23 Fantastic Natural Remedies for Endometriosis You Can Fit Into Your Daily Life!
Are there any natural remedies for endometriosis that you can fit into your daily life? Even though 10% of women (some sources put the figure as high as 15%) suffer from this agonising condition, little is known about its causes and there’s no cure.
Sadly I’m not surprised – all too often, it seems like women’s issues are left behind. On the flipside, there are plenty of natural cures for endometriosis floating around to offer hope but how effective are they really? I decided to take a closer look and realised that many are inexpensive, easy to try and according to those in the know, could match up with a healthy lifestyle.
Your health professional will point you in the direction of all the medical help available, but there are a lot of ways you can make sure you’re living well too.
I’ve rounded up 23 natural remedies for endometriosis you might want to know about.
What Is Endometriosis Video:
What Do the Experts Say about Endometriosis?
- Aromatherapy might make a difference to endometriosis symptoms, according to age-old treatments and recent trials.
- Can you ease symptoms while improving your all-round health with exercise? It’s a totally natural treatment for endometriosis that ticks a ton of boxes including the feel-good factor.
- Anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals all count – see what those in the know recommend. You could find a delicious way to ease your ailments.
- Make tea time count by switching caffeine for super-powered herbal teas. Traditional brews are being taken seriously, so it might be time to revisit these home remedies.
- Could avoiding additives and chemicals improve your health? Recent research links endometriosis with certain everyday chemicals in our homes.
Start Your Own All-Natural Research Here
#1 Drink More Water for All-Round Health
Do you gulp down the recommended eight glasses of water? Since getting into the habit a few years ago I don’t find it a chore but anecdotally I know not everyone finds it so easy.
Everyone knows they’re supposed to drink plenty of water, but for endometriosis sufferers it’s even more important. The Endometriosis and Fertility Clinic highlight just how important it is to up your intake because you need to top up lost fluids.
Valerie Ann Worwood and Julia Stonehouse’s ‘The Endmetriosis Natural Treatment Plan’ (2003) recommends filtering tap water to avoid additives that might be flowing through the pipes.
#2 Anti-Inflammatory Evening Primrose Oil
This North American wildflower has earned a widespread reputation as an anti-inflammatory. It’s recommended for all kinds of ailments including endometriosis and IBS, as well as asthma, eczema and a host of others.
So how does it work? Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid which is thought to bring down inflammation.
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That’s not all though. According to recent studies, evening primrose oil is also thought to regulate estrogen levels, which explains why it is often recommended as both a menopause and endometriosis treatment.
As with any natural remedy, check the risk factors because evening primrose oil isn’t suitable for everyone (pregnant women in particular are told to avoid it).
# 3 Find Phytoestrogens in Beans and Peas
Eating more legumes like peas, beans and lentils could help with endometriosis symptoms, according to Sandra Cabot MD of the Australian Women’s Health Advisory Service in her book ‘Endometriosis: Your Best Chance to Cure It’ (2012).
That sounds achievable, given that these versatile foods can be added to any number of regular mealtime recipes – and they’re packed with other healthy nutrients as well.
How can simply adding beans to your diet act as a natural remedy?
Nutritionists believe the phytoestrogens in these foods help to level out hormone imbalances, which they suggest could make a difference to menopausal troubles too – a useful tip if you’re combatting both sets of symptoms.
#4 Vitex Agnus-Castus Could Balance Hormones
Any keen gardeners out there? You’ll connect the name with the Mediterranean shrub. Today we’re talking about its tincture or tablet form, and medics are interested in this natural remedy’s properties following some promising studies.
Chaste berry or vitex agnus-castus is often marketed for PMS and fertility as well as endometriosis and menopausal symptoms. It’s thought to mimic the synthesis of luteinizing hormone which regulates estrogen, meaning it could potentially settle the symptoms of these hormone-related conditions.
The University of Maryland suggest it could help when taken for a year or more, so you could be in it for the long haul if you decide to try a course of this herbal treatment. They also advisethat it can interfere with other medications and conditions including pregnancy, so, as always, check with your health practitioner and seek professional advice.
Vitex Agnus-Castus Video:
#5 Drink Less Alcohol for Lower Estrogen Levels
A lot of sources, including the University of Maryland, will tell you to ditch alcohol if you want to improve your diet to ease endometriosis symptoms. It’s rarely touted as a healthy choice, but you may be interested to find out how it affects your condition.
New Zealand Endometriosis suggests that sufferers cut down to avoid the preservatives, yeast and sugars in alcohol.
The US Office on Women’s Health points out that alcohol can raise estrogen levels, putting it firmly on the ‘avoid’ list. If you don’t want to switch entirely to soft drinks, you’ll be relieved to hear that they’ve set a recommended cap of one drink per day, though it’s not exactly encouraged.
Can you go without? That’s up to you, but this does seem like one remedy that’s simple to try. And besides, this could be a great opportunity to swap a glass of wine for an extra glass of water!
#6 Alfalfa and Nettle for Iron
You’ll never curse those nettle stings again – well, that might be taking it too far. The Complimentary Medicine Association have put forward the humble nettle along with alfalfa to boost iron levels, with alfalfa adding vitamin K. Nettles also contain vitamin C, which aids iron absorption, contributing to its reputation.
Why is this relevant to endometriosis sufferers? If you’re suffering from additional blood loss through the condition, experts recommend upping your iron intake to replenish your body’s stores. Here’s more about the nutritional value of nettles, including one of the most readily available forms, nettle tea – another hot drink to add to your list.
#7 Turmeric as an Anti-Inflammatory
This spice is a staple of Ayurvedic remedies. Turmeric makes a great cooking spice – I love the warm flavour and colour it adds to food. So if you decide to include it in your diet you won’t be stuck for recipe ideas.
Is it helpful for your condition? Turmeric for Health know a lot about the spice, and they’ve gathered together a host of research you might be interested in.
A lot of sources cite turmeric’s anti-inflammatory abilities, backing up its traditional reputation, and a 2013 lab study took the scientific approach to turmeric’s key component, curcumin. The study came up with promising results using a variety of methods, suggesting that curcumin could make an impression on endometrial cells.
It’s also supported by Andrew Weil MD, who also links turmeric to a host of other health benefits. He refers to Indian cookery, with a level tablespoon added to food providing benefits – take a look and see what you think.
Turmeric Video:
#8 Give Trans Fats a Miss
The idea that ‘fat is bad’ has undergone some serious debate in recent years, but trans fats have certainly earned a bad rep – they’ve already been linked to heart disease and memory loss.
In a study of 70,000 women over 12 years, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology found those who ate more trans fats were 48% more likely to suffer from endometriosis than their peers.
Will you find them hiding in your kitchen? If you live in the US or UK, it’s entirely possible. The US government has issued a ban on trans fats meaning food will be free of them by 2018, following in the footsteps of Denmark, Sweden and Austria.
The UK and other countries are discouraging manufacturers and simply handing the choice to consumers by putting the info out there.
They’re naturally found in meat and dairy, but artificial ones turn up in all kinds of processed food – margarine’s a big one. You’ll probably recognise hydrogenated oils from biscuit and readymade food labels. “we’re on the right track in identifying food rich in Omega-3 oils as protective for endometriosis and trans fats as detrimental” Dr. Stacey Missmer, Harvard Medical School
#9 Choose Omega-3 to Raise Immunity
Omega-3 fatty acids have been promoted for years as an essential part of a well-rounded, healthy diet so you might already be keeping an eye on your intake. Some of the ailments they could help with include heart disease, eczema and, yes, endometriosis. So how do they work?“Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil… help reduce inflammation and improve immunity.” Penn State Hershey
Experts say your body can’t make these fatty acids, so it’s even more important that you find them in your food. You have a whole range of ways to do it too, as sources include oily fish, taking fish oil and eating green leafy vegetables.
#10 Cut Caffeine to Cut Estrogen Levels
According to the US National Institute for Health (NIH), nine out of ten women in the US consume two cups of coffee or four cans of caffeinated cola on a daily basis. Are you one of them?
Think of the office tea and coffee run, the cola with dinner or tea on the sofa – many of us pick up a mug or can without a second thought, and it soon adds up. The Harvard School of Public Health found that women who were drinking this much caffeine (equating to roughly 200mg) per day were twice as likely to develop endometriosis as those who drank far less.
The NIH’s own 2012 study found that those two cups of coffee are enough to influence estrogen levels, though women of Asian or black ancestry found their levels rising while white participants’ levels fell. Green tea and caffeinated colas, on the other hand, raised estrogen levels across the board.
You can find decaffeinated tea and coffee in most supermarkets if you want to make an easy switch. Otherwise there are a few herbal options that combine caffeine-free refreshment with other benefits.
#11 Hot Tea to Settle Nausea and Reduce Inflammation
Ginger has been a trusted nausea remedy for centuries in China, and even if you don’t know much about natural remedies you may have picked up ginger as a cooking ingredient. Is its popularity just down to tradition?
In the case of this treatment, tradition and science seem to agree. Medics are increasingly looking into the facts behind natural remedies like this one and, in this case, they’ve come up with encouraging results.
Active components including gingerols and shogaols are thought to give ginger its tummy-settling powers, and according to the University of Maryland, human studies have shown that the spice can really work. “The majority of scientific evidence does seem to suggest that ginger and its various components have anti-inflammatory effects… [and] results suggest that ginger is probably fairly effective in alleviating nausea and vomiting” – Ann M. Bode and Zigang Dong
Neema Savvides of the Harley Street Fertility Clinic recommends a nice, hot mug of ginger and lemon tea to help with endometriosis symptoms. As always, make sure this remedy is suitable for your own health situation before you head to the health food shop. But if you’re cutting out caffeine then this warming, naturally caffeine-free tea sounds like a tasty and potentially beneficial substitute.
#12 Good Old Chamomile Tea to Bring Down Inflammation
Did your grandmother tell you to take chamomile tea for ailments when you were little? This natural remedy has been around for years, and it’s been handed out for all kinds of illnesses and maladies.
One of its components is thought to reduce muscle spasms that cause cramps, according to a 2005 study. And according to some nutritionists, it’s good for endometriosis sufferers because it helps to lower inflammation as well as helping to settle tummy trouble.“chamomile, as an aqueous infusion in the form of tea, and possibly other related flavonoids, may prove beneficial in the prevention and management of various inflammatory and neoplastic disorders” Janmejai K Srivastava, Mitali Pandey, and Sanjay Gupta (2007)
#13 Or Try Peppermint Tea for Nausea
Ginger or chamomile not to your taste? There’s yet another beverage available to you, and it’s a refreshing one. Peppermint tea is thought to help settle cramps and relieve nausea, with nutritionist Amanda Ursell recommending it as one possible natural remedy for the symptoms.
And again, there’s some research to back up this herbal solution’s reputation thanks to a 2011 study carried out for the US Department of Agriculture:“peppermint has been found to have significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities, strong antioxidant and antitumor actions, and some antiallergenic potential.” Diane McKay and Jeffrey Blumberg, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University
Interesting stuff, don’t you think? As always, check it’s suitable for your own health conditions, but if you do go ahead and try it you’ll find this one easy to track down.
#14 Avoid MSG and Additives
This one’s another natural endometriosis remedy that starts in the kitchen cupboard. Japanese inventor Kidunae Ikeda invented the seasoning in 1909 and monosodium glutamate or MSG quickly took off as a quick way to add flavour to prepared foods.
But over the last few decades MSG has come under a lot of scrutiny, and Penn State’s Hershey Medical Center among other sources advise endometriosis sufferers to avoid it. If you’re eating the fresh fruits and vegetables that are recommended then you’ll automatically be bypassing this additive anyway.
Want to keep your cupboards MSG free? It goes by many pseudonyms so it’s not always easy to spot, but here are just a few of its titles.
#15 Eat Well to Balance Hormones
I think this could be one of the most pleasing remedies I’ve come across, simply because you’ll be spoilt for choice of recipes. Natural treats like blueberries and cherries are just some of the antioxidant-containing foods recommended by Penn State Hershey among others. Tomatoes and bell peppers are frequently recommended too.
You’ll find B vitamins and magnesium inside leafy green vegetables, as well as compounds that can help to bring your estrogen levels down, according to nutritionist Dian Shepperson Mills of the Endometriosis and Fertility Clinic. Once you’ve checked out the facts for yourself, you can start cooking up some great healthy options.
#16 Boost Your Vitamin D
A 2013 study of over 70,000 women found that the women with higher vitamin D intakes reported lower rates of endometriosis – in fact, their risk level was a quarter less than others. But this study found something interesting and perhaps unexpected in the results.
The women’s vitamin D intake from supplements didn’t make the difference – just the levels they’d consumed in food. But it seems that, for some reason, women with endometriosis have higher reserves of vitamin D.
Oily fish, eggs and fortified foods (cereals, for example) all contain it – here’s the NHS guide to the powerful vitamin if you want to learn more.
#17 Add Calcium – Maybe
Remember that study of 70,000 women? Well, it also found that women who consumed more calcium were less likely to suffer from the condition. Different fat contents didn’t seem to impact and, as with vitamin D, calcium from supplements didn’t seem to change the outcome. It was all down to dairy products the participants had actually eaten.
Then again, others have found that the sugars and proteins in dairy can cause irritation – the last thing you need. Confused yet?
Plenty of store cupboard staples like beans, and green leafy veggies including broccoli and kale, contain calcium, so if you’re one of those people who have trouble with dairy then you could always look into the rest of your diet. A lot of these would be easy to add to a weeknight dinner without much special effort.
#18 Cosy Up to Ease Cramps
It sounds too simple to be true. According to a number of sources, good old fashioned warmth is an effective remedy for the pelvic pain that comes with endometriosis.
With any home remedy that’s been around so long, you could mistake it for an old wives’ tale – but there’s actually sound reasoning behind this one. Heat relaxes the pelvic muscles, which eases the pain and cramps.
So what’s the best way of warming up? Endometriosis UK suggest two straightforward and easily achieved approaches: take a hot bath, or for topical relief, apply a hot water bottle or a heated wheat bag.
Once you’ve checked up whether heat is compatible with your own health conditions, this is quite possibly one of the most straightforward natural remedies around.
#19 The Many Benefits of Bergamot
If you like the taste of Earl Grey tea, you already know what bergamot smells like. This citrus is also used as an essential oil in aromatherapy, and is associated with stress reduction and combatting pain. On top of that, it’s thought to help with digestion and act against infection, meaning that if this one works for you, you can take on several symptoms at once.
The Endometriosis Foundation of America agrees that this essential oil could be effective, along with sage, cypress, fennel and geranium. Accredited aromatherapists should be affiliated with the International Federation of Aromatherapists or one of its associated organisations, so you can find a trained professional with confidence (ifparoma.org)
#20 Manage Symptoms with Milk Thistle
The Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA) also suggest trying milk thistle. As one of Britain’s most popular herbal remedies according to Boots chemists, this remedy is the choice of many sufferers of a variety of conditions. “Early research suggests that milk thistle, alone or given with vitamin E, improves antioxidant status.” The Mayo Clinic
While the Mayo Clinic say that more investigation is needed to confirm exactly how effective it is, it’s encouraging that this natural remedy is being taken seriously. According to the EFA, it’s thought to help with digestion as well as acting as an antioxidant. It’s also associated with the menopause and fertility, which may or may not be relevant to your own situation.
#21 Try Cinnamon for Improved Circulation
It’s not just for pumpkin pie – in Traditional Chinese Medicine, cinnamon is thought to encourage circulation. As well as the familiar little jar, it’s also produced as a capsule and an oil, but your practitioner can advise which is most suitable. Ceylon cinnamon or cinnamomum zeylanicum, also known as c. verum, is the original or ‘true’ form.
Cassia cinnamon is cheaper, so as you can probably guess it’s the one that’s most readily available in grocery stores. It’s also higher in coumarin, a compound that can affect blood clotting and hormone-based treatments. For this reason, German and Norwegian research says you shouldn’t overdo it, keeping your daily intake to less than half a teaspoon per day – here’s the full story.
#22 Get Moving and Swap Estrogen for Endorphins
It might be the last thing you feel like doing, but for some women at least, getting fit is a great way to take on endometriosis. Just why is exercise good for the condition? There are two chapters to this story.
According to Boston Children’s Hospital’s Center for Young Women’s Health, exercise is a great way to release endorphins and improve circulation – great for sufferers, and women in general. Though they recommend checking with your healthcare practitioner before taking on anything too strenuous as it can bring on symptoms for some people.
Now moving on from the properties of exercise itself, working out can help you to maintain a healthy weight – that’s not exactly news, but here’s where it gets interesting.“body fat is a major production site for estrogen” – Endometriosis Center at Celebration Health, Florida.
Experts say that body fat actually provides a place for estrogen to form. By lowering your body fat to healthy levels (think BMI and all the rest) you give it less of an opportunity to thrive. If it works for you, this sounds like a truly achievable way to combat illness while improving your general wellbeing at the same time.
Celebration Health Exercise and Endometriosis Video:
#23 Clear Out the Chemicals
Chemicals including phthalates, BPA and DDE routinely show up in household goods – but they’re increasingly coming under scrutiny and are now being linked to fibroids and endometriosis.
Those endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are now being looked at in a harsh light, with a recent EU-wide study turning up a noticeable link between phthalate levels and endometriosis. Scary stuff, given that chemicals are seemingly everywhere in our modern environments. But I think it’s reassuring that the dangers are being recognised, and now an increasing number of products are proudly phthalate-free.
Wondering if there are any of these nasties hiding in your own household products? These cosmetics companies are all phthalate-free. You can sidestep BPA by checking for recycling codes 3 and 7 on packaging (look for the little triangular recycling symbol), which are sometimes made with the chemical, and cans, which are sometimes lined with it.
Did these Natural Remedies for Endometriosis Interest You?
I’m just another woman with an interest in living a healthy lifestyle so I can’t offer advice on what will work for you, and there may not be an outright natural cure for endometriosis. But I hope these natural tips will give you a few leads in the search for better health.
Did these 23 remedies give you something to think about?
