Condition

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are non-cancerous growths of smooth muscle and connective tissue that develop within or on the wall of the uterus. They are the most common benign pelvic tumours in people with a uterus, affecting up to 70–80% at some point during their reproductive years, though many are asymptomatic. Fibroids are fundamentally driven by oestrogen and progesterone — they rarely appear before puberty, grow during the reproductive years, and typically shrink after menopause when hormone levels fall. Oestrogen dominance — where oestrogen levels are elevated relative to progesterone — is the central hormonal driver. This can arise from impaired liver clearance of used oestrogens, excess body fat (which converts androgens to oestrogen via aromatase), gut dysbiosis (which recirculates excreted oestrogens via the enterohepatic cycle), chronic stress (which redirects progesterone toward cortisol production), and xenoestrogen exposure from plastics, pesticides, and conventional skincare. Fibroids range from microscopic to the size of a grapefruit and can cause heavy menstrual bleeding (often leading to anaemia), pelvic pressure and pain, frequent urination (from bladder compression), constipation, painful intercourse, and in some cases, subfertility or pregnancy complications. The immune system also plays a role — inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) promote fibroid growth, and the fibroid tissue itself creates a chronic inflammatory microenvironment. Holistic management focuses on correcting oestrogen dominance through liver support, gut health, anti-inflammatory nutrition, progesterone-supporting herbs, and lymphatic drainage — alongside conventional monitoring and medical options when needed.

Safety notice — HIGH

Inform your doctor that you are using herbal remedies alongside any prescription medications. Some herbs may affect drug metabolism, blood sugar, blood pressure, or hormone levels.

Sunaras provides educational wellness content only. This is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual responses to herbs vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalised guidance.

Black Cohosh has been linked to rare cases of hepatotoxicity. Not recommended for women with oestrogen-sensitive cancers (breast, uterine, ovarian) or those on hormone replacement therapy without medical supervision.

High-dose curcumin (above 1g/day) has antiplatelet properties. Use with caution alongside blood thinners. Also lowers blood sugar — monitor closely if on diabetes medications.

Vitex / Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

Vitex is the single most important herb for fibroids because it addresses the root hormonal driver — oestrogen dominance. Iridoid glycosides (aucubin, agnuside) bind dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary, suppressing prolactin and increasing LH release. Higher LH drives the corpus luteum to produce more progesterone — the natural counter-balance to the oestrogen excess that stimulates fibroid growth. Multiple clinical trials confirm Vitex reduces heavy menstrual bleeding in 90 days of consistent use.

⚠️ Not for use with hormonal contraceptives — may alter efficacy. Not in pregnancy. Rare side effects: headache, nausea, skin reactions. Discontinue if cycle becomes irregular in first 4 weeks (usually self-resolves).

Western Herbalism

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Fibroids are sustained by the liver's inability to efficiently clear used oestrogens. Silymarin — the active flavonolignan complex in milk thistle seed — is among the most hepatoprotective natural compounds known. It increases hepatocyte glutathione by up to 50%, a critical phase II conjugate for oestrogen detoxification. Silymarin also inhibits β-glucuronidase, the enzyme that deconjugates cleared oestrogens in the gut and allows their reabsorption. Human clinical trials demonstrate measurable improvements in liver enzyme function within 8–12 weeks.

⚠️ Extremely well tolerated. Rare mild laxative effect at high doses. May mildly lower blood sugar — monitor if on diabetes medications. Potential inhibition of CYP3A4 at high doses — space from medications metabolised by this pathway.

Western Herbalism

Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion root is the most accessible and underrated liver herb for oestrogen dominance. Bitter sesquiterpene lactones (taraxacin, taraxacerin) directly stimulate bile production and flow — bile carries conjugated oestrogens from the liver to the gut for elimination. Taraxacum also supports the phase I liver enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP3A4) responsible for metabolising oestradiol, and contains inulin that acts as a prebiotic, reducing the gut bacteria that reactivate cleared oestrogens via β-glucuronidase.

⚠️ Extremely safe. Increases bile flow — avoid in active bile duct obstruction. Mild diuretic effect. Check for ragweed sensitivity (rare cross-reactivity). Increases urination — stay well hydrated.

Western Herbalism

Yellow Dock Root (Rumex crispus)

Yellow dock addresses two critical fibroid complications simultaneously: oestrogen clearance and iron-deficiency anaemia. Anthraquinone glycosides stimulate bile and bowel transit — crucial for excreting conjugated oestrogens before they can be reabsorbed by gut bacteria. Yellow dock is simultaneously the richest herbal iron source, providing highly bioavailable iron alongside the vitamin C-precursor compounds that maximise absorption — making it the herb of choice for the heavy menstrual bleeding and anaemia caused by fibroids.

⚠️ High tannin content — separate from iron supplements and medications by 2 hours. Anthraquinones have a laxative effect at high doses — reduce dose if loose stools develop. Avoid in kidney stones (high oxalates). Not in pregnancy.

Western Herbalism

Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Shepherd's purse is the primary acute haemostatic herb for fibroid-related heavy menstrual bleeding — it is fast-acting, effective within 30–60 minutes of ingestion. Peptides and flavonoids (bursin, dihydrofusaric acid) stimulate uterine contractions and vasoconstriction through a thrombin-like mechanism that accelerates clot formation in uterine blood vessels. Unlike systemic vasoconstrictors, shepherd's purse acts specifically on the uterus. Widely used in British, German, and Traditional Chinese Medicine for menorrhagia.

⚠️ Not for use in pregnancy (potent uterine stimulant). Avoid in thyroid conditions — contains compounds that may affect thyroid function at high doses. Blood-pressure effect possible at very high doses.

European Folk Medicine

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Red clover isoflavones (formononetin, biochanin A, genistein, daidzein) act as selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) — they occupy oestrogen receptors with weak binding affinity, blocking the binding of the far more potent endogenous oestradiol that stimulates fibroid growth. Crucially, biochanin A inhibits aromatase (CYP19A1) — the enzyme that converts androgens to oestrogen in peripheral adipose tissue — reducing total circulating oestrogen in women with oestrogen dominance. Isoflavones also support bone health during the hormonal interventions used for fibroids.

⚠️ Avoid with hormone-sensitive cancers (oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer) — competitive binding at ER may be unfavourable. Not with anticoagulants (coumarins). Avoid in pregnancy. Not to be confused with SERM medications — effects are substantially weaker.

Western Herbalism

Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)

Pau d'arco from the Amazonian rainforest contains lapachol and beta-lapachone — naphthoquinone compounds with demonstrated anti-proliferative action against leiomyoma (fibroid) cells in vitro. Beta-lapachone inhibits topoisomerase I and II enzymes required for fibroid cell DNA replication, inducing apoptosis in proliferating fibroid cells. Additionally, lapachol inhibits NF-κB, reducing the chronic pelvic inflammatory environment that sustains fibroid growth. Used traditionally by Tupi and Guaraní peoples for uterine conditions.

⚠️ Blood-thinning effect — avoid with anticoagulants. High doses (above 1.5g lapachol) can cause nausea, anaemia, and anticoagulation — use standardised preparations at recommended doses. Not in pregnancy. Not with immunosuppressant medications.

Amazonian Plant Medicine

Wild Yam Root (Dioscorea villosa)

Wild yam has been used by Native American healers for uterine conditions for centuries. Diosgenin — a steroidal saponin — is a structural precursor to progesterone that supports hormonal balance over time, though the body cannot directly convert it. The antispasmodic alkaloids reduce uterine smooth muscle cramping and pelvic pain associated with fibroids. Wild yam also reduces the prostaglandin-driven uterine inflammation that creates the growth environment for fibroids. Its phytosterol content supports healthy oestrogen metabolism through competitive receptor binding.

⚠️ Wild yam cream cannot convert diosgenin to progesterone in the human body — claims of equivalency to progesterone cream are unsubstantiated. The antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory actions are real. Avoid in oestrogen-sensitive conditions without professional guidance. Not in pregnancy.

Indigenous / Native American Medicine

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Motherwort has been called 'the herb for uterine conditions with anxiety and palpitations' — a description that perfectly fits fibroid presentations. Leonurine directly relaxes uterine smooth muscle spasm while simultaneously calming cardiac palpitations — a common fibroid-associated symptom from anaemia and anxiety. Stachydrine (a betaine alkaloid) supports uterine blood flow and reduces the pelvic congestion that TCM identifies as central to fibroid pathology. Iridoid glycosides reduce uterine inflammation and modulate oestrogen receptor activity.

⚠️ Potent uterine stimulant — absolutely not in pregnancy. Not with cardiac medications without professional oversight (leonurine has cardiac activity). Not in heavy bleeding phases — can increase flow acutely before tonifying. Bitter taste — often better as a tincture.

European Folk Medicine

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)

Cramp bark is the foremost Western herbal antispasmodic for uterine and pelvic pain — critical for managing the cramping, pressure, and pain that fibroids cause as they distort the uterine cavity. Scopoletin and aesculetin block calcium channels in uterine smooth muscle, reducing both the frequency and amplitude of painful uterine contractions. Unlike anti-inflammatory NSAIDs that merely reduce prostaglandins, cramp bark acts directly on the contractile mechanism of the uterine wall, providing faster relief for acute fibroid-associated pelvic pain.

⚠️ Extremely well tolerated. Mild blood-thinning effect — caution with anticoagulants. Avoid in aspirin sensitivity (rare). Not to be confused with Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) — related but distinct herb.

Western Herbalism

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

Black cohosh was the most important women's herb in North American Indigenous medicine — used by Algonquin, Cherokee, and Iroquois peoples for 'female complaints' including uterine growths and heavy bleeding. Triterpene glycosides (actein, 27-deoxyactein) modulate serotonin receptors and inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, reducing fibroid-associated pelvic pain. Importantly, a 2017 randomised controlled trial demonstrated that black cohosh extract significantly reduced fibroid size (by 30% on ultrasound) after 3 months compared to placebo — the first RCT evidence of an herb directly reducing fibroid volume.

⚠️ Not for use in pregnancy. Rare cases of hepatotoxicity at very high doses — use standardised extracts at recommended doses only. Not for history of oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (estrogen receptor activity is debated). Limit to 6 months per course with a 4-week break.

Appalachian Folk Medicine

Turmeric / Curcumin (Curcuma longa)

Curcumin has demonstrated the most compelling in vitro evidence of any natural compound for fibroid-specific anti-proliferative action. Studies published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology show curcumin inhibits leiomyoma cell proliferation via PTEN upregulation, activates apoptosis through caspase-3/7 pathways, and suppresses fibroid-promoting growth factors (PDGF, EGF, TGF-β). Curcumin also blocks NF-κB, reducing the chronic uterine inflammation that constitutes the fibroid growth microenvironment — addressing both the tumour itself and its supporting inflammatory niche.

⚠️ Blood-thinning at high doses — separate from anticoagulants by 2 hours. Not concentrated supplements in early pregnancy. Standard food amounts are safe throughout the cycle. Binds iron — separate from iron supplements by 3 hours.

Ayurveda

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula is an underutilised herb for fibroids that addresses the lymphatic and pelvic inflammation component. Faradiol esters and oleanolic acid saponins stimulate lymphatic flow in the pelvis — reducing the 'pelvic congestion' pattern that contributes to fibroid development and pain. Calendula flavonoids (isorhamnetin, quercetin) have direct anti-proliferative action on smooth muscle cells. Used orally and as a sitz bath or castor oil pack enhancement for localised pelvic anti-inflammatory benefit. Combines synergistically with milk thistle for liver-lymphatic oestrogen clearance.

⚠️ Very well tolerated. Rare allergy in those sensitive to the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemum). Avoid concentrated internal use in first trimester (uterine stimulant at high doses). Topical and tea use considered safe.

Western Herbalism

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

Dong Quai — called Dang Gui in TCM — is the foundational herb for uterine conditions involving 'blood stagnation' — the TCM model that corresponds to impaired pelvic circulation, congestion, and fibroid formation. Ferulic acid and ligustilide improve uterine arterial blood flow and reduce hypoxia in fibroid tissue, while phthalides exert antispasmodic action on uterine smooth muscle. Dong Quai is typically used in combination formulas (Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan — Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill) which have clinical trial evidence specifically for fibroid shrinkage.

⚠️ Do NOT use in pregnancy — potent uterine stimulant. Not during heavy bleeding phases — increases flow. Blood-thinning effect — avoid with anticoagulants. Best used in the follicular phase (days 1–14) rather than the luteal phase when progesterone is dominant.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Shatavari

Asparagus racemosus

Traditionally used in Ayurveda for hormonal imbalance, menopause, fertility.

Preparation:

Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.

Dosage:

1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule

⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Avoid if:

Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible

Ayurveda

Uterine Fibroids

Vitex / Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)

Yellow Dock Root (Rumex crispus)

Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)

Wild Yam Root (Dioscorea villosa)

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

Turmeric / Curcumin (Curcuma longa)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

Shatavari

Kanchanar

Lodhra

Ashoka

Dong Quai (Dang Gui)

White Peony (Bai Shao)

Dan Shen (Red Sage)

Chinese Motherwort (Yi Mu Cao)

Milk Thistle

Yarrow

Black Cohosh

Red Clover

Motherwort

Wild Yam (Caribbean)

Yarrow (Achillea)

Clover (Red Clover)

Flaxseeds

Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Kale)

Soy (Edamame, Tempeh, Tofu)

Maca Root

Pumpkin & Sunflower Seeds (Seed Cycling)

Wild-caught Salmon

Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Kale, Brussels Sprouts)

Flaxseeds (Ground)

Green Tea

Turmeric

Iron-Rich Foods (Lentils, Spinach, Seeds)

Castor Oil (Internal-grade, Cold-pressed)

Vitex, Red Raspberry Leaf & Yarrow Uterine Tonic Tea

Milk Thistle, Dandelion & Yellow Dock Liver-Oestrogen Clearance Tea

Green Tea & Ginger Fibroid-Reduction Tea

Calendula, Red Clover & Cleavers Lymphatic-Pelvic Tea

Motherwort & Cramp Bark Pelvic Pain & Palpitations Tea

Shepherd's Purse & Nettle Haemostatic Iron-Rebuilding Tea

Pau d'Arco & Turmeric Anti-Proliferative Tea

Black Cohosh & Wild Yam Hormonal-Balance Tea

Shatavari

Kanchanar

Lodhra

Ashoka

Dong Quai (Dang Gui)

White Peony (Bai Shao)

Dan Shen (Red Sage)

Chinese Motherwort (Yi Mu Cao)

Shatavari

Kanchanar

Lodhra

Ashoka

Dong Quai (Dang Gui)

White Peony (Bai Shao)

Dan Shen (Red Sage)

Chinese Motherwort (Yi Mu Cao)

Milk Thistle

Yarrow

Black Cohosh

Red Clover

Motherwort

Wild Yam (Caribbean)

Yarrow (Achillea)

Clover (Red Clover)

Black Cohosh

Red Clover

Motherwort

Wild Yam (American)

Beet, Flaxseed & Pomegranate Hormone Juice