The cause of endometriosis is unknown, but poor hygiene, the use of manmade fibers in underwear, repeated infections including pelvic inflammatory disease, dirty surgical implements, dirty hands and fingers, tampons, retained placenta, and all manner of outside poisoning sources create infections.
Sluggish periods with inadequate emptying of the womb each month could also be a possibility. Endometrial cells have been found in young girls, however, which does suggest a genetic link.
While the causes of endometriosis are not really understood, recent information suggests that a poorly functioning immune system might, in part, be responsible. If the immune system is not functioning properly, any invasive straying cells, which should be instantaneously killed off, are not. Instead they travel through the bloodstream or lymph system and are deposited in other organs, such as the lungs.
If this disorder is caught early, many positive steps can be taken, but treatment must be very committed and consistent. Orthodox methods of surgery and drugs can be used, but male steroid drugs like danazol, which prevent menstruation, have alarming side effects. Many patients feel very depressed on it, and an increasing number of doctors prefer not to use it.
As in pregnancy (another suggested “cure” for endometriosis), it is designed to work by giving the body a chance to stop menstruating. Another treatment consists of giving synthetic progesterone, but this does not suit all women or even help the situation.
Symptoms can include pelvic pain—especially at the times of ovulation and menstruation—irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding; backache (lower back especially); painful lovemaking; infertility; discomfort in the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine; painful urination; prolonged menstrual bleeding; and constipation and diarrhea in fluctuation.
Areas that should be considered when treating endometriosis are as follows:
Maintain a good diet of whole grains, vegetables, and plenty of citrus fruit. Include superfood.
Avoid meats, dairy products, and eggs that have been produced using synthetic hormones.
Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, as they also produce extra estrogen. Avoid alcohol because it harms the liver, which must remain healthy.
For excessive bleeding, use equal parts of yarrow leaf and alfalfa leaf. (With the supervision of a qualified herbalist, the herb beth root could also be used.)
There is always a possibility that infection may be lurking. To deal with this, use barberry root bark at the beginning of the program.
Liver herbs like wild yam root, barberry root bark, cinnamon stick, dandelion root, and milk thistle seed will be essential.
The immune system should be functioning efficiently; include herbs like pau d’arco inner bark, chamomile flower, and echinacea root.
Use endocrine herbs to balance and tone the system (avoiding those that encourage estrogen production). Use a combination of two parts each of squaw vine leaf (and other aerial parts) and chaste tree berry; and one part each of nettle root, sarsaparilla root, Chinese licorice root, and red raspberry leaf.
For excessive cramps and pain, use equal parts of lobelia leaf, pasqueflower, black cohosh root, and cramp bark.
For pain herbs, try corydalis tuber and poppy petal tincture.
The colon, liver, and kidneys will all vitally need to undergo cleansing.
Lose weight if you need to, because fat stores estrogen. Take a daily dose of GLA and spirulina to facilitate weight loss and help with pains and cramps. Increase fiber in your diet; this also absorbs estrogen and helps remove it through the bowel.
Use vaginal pessaries every third night and douche with herbs at least once a week—these methods will help the body to rid the area of localized infection and encourage the regrowth of normal tissue.
Hot and cold showers and sitz baths will help to maintain circulation in the womb area; this is vital for the healing process.
For pain, use a hot castor-oil pack over the area.
This What Causes Endometriosis article is taken from :
The complete home guide to herbs, natural healing, and nutrition / Jill Rosemary Davies.
