Herbs to Avoid if You Have Fibroids

In TCM: Ren Shen is a famous herb for boosting Yuan Qi, the body’s core energy that supports all Yin and Yang energies. While this is helpful for improving vitality and overcoming fatigue, it can also stimulate blood flow and activity in the body, potentially encouraging the growth of fibroids.

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From a Western View: Ginseng contains compounds called ginsenosides, which can mimic estrogen in the body. Since fibroids are hormone-sensitive, this estrogen-like activity may contribute to their growth and worsen symptoms.

✨ Dan Shen & Hong Hua:

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Find this card inside the Herbology Deck

In TCM: These are blood-invigorating herbs that promote circulation and help remove stagnation. While this is beneficial in many cases, for those with fibroids, it can lead to heavier menstrual bleeding, which is already a common symptom of fibroids.

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From a Western View: These herbs have blood-thinning properties, which could worsen heavy bleeding and even lead to anemia in women who already experience prolonged or excessive periods.

✨ Yang-Tonifying Herbs (e.g., Tu Si Zi, Yin Yang Huo):

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Find this card inside the Herbology Deck

In TCM: Yang-tonifying herbs increase energy, metabolism, and warmth in the body, which can overstimulate growth processes. This might aggravate fibroids, which are often linked to imbalances like blood stasis or damp in TCM.

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From a Western View: These herbs may enhance hormone-related activity and increase blood flow, potentially fueling fibroid growth and exacerbating symptoms.

Now, let’s dive deeper into understanding what uterine fibroids are and how Western medicine treats them!

Fibroids, or uterine leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and fertility issues. 

   

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Interesting Facts: 
Even after a myomectomy, the journey isn’t necessarily over—fibroids can return. Studies show that 15–33% of fibroids can recur after myomectomy, and about 10–21% of women may need a hysterectomy within five to ten years. This makes it vital to understand how to manage fibroids long-term, including the role of herbs and other natural approaches.

Types of Fibroids and Symptoms
Understanding the type and location of fibroids can help you better manage your condition and treatment.

1️⃣ Intramural Fibroids
Location: Within the muscular wall of the uterus.
Symptoms:
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Pelvic pain or pressure.
Enlarged uterus, which may cause abdominal swelling.
Frequent urination due to pressure on the bladder.

2️⃣ Submucosal Fibroids
Location: Beneath the uterine lining (endometrium), bulging into the uterine cavity.
Symptoms:
Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, often leading to anemia.
Pain during menstruation.
Fertility issues or recurrent miscarriages.

3️⃣ Subserosal Fibroids
Location: On the outer surface of the uterus, projecting outward.
Symptoms:
Pelvic or abdominal discomfort.
Back or leg pain due to nerve compression.
Digestive issues like constipation if pressing on the rectum.

4️⃣ Pedunculated Fibroids
What Are They? Some submucosal or subserosal fibroids grow on a stalk, hanging either inside or outside the uterus.
Symptoms:
Sharp pelvic pain if the stalk twists (torsion).
Pressure or discomfort depending on the fibroid's position.

Supplements
Vitamin D: Helps regulate cell growth and supports immune function.

 

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduces inflammation and pain.

 

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Magnesium: Aids in muscle relaxation and pain reduction.

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Vitamin C: Provides antioxidant support for tissue health.

 

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Vitamin E: Reduces inflammation and supports hormonal balance.

 

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Personal Thoughts on Dealing with Fibroids

The decision to undergo the surgical removal of my fibroids was not an easy one. I had tried to avoid surgery for as long as possible. While I experienced notable improvements through herbal remedies and acupuncture, the size of my fibroids and my future plans ultimately led me to choose surgery as the best option for me.

One thing I want to emphasize is that, while Western medicine often states the cause of fibroids is unknown, I noticed that stress was the number one factor affecting my fibroids. This is something I’ve learned to pay closer attention to throughout my journey.

The second major factor I observed was the food I consumed—particularly foods that create dampness in the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dampness is a major contributor to imbalances. Dairy products like ice cream, cheese, yogurt, and milk, as well as wheat-based foods (such as bread, cakes, and snacks), all create dampness and cold in the body. Cold + damp foods, like ice cream, were my worst enemy. In TCM, dampness accumulates in the spleen, which is responsible for transforming food into Qi. When the spleen becomes weakened by damp foods, it struggles to properly transport and transform nutrients, leading to stagnation of blood and Qi—which can contribute to fibroid formation and growth.

On a personal note, I’ve struggled with persistent acne on my chin since moving to the U.S. When I was living in Korea, I didn’t consume as much dairy or wheat-flour-based foods, and I didn’t experience acne. However, after moving here, I started eating more dairy products, bread, and pasta, and I noticed breakouts right after eating these foods. FYI, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acne on the chin is often associated with hormonal imbalances, particularly related to the reproductive system. Now that I’m being more mindful of my diet, my acne has been disappearing. This was a huge eye-opener for me, as it highlighted how food choices can directly impact my health.

The third factor is worry, which is emotionally tied to the spleen. In TCM, worry and overthinking affect the spleen, creating stagnation that can lead to digestive issues and blood flow problems. This emotional state can further aggravate fibroids by disrupting the balance of Qi and causing stagnation in the body.

The procedure wasn’t the easiest experience, and I’ve been reevaluating my lifestyle, making drastic changes to improve my well-being. It taught me so much about fibroids, their impact on the body, and how to approach them holistically. I wanted to share these insights to help others who may be navigating a similar path. Feel free to share this with friends and family who may be affected by fibroids!

Warmly, 

Bora Choi

Click here for the full list of herbs to avoid for fibroids.