Essential Oils for Fibroids: Are They Safe?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that can grow on your uterus. Also known as myomas or leiomyomas, they appear within the uterine wall, changing the size and shape of it. [1]

Fibroids can appear at any age, but mostly between the age of 30 to 40. The condition is non-cancerous. But it is quite common among women and can lead to severe problems like infertility. [2]

If you have fibroids, you should consult with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

While you’re undergoing treatment, you can also use some essential oils for fibroids to ease some of the symptoms.

Essential oils can be a safe and cost-effective choice to treat the symptoms of fibroids. Some of these oils can balance your hormone. And, some can reduce your menstrual pain with their anti-inflammatory effects.

6 Best Essential Oils for Fibroids

Here are some safe essential oils that may help relieve the symptoms of fibroids:

1. Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil originates from the leaves and flowers of Salvia sclarea through steam distillation. It can be an effective natural remedy to soothe fibroids.

Researchers have proved the oil’s efficacy to reduce cortisol levels. It also has antidepressant effects. Hence, clary sage oil can efficiently balance a woman’s hormone level. [3]

2. Frankincense Oil

Frankincense oil comes from the gum-like resin of the Boswellia tree. It is quite famous due to its numerous therapeutic values.

Fibroids may cause stress due to excessive bleeding and pain during menstrual. Frankincense oil can reduce your stress level and promote relaxation. [4]

Apart from fibroids, this oil can also treat cysts. It can also treat infertility, one of the major symptoms of fibroids. [5]

3. Thyme Oil

Thyme oil is a good choice to balance your hormone. It can improve progesterone production and prevent infertility.

A study was published in the Proceedings of the Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine. It reported that thyme essential oil could balance the progesterone levels. [6]

The symptoms of fibroids can lead to stress and depression. Thyme essential oil can relieve those symptoms as well.

4. Ylang Ylang Oil

The painful symptoms of fibroids can have adverse effects on your mood. Ylang ylang oil can reduce your depression and improve your mood.

Forty volunteers participated in a study published in 2006. Those who used ylang ylang oil were more calm and relaxed. The oil also lowered their blood pressure level. [7]

The oil may also balance reproductive hormones and increase sexual desires.

5. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is famous for treating numerous health issues. Its incredible aroma can reduce your stress level and promote mental wellbeing.

Using lavender oil can balance your hormone level. A study published in 2010 shows that it can regulate estrogen production. So, it can prevent severe symptoms of fibroids, infertility. [8]

6. Rose Otto Oil

Rose Otto oil is widely used for emotional healing and as a mood enhancer. The enticing aroma of this oil can soothe stress, anxiety, and uplift your spirit. [9]

Due to fibroids, there can be a hormonal imbalance that leads to infertility. A 2017 study shows that rose otto oil can improve estrogen level in premenopausal women. [10]

How to Use Essential Oils for Fibroids

Massaging with essential oils are the most effective to treat fibroids at home. But, you can use them in aromatherapy as well.

Take two drops of any essential oil and dilute them with coconut oil. Massage your pelvic area with the oil two times daily.
Add some essential oils to a diffuser. Put it anywhere at your home and inhale the aroma to calm yourself.

Precautions to Use Essential Oils for Fibroids

Although essential oils are safe, they can also have adverse effects if used wrongly. Here are some safety tips to avoid negative reactions from essential oils:

Never use any essential oil on skin without diluting them. Some of them have strong components to irritate your skin. However, you can use them directly if the instruction on the bottle says so.
Always do a patch test on the less sensitive part on your skin. It will help you to find out which oil suits your skin.
Don’t ingest the essential oils internally.
Store the essential oils in a cool and dry place.
If you’re pregnant, consult with a doctor before using essential oil. Same rule goes if you’re under medication as well.

Causes & Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

The exact reason behind uterine fibroids is still unclear. But experts think genetics and hormones might be the reasons for getting them.

Here are some other factors that may increase a woman’s risk for developing fibroids:

If anyone in your family (mother/sister) has fibroids, you may also have it.
When you’re on your childbearing age (Between 30 to 40).
If you’re an African-American woman, you’re at three times higher risk than women from other races.
Consuming poor quality beef or pork may increase the risk of developing fibroids.
Women with an overweight issue are more tend to have fibroids.
High blood pressure.
Hypothyroidism
Taking birth control pills.

Unfortunately, most of the women are unaware of that fact that they have fibroids. They can find it during their pregnancy when an ultrasound is performed.

The common symptoms of uterine fibroids are:

Heavy bleeding during menstrual.
A menstrual period lasts seven days or longer.
Bloating or fullness in the pelvic region.
Pain in the pelvic region.
Constipation
Frequent urination.
Difficulty emptying the bladder.
Pain during sexual intercourse.
Infertility
Back pain.

When to See a Doctor

As fibroids are difficult to detect, they can create severe problems due to delay in treatment. So, it’s important that you see a doctor immediately after you detect the symptoms.

If the symptoms become severe, you may need to remove your uterus through surgery.

Make an appointment with the gynecologist if the following symptoms occur:

Severe pelvic pain.
Difficulty in emptying the bladder.
Uncontrollable bladder.
Heavy and painful periods.
Lump in your abdomen.

Uterine Fibroids During Pregnancy

You might be at a huge risk if you have fibroids during your pregnancy. A pregnant woman with fibroids is in six times greater risk of having a C-section.

A study published in 2016 shows, having fibroids while you’re pregnant can increase the risk of preterm birth, C-section, abortion, fetal malpresentation, and peripartum hemorrhage. [11]

Your doctor may suggest having more ultrasound to monitor the fibroids.

Fibroids Vs. Polyps

Do not confuse fibroids with polyps. Both the problems are related to your uterus. But their formation is quite different.

Fibroids occur due to the overgrowth of myometrium while an overgrowth of endometrium causes polyps.
Fibroids are usually bigger than polyps.
Fibroids are non-cancerous. But, in some rare cases, polyps can develop into cancer.
Fibroids can cause severe menstrual pain, pressure, and discomfort. Polyps are usually painless.

Conclusion

Fibroids usually develop during the later reproductive year. But it may also happen when you’re less than 20 years old.

Having fibroids are serious problems and can lead to conditions related to fertility.

Treat your fibroids as soon as you detect the symptoms.

While you’re under treatment, you can use these essential oils as a complementary treatment.

You can also bring some changes to your diet to soothe symptoms. Vegetables, vitamin K, beta-carotene, and iron are good to maintain your uterus health.

Also, some high-quality supplements such as Vitamin B complex and Vitamin D3 capsules can help you with fibroids symptoms.