Herbs for Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled little sacs that form on the ovaries. Sometimes as tiny as a milimeter, sometimes as large as a golfball (or bigger), these common cysts typically flush out of the ovary on the next menstrual cycle. In fact, one of the most common cures for recurring ovarian cysts is to be placed on a birth control that manages hormone levels and keeps an egg from being released (which keeps cysts from forming in the first place). The most common method in relieving the pain and discomfort from a cyst on the ovaries is to simply wait out the cyst and take over-the-counter medication. However, there are herbs you can take to help shrink an ovarian cyst and keep them from forming in the first place, which can bring you tons of relief without being too drastic.

Herbs for hormonal balance work great in managing and preventing cysts, and encouraging current cysts to shrink and flush out. Red clover has been used for estrogen balance for centuries, and is commonly used during menopause. When taken to treat cysts, it helps to balance out a woman’s estrogen levels and encourage a regular monthly cycle, therefore keeping cysts less likely to form or stick around.

Black cohosh is great for increasing estrogen production and can keep cysts at bay by again regulating the menstrual cycle and also aids in shrinking large cysts until they can flush away on their own. A great hormone balancer, black cohosh is also used in women who have excess testosterone in their bodies to bring them relief. It is also reputed to help encourage breast growth as well.

Dandelion and milk thistle work in two ways to relieve the symptoms of ovarian cysts, which include cramping, nausea, a tight feeling in the lower abdomen, and major discomfort. Milk thistle and dandelion both cleanse the body and have anti-inflammatory properties which help calm the swelling and cramping associated with a cyst. In cleansing the liver and kidneys, the body can be placed in better balance to help flush out an ovarian cyst that just plain won’t leave.

You can never go wrong with raspberry leaf. Raspberry leaf has been long-used for easing in childbirth, cramping, and general irritation that women go through all the time with their bodies. When experiencing pain due to ovarian cysts, raspberry leaf can be a major godsend. Also great for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, raspberry leaf can help shrink a cyst and move it on its way.

In general, a more vegetarian diet full of fruits and vegetables helps to regulate periods and estrogen due to the lack of major proteins. Testosterone thrives on carbohydrates and protein, whereas estrogen does not, so providing your body a diet more rich in fiber, which is good for estrogen and overall female health, will keep future cysts at bay. If cysts do by chance occur in the future, they will likely be less severe, or not even noticeable. A more fruit and vegetable-rich diet is particularly helpful for women who suffer recurring cysts and cannot currently find relief for them.

Most of these herbs are available in both tea and pill forms, and can be found at your local health foods or grocery store. In the case of dandelions, you can actually brew your own dandelion tea from the leaves of dandelions in your own yard. You can also order these herbs online. Do not consume an herb you don’t know until you have discussed it with your doctor first, as even herbs can interfere with other medications you are taking.

Always consult your doctor before using herbs for your ovarian cysts. While a common occurence, they can be rarely dangerous, so get your doctor’s approval before trying to cure your cysts on your own. Your doctor may or may not want to monitor your cysts to make sure they do not get worse or cause you more pain. In very rare instances, these cysts can be cancerous, so if you cannot get a cyst to fade no matter what you do, or if your pain or discomfort gets worse even with treatment, see your doctor pronto. Your health is nothing to mess with.

Source:

http://herbs.lovetoknow.com/Natural_Cure_for_Ovarian_Cysts