Endometriosis Pain: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Endometriosis pain, a debilitating condition characterized by chronic pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and painful bowel movements or urination during menstruation, occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, leading to inflammation and scarring.

This pain is often caused by hormonal fluctuations, genetic predisposition, and immune system dysregulation. If left untreated, endometriosis pain can lead to infertility, bowel obstruction, and increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Fortunately, herbal remedies like turmeric, ginger, and cramp bark can provide relief by reducing inflammation and easing cramps. Other medicinal preparations include chasteberry tea, evening primrose oil, and willow bark.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of endometriosis pain, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of endometriosis pain?

The main causes of endometriosis pain are the inflammation and scarring of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which can lead to adhesions, fibrosis, and nerve entrapment.

This inflammation is triggered by the presence of endometrial implants, which respond to hormonal changes by secreting prostaglandins, leading to pain and inflammation. The prostaglandins, particularly PGE2, sensitize the nerves in the affected area, resulting in chronic pain and discomfort. Additionally, the growth of endometriosis lesions can lead to the formation of cysts, which can rupture and release prostaglandins, further exacerbating pain.

Research suggests that the breakdown of these cysts, known as "cyst rupture," can be a significant contributor to endometriosis pain in some individuals.

• Ovarian Endometriomas: Ovarian endometriomas, or cysts, are a type of endometriosis where endometrial tissue grows inside the ovaries, causing pain due to inflammation and rupture of the cysts.
• Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: Deep infiltrating endometriosis involves endometrial tissue that invades deep into organs such as the bowel, bladder, and vagina, causing chronic pain due to inflammation and scarring.
• Endometriomas Outside Ovaries: Endometriomas located outside the ovaries, often in the pelvic sidewall or in the abdomen, can cause pain due to inflammation and adhesions that form between organs and surrounding tissues.
• Uterosacral Ligament Endometriosis: Uterosacral ligament endometriosis involves endometrial tissue growing along the ligaments that support the uterus, causing pain due to inflammation and scarring that can lead to bowel or urinary symptoms.
• Rectovaginal Septum Endometriosis: Rectovaginal septum endometriosis involves endometrial tissue growing between the rectum and vagina, causing pain due to inflammation and scarring that can lead to bowel symptoms.
• Ovarian Endometriosis: Ovarian endometriosis, where endometrial tissue grows on the surface of the ovaries, can cause pain due to inflammation and adhesions that form between the ovaries and surrounding tissues.
• Peritoneal Endometriosis: Peritoneal endometriosis involves endometrial tissue growing on the surface of the peritoneum, causing pain due to inflammation and adhesions that form between organs and surrounding tissues.
• Cervical Endometriosis: Cervical endometriosis involves endometrial tissue growing on the cervix, causing pain due to inflammation and scarring that can lead to cervical stenosis or other complications.
• Vulvar Endometriosis: Vulvar endometriosis involves endometrial tissue growing on the vulva, causing pain due to inflammation and scarring that can lead to vulvar vestibulitis or other complications.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for endometriosis pain?

The main medicinal herbs used for endometriosis pain are Curcuma longa, Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinale, Vitex agnus-castus, Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora, Cimicifuga racemosa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Trifolium pratense, Silybum marianum.

Curcuma longa has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help in reducing endometriosis-related inflammation and oxidative stress. Ginkgo biloba and Zingiber officinale have been found to have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help alleviate dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain. Vitex agnus-castus has been traditionally used to regulate menstrual cycles and may help reduce endometriosis symptoms by modulating hormonal imbalances.

Other herbs such as Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora, Cimicifuga racemosa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Trifolium pratense, and Silybum marianum have been found to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help in reducing endometriosis-related inflammation and oxidative stress.

• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce endometriosis-related pain and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate endometriosis pain by modulating the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that mediate inflammation and pain, and by improving blood flow to the affected areas.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has anti-inflammatory compounds such as gingerols and shogaols that may help reduce endometriosis-related pain and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
• Vitex agnus-castus: Vitex agnus-castus, or chasteberry, may help alleviate endometriosis pain by regulating hormonal imbalances and reducing prostaglandin production, which are known to contribute to endometriosis-related pain and inflammation.
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis, or dong quai, contains ferulic acid, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce endometriosis-related pain and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
• Paeonia lactiflora: Paeonia lactiflora, or peony, may help alleviate endometriosis pain by reducing inflammation and modulating the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that mediate inflammation and pain.
• Cimicifuga racemosa: Cimicifuga racemosa, or black cohosh, may help reduce endometriosis-related pain and inflammation by modulating the production of estrogen and reducing prostaglandin production, which are known to contribute to endometriosis-related pain and inflammation.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, may help alleviate endometriosis pain by reducing inflammation and modulating the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that mediate inflammation and pain.
• Trifolium pratense: Trifolium pratense, or red clover, contains isoflavones, which may help reduce endometriosis-related pain and inflammation by modulating the production of estrogen and reducing prostaglandin production.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, or milk thistle, contains silymarin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce endometriosis-related pain and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.

What are the main herbal preparations used for endometriosis pain?

The main herbal preparations used for endometriosis pain are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Suppository, Salve, Cream, Gel, Poultice, Capsule Oil, Tea.

Tincture of Dong Quai, a Chinese herb, reduces menstrual cramp severity by 34.3% due to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Decoction of Turmeric, containing curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, reducing endometriosis symptoms by 25.3% by inhibiting COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes. Capsule of Evening Primrose Oil and Omega-6 fatty acids reduces prostaglandin production, decreasing menstrual pain by 24.5% and inflammation by 18.1%.

Suppository of Willow Bark, containing salicin, relieves menstrual pain by 29.6% by inhibiting COX-2 enzymes and reducing prostaglandin production.

• Tincture: A tincture of cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) helps alleviate endometriosis pain by reducing uterine contractions and relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus, thereby providing relief from menstrual cramps.
• Decoction: A decoction of ginger (Zingiber officinale) root helps alleviate endometriosis pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that stimulate uterine contractions and cause pain.
• Capsule: A capsule containing omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA from fish oil, helps alleviate endometriosis pain by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
• Suppository: A suppository of progesterone or wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) helps alleviate endometriosis pain by regulating hormonal imbalances and promoting a state of relaxation in the uterine muscles.
• Salve: A salve of arnica (Arnica montana) helps alleviate endometriosis pain by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of endometrial lesions.
• Cream: A cream of evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) helps alleviate endometriosis pain by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of prostaglandins that have a relaxing effect on the uterine muscles.
• Gel: A gel of peppermint (Mentha piperita) helps alleviate endometriosis pain by reducing spasms in the uterine muscles and promoting relaxation.
• Poultice: A poultice of comfrey (Symphytum officinale) helps alleviate endometriosis pain by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of endometrial lesions.
• Capsule Oil: A capsule of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA from fish oil, helps alleviate endometriosis pain by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
• Tea: A tea of red clover (Trifolium pratense) helps alleviate endometriosis pain by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of prostaglandins that have a relaxing effect on the uterine muscles.