Chinese traditional herbal medicine has been in use for ages as a treatment for uterine fibroids. One process, particularly called the Guizhi Fuling Formula, is considered a common remedy.
The formula was first found in Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet (Jingui Yaolue) authored by a famous Chinese doctor named Zhang Zhongjing of the Han Dynasty. This formula consists of five Chinese herbs namely Gui Zhi, Poria Mushroom, Taoren, Chisao or Bai Shao, and Cortex Moutan.
Chinese Plants Demystified
Gui Zhi is a type of cinnamon found in China. It aids weak digestion by warming the middle of the tummy and ensuring the proper processing of food and drinks. While it offers loads of benefits, it should also be noted that the improper use of cinnamon twigs can lead to excessive menstrual bleeding or acute illnesses.
Poria mushroom is a traditional medicine used for memory loss or amnesia, anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, tension, nervousness, and dizziness. It’s also good for urination problems, fluid retention, sleep problems or insomnia, enlarged spleen, stomach problems, diarrhea, tumors, and cough.
Taoren, on the other hand, is an herb that helps invigorate blood. It is likewise helpful for menstrual disorders, abdominal pain, traumatic injury, as well as lung and intestinal abscess with fixed abdominal masses associated with blood stasis.
Chisao or Bai Shao is used for gout, osteoarthritis, fever, respiratory tract illnesses, and cough. Women also use this for menstrual cramps, polycystic ovary syndrome, and premenstrual syndrome. Interestingly, this is sometimes taken to induce menstruation.
Cortex Moutan is the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. It is an herbal medicine widely used in the treatment of blood-heat and blood-stasis syndrome. Aside from that, it has been found that this herb has a tumor-fighting effect.
Given all these herbs and their combination in the Guizhi Fuling Formula, it is highly likely that these can help with treating a woman’s uterine fibroids. Effects like invigorating blood and resolving masses are clearly of utmost importance to those afflicted with uterine fibroids.
The herbs may be taken in the form of pills, capsules, tablets, and decoctions—and no, it isn’t really necessary to go for the aforesaid formula or preparation. Even when taken individually, these Chinese medicinal plants show great promise.
All about Ayurvedic Herbs
Ayurvedic medicine, otherwise known as Ayurveda, is one of the oldest holistic healing systems in the world. It was developed in India more than three thousand years ago. It’s based on the belief that health is about achieving a balance among the mind, body, and spirit.
Herbs used in Ayurveda include turmeric, ginger, and neem. These are considered antioxidant boosters and are beneficial for heart health. Other herbs include Ashwagandha, Brahmi, cardamom, and cumin. These increase vitality and balance stress hormones. They also help with adrenal fatigue, and increase energy.
Many of the Ayurvedic herbs are said to be adaptogens. This means that they improve the body’s capacity to adapt to whatever it’s currently facing. While the herbs mentioned so far may help in the fight against fibroids, there are options specifically aimed for that condition.
Saraca, Commiphora, Bauhinia, and Ficus are a few popular examples of such Ayurvedic herbs that are believed to be capable of shrinking fibroids. Do note, however, that studies on these herbs, specifically in relation to the aforesaid application, are still limited. Nonetheless, they’ve been successfully used by many throughout history.
A Most Important Reminder
Just like any other supplement, Chinese plants and Ayurvedic herbs shouldn’t be taken without proper advice. So, don’t think twice about consulting your doctor before taking the alternative remedies listed here. And more importantly, don’t just assume that you have fibroids given what you’ve been feeling as of late—get proper diagnosis.