A for maintaining the immune system, Riboflavin to convert food into energy, Niacin for metabolizing sugars, and fatty acids. In short, milk packs quite a punch when it comes to nutrition.
You’ll be surprised to know that an 8-ounce glass of milk provides the same amount of Vitamin D you’d get from 3.5 ounces of cooked salmon, as much potassium as a small banana, as much calcium as two-and-one-fourth cup of broccoli, as much Vitamin A as two small carrots, and as much phosphorus as one cup of kidney beans.
Why Does It Work?
By consuming dairy products on a daily basis, you have 30 percent fewer chances of developing uterine fibroid compared to those who consumed less than a serving of it per day, reason being that calcium from dairy products helps in reducing cell proliferation.
How to Use?
There are a number of ways to consume milk. You can either have it raw or add some flavours to it for better taste.
How Much to Use?
Consume at least 4 or more servings of dairy products daily.
[ Read: Foods to Avoid with Fibroids ]
3. Dandelion Root
Dandelion is a family of flowering plants that are grown in many parts of the world. Dandelion root is known for its wide array of medicinal properties. This centuries-old remedy is used to treat several physical ailments such as acne, liver disease, cancer, and digestive disorders.
The benefits of using dandelion in your diet are more than you can imagine. Dandelions are highly nutritious plants that are packed with fibre, minerals, and vitamins. Dandelion root is rich in the carbohydrate inulin, a type of soluble fibre found in plants that supports the maintenance and growth of healthy bacterial flora in your body’s intestinal tract.
Why Does It Work?
Poor liver functioning may lead to poor elimination of excess hormones which in turn contributes to the development of fibroid. What makes dandelion one of the best home remedies to treat fibroid is that firstly, it aids in the detoxification of liver and secondly, it helps clear estrogen from the body.
How to Use?
To prepare a dandelion-root infused drink, all you need to do is boil three tablespoons of dandelion root in 2-3 cups of water and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Turn off the stove and allow the mixture to steep for another 15 minutes. Strain and drink the water.
How Much to Use?
Prepare dandelion root water and consume it thrice a day for at least three months for effective results.
4. Garlic
Apart from its strong smell and delicious taste, you’ll be surprised to know that garlic has the power to treat a variety of medical conditions. The sulphur compounds present in garlic have impressive health benefits. Garlic contains decent amounts of calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorous, copper, and Vitamin B1—a little bit of almost everything your body needs.
From combating cold and reducing blood pressure to improving cholesterol levels and detoxifying heavy metals in the body, garlic is packed with all the nutrients your body needs for healthy functioning. In short, garlic helps you live longer.
The fact that garlic can fight infectious diseases is also an important factor because medical conditions, such as blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, and heart diseases are common causes of death, especially in the elderly or people with dysfunctional immune systems.
Why Does It Work?
Rich in natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, garlic helps prevent the growth of tumours and uterine fibroid in the body.
How to Use?
Consume garlic cloves on a daily basis. If the odour or taste of garlic bothers you, then it’s best to wash it down with a glass of milk because milk too is a great remedy for reducing the growth of fibroid.
How Much to Use?
Consume five garlic cloves regularly for effective results.
[Also Read: 9 Health Benefits of Black Garlic]
5. Burdock Root Tea
Burdock root is a powerhouse of antioxidants that has been used for centuries to treat different medical conditions. The antioxidants present in it protect your cells from getting damaged due to free radicals. They also help treat and prevent several health conditions.
The antioxidants present in it help reduce inflammation in the body. Including burdock root in your daily diet can help you purify your blood and at the same time inhibit certain types of cancer. What’s more? Burdock root helps treat skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of burdock root can treat skin issues effectively. While burdock root has a number of health benefits, there are some potential risks too.
Firstly, since burdock root is a natural diuretic, it’s not a good idea to consume it if you’re dehydrated as that can simply increase dehydration in your body. And secondly, collecting burdock root from the wild is a strict no-no because burdock plant and belladonna nightshade plants often grow together and the latter is highly toxic.
Why Does It Work?
Burdock root is one of the most effective home remedies to treat fibroid. It improves the ability of the liver to metabolize estrogen, which in turn reduces fibroid. And that’s not all! Burdock root is enriched with lignin arctigenin that prevents fibroid from growing in the body.
How to Use?
Just how you would sip on any other tea, similarly, make tea out of burdock root and consume it daily.
How Much to Use?
Sip on burdock root tea at least twice a day for effective results.
CURE 2: Foods
Eating right is the most essential way of preventing and reducing fibroids. Here are all the foods that your daily diet should include:
1. Organic Foods
Fibre-rich unprocessed foods help aid in the process of reducing the growth of fibroid. Increase your intake of green leafy vegetables, organic foods, foods rich in beta-carotene such as carrots, kale, spinach and sweet potatoes, foods rich in iron such as legumes and grass-fed beef, flax seeds, whole grains like brown rice, buckwheat, spelt, rye, millet, and oats. In liquids, it’s best to consume herbal teas made with dandelion root, yellow dock, milk thistle, chasteberry, red raspberry, and nettle.
Organic foods contain no chemical pesticides and this is exactly what helps prevent and shrink fibroid.
2. Dairy products
If you love milk-based drinks, smoothies, and dairy, then you’re in for a treat! You’ll be happy to know that milk and dairy help reduce fibroid. Dairy products are rich in magnesium, calcium and phosphorus; these nutrients prevent the growth of fibroid in the body. In fact, your risk of fibroid may increase if you lack Vitamin D and Vitamin A.
3. Vegetables And Fruits
Organic green leafy vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties which in turn discourage the growth of fibroid in a woman’s body. And that’s not all! These vegetables are also rich in Vitamin K, which helps control menstrual bleeding, as well as aids in preventing blood clotting. Hormonal balance is key to treating fibroid naturally, and is precisely why you need to reduce your pesticide intake as much as possible.
CURE 3: Natural Treatments
While some risk factors of fibroid are out of control, there are many that you can manage, such as consuming higher quality meat, adding more green leafy vegetables to your diet and reducing the consumption of alcohol. When it comes to treating fibroid, nothing works as brilliantly as natural remedies. Balancing your hormones naturally is the key to preventing fibroid. Here are 6 such natural treatments that can help you reduce your risk of fibroid:
1. Supplements
Before taking any supplements, it’s important that you consult your doctor. There are supplements such as vitex or chasteberry, Vitamin B-complex, progesterone cream, fish or flaxseed oil, and milk thistle that create better hormone balance in the body.
Why Does It Work?
- Vitex helps reduce estrogen levels by promoting the growth of progesterone. Take vitex or chasteberry twice a day for at least six months for effective results.
- Lack of Vitamin B-complex in your diet can strip your liver of the raw materials it requires for a seamless functioning of its metabolic processes and to regulate estrogen levels. It’s ideal to take 50 milligrams of Vitamin B-complex on a regular basis.
- While you need to check with the doctor before using the progesterone cream, applying it topically can help balance out low progesterone. Take ¼ teaspoon of the cream and apply every 26 days excluding your menstrual cycle.
- Fish or flaxseed oil is rich in essential fatty acids which can help reduce inflammation in your body. This in turn can prevent fibroid growth. Consume either 1000 milligrams of fish oil or one tablespoon flaxseed oil daily.
- Consuming 150 milligrams milk thistle twice a day can aid your body in liver detoxification which in turn helps balance hormones.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular and healthiest types of vinegar. From helping you lose weight and reduce cholesterol in the body to lowering blood sugar levels and reducing symptoms of diabetes, ACV is an ancient remedy that is extensively used for household and cooking purposes. In fact, the main ingredient in ACV known as acetic acid prevents bad bacteria from spreading in your system.
Why Does It Work?
Apple cider vinegar reduces symptoms of fibroid by removing toxins from the body and promoting fat loss. In fact, the power of ACV is also known to shrink fibroid tumours. It is another effective home remedy for treating a fibroid.
How to Use?
Mix apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and consume it on a regular basis. It is one of the healthiest practices you can adopt in order to support your body. While there are no magic pills out there when it comes to health, apple cider vinegar can definitely expedite your healing process. Including ACV in your everyday routine can put your health in check.
How Much to Use?
Just add one teaspoon apple cider vinegar to one glass of water and consume this drink once a day regularly.
3. Essential Oils
Essential oils have time and again proved to be beneficial for your hair and skin. But did you ever think that these very oils may also help with fibroid treatment? Yes, you’ll be surprised to know that essential oils such as thyme, frankincense and clary sage are the best for treating fibroid as these oils have the power to balance hormones naturally.
[ Also Read: 6 Proven Essential Oils for Fibroids ]
Why Does It Work?
As per researchers, clary sage oil significantly lowers cortisol levels and has antidepressant effects. How to use these essential oils, you ask? Well, all you need to do is rub two drops of each oil over your lower abdomen twice daily. Combine it with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, especially if you have sensitive skin.
4. Herbal teas
Did you know that sipping herbal teas regularly can help assuage fibroid symptoms by rebalancing certain hormones and decreasing inflammation. Teas made with herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion root, nettle, yellow dock, red raspberry and chasteberry are beneficial for the reproductive system as well as the uterus.
Why Does It Work?
- Green tea extract can effectively treat uterine fibroid. The leaves contain powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols that have been used for centuries to treat various medical conditions.
- Burdock root tea contains anti-inflammatory and purifying properties which makes it an effective remedy to treat fibroid. Burdock root helps detoxify excess estrogen that may be the reason behind the growth of fibroid.
- Chasteberry tea helps reduce bloating, headaches and irritability while menstruating. Its antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties help treat fibroid.
5. Castor Oil
Castor oil is an herbal oil that has powerful healing properties. The benefits of using castor oil are more than you can imagine. From enhancing fertility and ovarian cysts to dissolving fibroid and unblocking tubes, a castor oil massage is a miracle herbal treatment for banishing fibroid. It is ideal to perform a castor oil massage at the end of your menstrual cycle and just before ovulation.
Timing matters the most when it comes to treating fibroid with the help of a castor oil massage. Its anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties increase the intensity of healing energy.
6. Stay away from environmental toxins
Environmental toxins are your hormones’ biggest enemies! Keeping a safe distance from chemicals, such as herbicides, pesticides, bleach, food preservatives and food dyes, and synthetic fertilizers can improve your hormonal health. If you want to reduce and prevent fibroid naturally, then steer clear off these environmental toxins as much as possible.
7. Exercise regularly
Listen up, women! The more you exercise, the less likely you are to develop uterine fibroid. While exercising is good for the overall health of your body, it is also one of the best ways to treat fibroid. Exercising daily helps improve blood flow, controls blood pressure, keeps your weight in check and may even contribute to hormonal balance. And that’s not all!
Did you know you can prevent fibroid from growing in your body by exercising regularly? The anti-inflammatory effects of exercising can be beneficial in the treatment of fibroid.
However, you can select any form of exercise that you’re comfortable with. There are so many different physical activities out there such as swimming, jogging, running, walking and dancing to name a few. Being active, both physically as well as mentally can help you live a longer and healthier life. Muscle movement is crucial for your body to feel alive.
CURE 4: Herbs
The best way to treat fibroid is by taking the herbal route because herbs are potent medicines and can interact with other drugs. Home remedies, diet and lifestyle changes, and natural treatments help reduce fibroid from growing and also relieve its symptoms at the same time. Here’s everything you need to know about treating fibroid with the help of herbal remedies:
1. Green Tea
Green tea is a very healthy beverage. From healthy functioning of the brain and fat loss, to lowering the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s, green tea has impressive health benefits. Green tea contains large amounts of a catechin known as Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). Catechins are natural antioxidants that prevent cell and molecule damage and reduce the formation of free radicals in the body.
EGCG is known to treat various diseases and is one of the main reasons why green tea is so powerful. Green tea is also loaded with minerals that improve your physical health.
Why Does It Work?
Green tea contains a compound called Epigallocatechin Gallate which has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-proliferation properties that prevent the growth of fibroid cells and increases their death rate.
How to Use?
It’s important that you choose a high-quality brand of green tea because poor quality brands may contain excessive amounts of fluoride. Use green tea in either powdered form or tea bags. Mix it with warm water and drink it daily.
How Much to Use?
Want to permanently get rid of fibroid from your body? Then inculcate the habit of drinking green tea regularly. Consume 2-3 cups of green tea on a daily basis. Doing so will not only reduce the size of fibroid, but also reduce its symptoms.
2. Chasteberry
Chasteberry, also popularly known as vitex is usually consumed during heavy menstrual bleeding and painful periods. This herbal remedy works well to balance female hormone levels and stimulate the pituitary gland. Chasteberry specifically helps to increase progesterone and decrease estrogen which makes it an effective remedy, especially in cases of excess estrogen.
Vitex contains constituents that work to not just nourish your endocrine system but also to enhance your body’s ability to obtain hormonal balance naturally.
It is an effective herb for treating uterine fibroid. Chasteberry can be found in tea, tablets or herbal capsules. You can either have chaste berry as a raw, dried herb or consume 30-50 drops of chasteberry extracts thrice a day to treat fibroid.
[Also Read: 7 Incredible Herbs to Treat Fibroids]
Foods To Avoid
1. Red Meat and Alcohol
Firstly, red meat and alcohol are your body’s worst enemy, especially if you are suffering from fibroid. Red meat and alcohol increases your risk of fibroid, especially uterine fibroid.
2. Refined Carbohydrates
Excess consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods may either trigger or worsen fibroid. These foods tend to increase blood sugar levels which cause your body to produce too much insulin hormone.
If you want to reduce the risk of fibroid, then avoid refined carbohydrate foods such as flour, white rice, pasta, corn syrup, boxed cereals, soda, sugary drinks, baked food items such as cake, cookies and doughnuts, potato chips, caffeine and crackers.
3. Environmental Toxins
Environmental toxins that worsen the condition include pesticides, herbicides, harmful cleaners, food preservatives and food dyes, bleach and synthetic fertilizers. In order to reduce your risk of fibroid, it’s also important to opt for natural, unbleached feminine care products such as skin care, body care and makeup.
Bottom Line
While eating a healthy, balanced diet and shedding extra pounds is important for the overall health of your body, a few lifestyle changes can treat as well as reduce the risk of fibroid in your body.
If you’re someone who wants to take the natural root instead of medicinal treatments, then your dietician may be the best person to create a diet plan for you in order to help you prevent and reduce the effects of fibroid.
Whether you have surgery, drug therapy or other fibroid treatments, following a diet plan can make all the difference in treating this condition and helping you with the healthy functioning of your body in the long run.
FAQs
1. How fast do fibroid grow?
Some fibroid grow with time and others shrink. The majority of fibroid in most cases are small and do not cause any symptoms at all. Fibroids tend to increase in size in pregnant women because their hormone levels are high during this period. Whereas, after menopause, fibroid stop growing or become smaller in size due to low hormone levels.
2. How to shrink fibroid fast?
Lifestyle changes can help reduce fibroid. Firstly, a Mediterranean diet can lower your risk for fibroid. Secondly, cutting back or avoiding alcohol entirely can also help shrink fibroid. Apart from that, balancing estrogen and increasing your intake of Vitamin D are the best ways to shrink fibroid fast.
3. How to shrink fibroid naturally?
Regular exercise, castor oil packs and consuming nutritious foods can help shrink fibroid naturally. Also, herbal remedies can prove to be beneficial in helping you reduce and prevent the growth of fibroid in your body.
4. What makes fibroid grow?
While medical researchers and doctors haven’t yet discovered what causes fibroid to grow, evidence suggests that estrogen, female hormones and progesterone can be the main reason for this condition.
5. Do fibroids go away?
Uterine fibroid in most cases are harmless and often go away on their own. When symptoms occur, however, untreated fibroid can interfere with a person’s quality of life and may lead to health concerns such as anemia. Rarely can uterine fibroid become very large, infected, or twisted. After menopause, fibroid either stops growing or becomes smaller in size due to low hormone levels.
