15 Natural Remedies For Endometriosis Relief

Endometriosis is a condition that affects millions of females worldwide, causing pain and discomfort in their reproductive organs and pelvic area. 

While there’s no cure for endometriosis, several natural remedies may help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those suffering from this condition. 

Ranging from heat therapy to an inflammatory diet, read on to explore 15 natural remedies that may help you find relief from endometriosis symptoms. 

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15 Natural Remedies For Endometriosis Relief

Natural remedies may help you find relief from endometriosis symptoms. It’s important to remember they shouldn’t replace evidence-based care and treatment options. 

1. Heat Therapy 

Applying a heating pad, hot water bottle, or taking a warm bath may help relieve painful cramping associated with endometriosis. 

While no specific studies have examined the effectiveness of heat therapy in reducing endometriosis symptoms, other research observes that heat therapy helps reduce painful period cramping, which is often a symptom of endometriosis. 

Many women with endometriosis also report using heat therapy as a self-management tool.

2. Yoga

Practicing yoga, which focuses on gentle stretching and deep breathing, may help ease endometriosis symptoms. 

While the research on how yoga affects endometriosis symptoms is still limited and poorly established, several studies show beneficial effects. 

You can try many styles of yoga for endometriosis, ranging from gentle stretching and breathwork to more intense exercise. 

3. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is known for its antispasmodic properties and may help relieve cramping, a common complaint of endometriosis. 

Chamomile also contains a range of flavones, such as luteolin, chrysin, and apigenin, which are recognized for their anti-inflammatory effects. Studies show these flavonoids may help reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of endometriosis. 

To make a comforting cup of chamomile tea, steep chamomile flowers in hot water for several minutes, strain out the herb, and add a dash of honey for sweetness. 

4. Acupuncture 

Evidence from several studies highlights acupuncture’s potential ability to alleviate pain associated with endometriosis and even shrink lesion size.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. 

One case study experienced positive results using acupuncture to shrink abdominal endometriosis. 

This review of scientific research also found positive results from using acupuncture in treating endometriosis. 

Comparative observations in other studies also suggest that individuals receiving acupuncture experience greater pain relief than those treated with a placebo, underscoring the potential of using this remedy for endometriosis. 

5. Mind-Body Techniques

Mind-body techniques centered on mindful meditation and relaxation may potentially ease endometriosis symptoms. 

Although these techniques are not a cure for disease, they have shown promise in easing chronic pain. 

One study found that a group of women with endometriosis who were treated using standard medical treatments along with mind-body techniques had better pain reduction results than the group who only received medical treatments.

Another review of research found that practicing mind-body techniques reduced the body’s stress response and helped manage chronic pelvic pain. 

6. Massage Therapy

While there are no scientific studies directly observing how massage therapy affects endometriosis, a survey reports that many women use it as a method of relieving endometriosis pain. 

Broader literature also suggests that massage therapy helps relieve pain for different conditions, such as cancer pain, abdominal postoperative pain, and labor pain.  

Massage therapy may reduce pain by calming the nervous system, releasing endorphins, and blocking pain impulses to the brain. 

7. Dietary Supplements

Research suggests a variety of dietary supplements may be beneficial for alleviating endometriosis symptoms. 

Several studies have observed that vitamin D, zinc, and E deficiencies may elevate the risk of endometriosis development. 

Some supplements may reduce new blood vessels from forming in endometriosis tissue, alleviate pain associated with endometriosis, and reduce the size of endometriosis lesions.  

The supplements suggested in these studies include:

• Magnesium.
• Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Propolis.
• Quercetin.
• N-acetylcysteine.
• Probiotics.
• Alpha-lipoic acid.
• Vitamin C.

8. Omega-3s

Experts believe inflammation is a major factor in endometriosis and that increasing your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and decreasing your intake of saturated fats can reduce your risk of endometriosis or the severity of the condition. 

Eating omega-3 rich foods can also reduce high cholesterol, a condition many people with endometriosis have. 

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Tuna.
• Salmon.
• Mackerel.
• Dark green leafy vegetables.
• Flaxseed oils.
• Walnuts.
• Chia seeds.

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9. Resveratrol

Resveratrol, a compound found in foods like berries and grapes, has potential therapeutic benefits for endometriosis. 

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, resveratrol may help reduce inflammation associated with endometriosis, which has the potential to ease discomfort. 

Studies have shown that resveratrol has the potential to stop new growth of endometrial cells and new blood vessels going to endometrial tissue. 

Resveratrol can be taken as a supplement and is naturally found in several foods, including: 

• Blueberries.
• Grapes.
• Peanuts.
• Red wine.
• While wine.

10. Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms present in some foods and supplements.

They’re known to boost overall immunity and may provide specific advantages for individuals with endometriosis.

Certain probiotic varieties, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have improved the body’s uptake of essential nutrients, which can be especially helpful for people with endometriosis, who are often deficient in vitamin B.

Incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet or taking a probiotic is also a good way to enhance your gut microbiome (a collection of helpful bacteria and viruses). People with endometriosis tend to have an imbalance, or dysbiosis, of gut bacteria. 

11. Minerals And Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals have key benefits in managing endometriosis symptoms. 

Magnesium is known for soothing smooth muscle and may help reduce cramping pain from muscle spasms. It’s readily available in foods like nuts, grains, and spinach. 

Although there is no direct evidence of zinc’s beneficial effects on endometriosis, it has anti-inflammatory properties and supports the immune system.

Foods high in zinc include shellfish, poultry, and beans.

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant with powerful anti-inflammatory effects and boosts the immune system. It’s abundant in citrus fruits, tomatoes, and strawberries. 

12. Turmeric

Turmeric, known for its bold yellow color, is the source of curcumin, a compound rich in anti-inflammatory properties. 

Various studies suggest that curcumin can diminish the growth of new blood vessels and endometrial tissue needs, which may slow the growth of endometriosis. 

Curcumin may also have the potential to decrease the growth of endometrial cells. 

To benefit from turmeric’s properties, incorporate it into your meals or prepare a warm cup of turmeric tea. Turmeric is also available in supplement form.  

13. Fiber-Rich Foods

Estrogen plays an important role in the development and growth of endometriosis.

‍Research indicates that increasing dietary fiber and decreasing consumption of fats cause significant reductions in circulating estrogen levels. 

Eating high-fiber foods is also associated with a decrease in the inflammatory response.

‍The American Heart Association discovered that people adhering to a strict vegan diet experience less inflammation than diets incorporating animal products. 

A separate study from 2018 revealed that women consuming at least one serving of citrus fruits daily experienced a 22% reduced chance of endometriosis compared with those who ate one serving or less per week.

Examples of fiber-rich foods are:

• Whole grains.
• Fruits.
• Vegetables.
• Legumes. 
• Nuts. 
• Seeds. 

If you are not accustomed to a high-fiber diet, gradually incorporating it is recommended to prevent potential digestive discomfort. 

14. Green Tea

Green tea boasts of being naturally rich in catechins and polyphenols, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory effects. 

The primary component in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCH), is beneficial in managing endometriosis.

EGCH aids in slowing the growth of blood cells to endometrial tissue, slowing endometriosis cell growth, and causing apoptosis (cell death) of endometrial cells. 

15. Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Many previously discussed foods for relieving endometriosis are part of an anti-inflammatory diet. 

If you have endometriosis, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet for example, would give you the before-mentioned benefits, such as eating foods high in:

• Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Fiber.
• Vitamins and minerals.
• Naturally occurring probiotics.

Research shows that following a Mediterranean diet may help reduce discomfort from endometriosis. 

The Mediterranean diet incorporates fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, whole grains, and olive oil.

When To Seek Medical Help For Endometriosis Treatment

Seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms such as persistent pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, or pain with intercourse. 

Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough evaluation, potentially including a physical examination and diagnostic imaging to determine the cause.

When they determine the source of your symptoms, they will discuss appropriate treatment options. 

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Takeaway

If you’re looking to ease your endometriosis symptoms, consider adopting several remedies such as heat therapy, yoga, acupuncture, mind-body techniques, and massage, which science shows have the potential to ease your discomfort.

Also, consider several dietary remedies, such as a warm cup of chamomile tea to reduce uterus cramping, omega-3 fatty acids to soothe inflammation, probiotics that enhance your gut microbiome, and dietary supplements that provide necessary vitamins and minerals.

Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean Diet, is a great way to include many foods that can potentially ease endometriosis symptoms. 

How A Dietitian Can Help

A registered dietitian can be a helpful ally in managing endometriosis symptoms using nutritional strategies tailored to you. 

By conducting a comprehensive dietary assessment, a dietitian can pinpoint areas where you can change your diet to reduce inflammation and support your body in reducing endometriosis symptoms. 

Find a dietitian who accepts insurance through Nourish.