Natural Ways to Shrink and Eliminate Fibroid Tumors

by Luella May

Fibroid tumors are tumors composed of fibrous tissue which generally occur in women during their reproductive years and shrink or disappear after menopause. Most of the time they are benign and cause no apparent symptoms; however, in other instances, fibroid tumors can result in severe discomfort and may include heavy bleeding and pain.  Conventional medicine’s answer to fibroid tumors is very often a hysterectomy or other type of surgery and medications – none of which guarantees that fibroids will not return.  Nature, on the other hand, can shrink or eliminate fibroid tumors by addressing their source cause and utilizing remedies which create an environment in which fibroids are no longer welcome.

Fibroid tumors are also known as myomas, leiomyomas and fibromyomas.  Their cause is not fully known, though estrogen is considered a primary factor in their growth.  The jury is out, however, on whether the use of progesterone to treat women with uterine fibroids alleviates or promotes fibroids.  One side claims that that lack of progesterone is the cause of tumor growth, while the other side points out that fibroids grow at a faster rate during pregnancy when progesterone levels are high.

Fibroid tumors can vary in size from so minute that they can only be identified under a microscope to very large.  They can present themselves as a single tumor or as several masses.  Although their rate of growth is generally slow, they can grow quickly during pregnancy.  Symptoms include abnormal bleeding (sometimes severe enough to cause anemia), menstrual pain, and a swollen abdomen.  Fibroids can also cause infertility.  
 
Fibroid tumors fall into the following three categories:
 
* Subserous tumors appear outside of the uterus.
* Intramural tumors are confined to the wall of the uterus.
* Submucous tumors appear inside the uterus.
 
Avoiding birth control pills can help prevent fibroid growth.  Just as these tumors grow faster during pregnancy, their growth is also accelerated by birth control pills containing estrogen.  Pesticides and herbicides used on food products are estrogen mimicking products to avoid. Tampons and napkins bleached with chlorine can also mimic estrogen.   
 
Following are remedies which may be effective in shrinking or eliminating fibroid tumors as well as alleviating discomfort and symptoms:
 
Fibroids can be reduced by consuming at least three servings of whole grains and/or beans daily. Whole grain and beans also protect against breast and endometrial cancer.
 
Eliminating excess estrogen will result in shrinking fibroids. Dandelion, milk thistle, and yellow dock help to metabolize estrogen from the body.
 
Chasteberry tincture is often used successfully to shrink and prevent the return of fibroids. It reduces excess estrogen, balances hormones, and reduces inflammation.  However, results often only become apparent after several months of usage.  The dosage is 25 to 30 drops two to four times daily.
 
Additional herbs effective in treating fibroids include black cohosh, Siberian ginseng, red clover, goldenseal, red raspberry, licorice root, and motherwort. 
 
Supplemental oleander extract, primarily used in addressing cancer and HIV/AIDS, is also often effective against fibroids and other types of tumors and irregular cells
 
Liver cleanses and drinking plenty of water to expel toxins from the body may also be very helpful.
 
Warm castor oil packs placed on the stomach is another effective method of shrinking fibroids and relieving pain.  Ginger compresses are also effective.
 
Exercise helps the body to free itself of toxins and regulate ovulation.  Some women experience tumor reduction while following a vigorous exercise program.
 
Lastly, taking a variety of digestive enzymes in quantity several times a day on an empty stomach has been reported to be very effective at removing fibroid tissue.  For more information see:
 
http://www.naturalnews.com/028285_enzymes_scars.html
 
Sources:
 
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/fibroidtumors/a/fibroidtumors.htm 
http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Article-fibroids.htm 
http://b4tea.com/food-health/fibroid-tumors-natural-treatment-herbal-remedies 
http://www.naturalnews.com/028285_enzymes_scars.html