Natural Cure for Ovarian Cysts

From LoveToKnow Herbs

A natural cure for ovarian cysts aims to shrink the size of the cyst, and correct the underlying hormonal imbalance that caused the body to form a cyst in the first place. Diet, herbs, and Bach_Flower_Remedies may reduce the incidence and shrink ovarian cysts.

Natural cure for ovarian cysts

Ovarian Cysts

Women of all ages can experience ovarian cysts. The ovaries, two reproductive organs about the size of a walnut or an almond, flank the uterus, one on either side. Each month the ovaries release an egg which, if fertilized, implants and becomes an embryo. Sometimes cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, develop on the surface of the ovaries. According to the Mayo Clinic website, ovarian cysts are very common. Scientists are fairly certain that hormonal imbalances cause ovarian cysts. Drugs, especially fertility drugs such as Clomid, may also over stimulate the ovaries and cause cysts.

Usually ovarian cysts produce no symptoms and go away on their own. Many women find out they have a cyst when they have an ultrasound or another medical test. If cysts grow large or twist, they may produce symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding, and pain during intercourse. It is essential that if you experience any sudden, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, fever or chills, that you get emergency medical treatment immediately. While the majority of ovarian cysts aren’t dangerous, these symptoms may indicate a ruptured cyst, which needs to be treated immediately by a physician.

Treatment of Ovarian Cysts

Common medical treatments for ovarian cysts include watchful waiting, hormonal pills to try to shrink the cysts, or surgery. Most physicians are willing to cooperate with watchful waiting, in which the patient returns to the doctor for periodic examinations and scans to make sure the cysts hasn’t grown or changed.

Hormones, typically birth control pills, may be prescribed to regulate the cycle of estrogen and progesterone and to shrink cysts. Surgery is an option when cysts are pressing too close to the bladder or other internal organs or are in danger of rupturing.

Try a Natural Cure for Ovarian Cysts

For most women, watchful waiting and using a natural cure for ovarian cysts works just fine. Again, unless your doctor says you’re in immediate danger or you’re experiencing pain, most medical authorities believe ovarian cysts are nothing to worry about and can go away on their own. However, do speak with your doctor about your medical condition, since everyone is unique.

Herbs for Ovarian Cysts

Herbalists use a variety of herbs to treat ovarian cysts. Since the belief is that an underlying hormonal imbalance creates conditions that lead to ovarian cysts, herbalists use a variety of plants to restore balance and harmony. Recommended herbs also include those that restore overall vitality and cleanse the liver.

Herbal treatments won’t cure ovarian cysts overnight. You must take the herbs prescribed by an herbalist for at least three weeks and preferably six weeks or more. The following list is intended as a general overview only of herbs for ovarian cysts. Please consult a naturopath or qualified herbalist for the exact herbs to treat your condition, and do tell your physician about any herbs you’re taking.

Milk Thistle

The Herbal Encyclopedia online recommends some of the following herbs to treat ovarian cysts and other abnormal uterine growths:

  • Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-casta): Herbalists have used vitex for centuries to restore hormonal balance. It’s common in remedies for cysts, menopause symptoms and other hormonal imbalances.
  • Red Clover: Red clover’s estrogen-like effects make it a popular remedy for hormonal imbalances. The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is currently studying the efficacy of red clover.
  • Black Cohosh: Powerful menstrual regulator and hormone balancing herb.
  • Dandelion: Liver cleanse.
  • Milk thistle: Cleansing.
  • Wild Yam: Hormonal balancing.
  • Bee Pollen: Overall support and strengths.

The complete list and an A-Z guide to herbs is available on the Herbal Encyclopedia website.

Bach Flower Remedies

Several Bach Flower Remedies, used alone or in combination, can help with ovarian cysts. Robert McDowell, an Australian herbalist, recommends the following Bach Flower Remedies in addition to herbal medicine:

  • Walnut
  • Wild Oats
  • Impatiens
  • Red Chestnut
  • Honeysuckle

Dietary Changes

Some preliminary research from Italy suggests that women who eat more meat and cheese products develop more ovarian cysts than women who do not eat these products. It may be wise to alter your diet, include more fruits and vegetables, or follow a vegetarian diet until the ovarian cysts shrink or dissolve. Other recommendations include diets rich in fruits, vegetables, garlic, legumes and whole grains. Eating less sugar and white flour also allows the body time to heal and rebalance itself.



 


Comments

I think it would be best to consult a naturopath and see if it is reasonable to treat this naturally before undergoing surgery. Try asking at a local health food store if you don't know where to find a practitioner in your area. They usually can point you in the right direction.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

I have a 10cm ovarian cyst, and have been told that I need surgery to have it removed. And my ovary may even be in jeopardy. In other people's experience, is 10cm too big to try and take care of naturally on my own? I am due to have surgery very, very soon, and am very scared.

-- Contributed by: Amy

You can try the suggestions in this article or find an herbalist in your area who can guide you. Sometimes finding a practitioner is best because they can consider your personal medical history before making a recommendation. I hope you find relief.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts
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