Chinese Herbs for Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the muscular walls of the uterus. They range in size from microscopic to several inches in diameter and are estimated to affect up to 80% of women by age 50.[1] fibroids often cause no symptoms, but when they do cause problems, symptoms may include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, backache or leg pains, and constipation.[2]

While fibroids are usually benign, they can negatively impact one’s quality of life. Conventional treatment options include hormonal medications like birth control pills, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and surgical interventions including myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids) and hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus). However, more women are seeking natural alternatives, including the use of Chinese herbal medicine.

How Chinese Herbs May Help with Fibroids

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aims to restore balance in the body through the use of herbal formulas, acupuncture, tui na massage, cupping, and lifestyle and dietary recommendations. According to TCM theory, fibroids develop due to stagnation of Qi and Blood as well as Accumulation of Phlegm and Dampness.[3] Herbal formulas are designed to promote Blood circulation, clear Blood stagnation, resolve Phlegm/Dampness, and regulate hormones.

Clinical research on Chinese herbal medicine for fibroids shows promising results. A study published in the journal Medicines examined 17 randomized controlled trials including 1,567 patients. It concluded that Chinese herbal medicine combined with conventional therapy is more effective for shrinking fibroids and relieving symptoms compared to conventional therapy alone.[4]

Common Chinese Herbs and Formulas for Fibroids

Some of the most commonly used herbs and formulas for fibroids include:

• Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi) – Promotes circulation and helps resolve blood stagnation.[5]
• Red Peony Root (Chi Shao) – Invigorates blood circulation and clears blood stagnation.[6]
• Moutan Bark (Mu Dan Pi) – Cools and invigorates blood, clears Blood-Heat, and resolves Blood stagnation.[7]
• Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan – A classic herbal formula containing cinnamon twig, poria, peach kernel, moutan bark, and white peony root. It invigorates blood, dissolves stasis, and softens hardness.[8]
• Xiang Leng Wan – Contains cyperus tuber, cinnamon twig, and red peony root. It dispels blood stasis and regulates menstruation. [9]
• Ba Zhen Tang – Tonifies Qi and Blood, nourishes the Liver and Kidneys, and regulates menstruation. [10]

Lifestyle Recommendations

• Maintain a healthy body weight through diet and exercise. Obesity increases estrogen levels which can encourage fibroid growth.[11]
• Reduce dietary estrogen intake by avoiding conventional meat and dairy and eating more plant-based foods. [12]
• Manage stress through yoga, meditation, deep breathing, journaling, and other relaxation techniques. Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance. [13]
• Limit alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, which can worsen hormonal imbalance. [14]

Safety and Precautions

• Consult a licensed acupuncturist or herbalist experienced in treating fibroids. Self-treatment with herbs is not recommended.
• Inform your provider of all medications or supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Monitor for signs of liver toxicity when taking Chinese herbs long-term.
• Discontinue use if pregnancy is achieved, as certain herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy.

While herbal medicine shows promise for fibroids, more rigorous clinical trials are needed. When used under professional guidance, Chinese herbs may help shrink fibroids, manage symptoms, and avoid surgical procedures. However, herbs are not a substitute for medical care. Maintaining regular check-ups with your gynecologist is important for monitoring fibroid status.

References

1. Stewart EA. Clinical practice. Uterine fibroids. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(17):1646-1655. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1411029 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmcp1411029
2. Uterine fibroids – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354288. Published July 22, 2020. Accessed February 11, 2023.
3. Flower A, Liu JP, Chen S, Lewith G, Little P. Chinese herbal medicine for endometriosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009;(3). doi:10.1002/14651858.cd006568.pub2 https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006568.pub2/full
4. Che Y, Tan J, Zhai J, et al. The Efficacy of Chinese Medicinal Herbs and Western Medicine in Shrinking Uterine Fibroids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicines. 2022;9(2):18. Published 2022 Jan 21. doi:10.3390/medicines9020018 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8833679/
5. Bensky D, Clavey S, Stöger E. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. 3rd ed. Eastland Press; 2004.
6. Chen J, Chen T. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry, CA: Art of Medicine Press; 2004.
7. Pitchford P. Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books; 2002.
8. Ried K, Stuart K. Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in the management of female infertility: a systematic review. Complement Ther Med. 2011;19(6):319-331. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2011.09.003 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229911001009
9. Huang Y, Yu J. The efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine as an adjunctive therapy for endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2018;13(11):e0206894. Published 2018 Nov 8. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0206894 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0206894
10. Ried K. Chinese herbal medicine for female infertility: an updated meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2015;23(1):116-128. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2014.12.001 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229914001231?via%3Dihub
11. Gupta S, Jose J, Manyonda I. Clinical presentation of fibroids. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2008;22(4):615-626. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2008.04.002 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1521693408000741
12. Wise LA, Ruiz-Narvaez E, Haddad SA, et al. Lifetime adolescent and early adulthood diet and risk of breast cancer. Am J Public Health. 2015;105(11):e5-e13. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2015.302883 https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2015.302883
13. Vitolins MZ, Rand CS, Rapp SR, Ribisl PM, Sevick MA. Measuring adherence to behavioral and medical interventions. Control Clin Trials. 2000;21(5 Suppl):188S-194S. doi:10.1016/s0197-2456(00)00077-5 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197245600000775
14. Sharan C, Halder SK, Thota C, et al. Vitamin D and uterine fibroids: A review of pathogenesis and clinical studies. Int J Reprod Biomed. 2018;16(3):131-142. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6079277/