Heal Your Endo at Home With These Natural Treatments

Roughly 10% of women and girls worldwide have endometriosis, a disorder where endometrial cells grow outside the uterus and even potentially behind the reproductive system. Living with this chronic disease can be immensely frustrating. Not only is “endo” difficult to diagnose, but there’s no known cure – meaning that treatment for endometriosis is usually limited to managing symptoms.

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While researchers work on learning more about endo, it’s important to take control of your own reproductive health. The first step: learning how to manage your symptoms in ways that you can easily integrate into your daily life. Try these home remedies for endometriosis to reduce your pelvic pain and more.

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Natural remedies for endometriosis

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Castor oil

The use of castor oil in traditional medicine can date back to before 1500 BCE, when ancient Egyptians used it to protect the eyes from inflammation. Today, castor oil is used for endometriosis as a way to relieve cramping and pelvic pain, before your period starts (not during menstruation). Massage castor oil directly into your abdomen, and consider mixing it with an essential oil for extra healing properties.

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Turmeric

Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory that may be helpful for long-term management of endometriosis. In fact, some research has suggested that curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) can inhibit the growth of endometrial cells. Try making turmeric tea by boiling a cup of water and adding a teaspoon of turmeric and ginger (which has digestive healing properties).

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Light exercise

Since exercise releases endorphins (which can reduce pain), light exercise is recommended when experiencing endometriosis symptoms. “Light” is the key word here. Listen to your body and make sure you’re not pushing yourself too hard, since your body needs extra rest (especially during menstruation). Try going for an easy walk, taking a restorative yoga class, or gently stretching in the morning and before bed. Exercise might also help lower estrogen levels in the body, which might improve symptoms even further.

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Anti-inflammatory diet

Endometriosis, like other chronic diseases, is rooted in inflammation, so an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce endometriosis symptoms. While inflammatory foods will vary by individual (and a precision medicine doctor can help you identify your personal inflammatory foods), generally avoid dairy, processed foods high in refined sugars, caffeine, gluten, dairy, sugar, vegetable oils, and alcohol. Add in leafy greens,wild caught salmon, blueberries, ginger, bone broth, and other foods with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. As well as adding in cruciferous vegetables for helping with estrogen metabolism.

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Manage stress

Endometriosis is associated with high levels of chronic stress. The pelvic pain that many women experience can increase one’s stress levels and affect mental health. Similarly, living in a state of high stress can throw off the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut; this imbalance can increase your estrogen levels, and that’s a contributing risk factor of endometriosis.

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Finding ways to manage your stress is key for preventing and managing endometriosis. You could take up a meditation practice (bonus: many studies have found that mindfulness can help reduce chronic pain). You might prioritize connecting with your friends, practicing a new hobby, or working with a mental health expert. Whatever stress management technique works for you will have the added benefit of improving your endometriosis symptoms.

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