herbs for pelvic inflammatory disease

PID

General characteristics

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a state of inflammation that can affect the womb, fallopian tubes, ovaries and general internal pelvic area resulting from infection (usually bacterial but can be fungal or viral). It is most commonly seen in young sexually active females.

The infection can be caused when bacteria present in the vagina or cervix (most commonly chlamydia or gonorrhea) travel into the pelvic region but can also result from miscarriages, abortions, intrauterine devices (coil etc), surgical procedures in the pelvic area, following childbirth, appendicitis and even tampon use (especially if left in too long). The vagina has its own population of bacteria that under normal conditions do not cause problems but poor hygiene, tight and non-breathable underwear or clothing, poor diet and low immunity can all make the conditions perfect for infection to begin.

Sometimes no symptoms are felt and the condition goes unnoticed. When symptoms do present they can include unpleasant smelling or abnormal coloured vaginal discharge, pain in the pelvic area, pain in the lower back, fever, increased menstrual pain, bleeding between periods, irregular periods, painful intercourse, painful urination and a general feeling of being unwell. In acute cases the pain can be excruciating.

If the infection is left untreated it may result in scarring in the pelvic organs such as the fallopian tubes or ovaries (which may lead to infertility), increases the likelihood of ectopic pregnancies, abscess formation and damage to delicate pelvic structures.

Healing objectives are to raise general immunity/vitality to help the body deal with infection, improve blood flow to the pelvic area, correct any hormonal imbalance and to ease any unpleasant symptoms.

Diet and lifestyle

Base your diet around fresh wholefoods and exclude processed, additive laden foods wherever possible, particularly refined carbohydrates, starches, sugary foods and refined oils and fats as these add to the toxic load of the body and deplete vitality and immunity.

Eat plenty of raw garlic (several raw cloves daily) to help deal with infection speedily.

Oily fish, seeds and nuts contain anti-inflammatory omega oils and should be eaten several times a week.

Eat as many fresh vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, sprouted grains and seeds and fresh herbs and spices as possible for their anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and many other valuable health giving nutrients.

Eat a serving of unsweetened live yoghurt each day for the immune boosting probiotic bacteria it contains.

Turmeric and ginger should be used liberally for their infection fighting, blood moving, pain relieving and anti-inflammatory actions.

Drink plenty of water each day.

Avoid alcohol and smoking.

Useful herbs

See also infection for other herbal ideas.

Immune regulating herbs such as echinacea, barberry root and goldenseal can be used to help treat infection. Use in tincture form internally.

Lady's mantle, nettle, raspberry leaf, squaw vine and chamomile dried herbs can be made into a formula for tea. Use equal parts and drink 3 cups daily to help ease symptoms, infection and hormonal imbalance and to tone the area

Turmeric is a powerful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and blood mover. add a quarter of a teaspoon to herbal teas or juices up to 3 times daily.

For stubborn infection, dip a clove of peeled garlic into some raw, cold pressed organic coconut oil and insert high into the vagina (like a pessary) at night time. It should work its way out during the next day and can be replaced with a fresh one the following evening or every other night.

Natural healing

Evening primrose oil contains essential fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory and can also help to balance hormones. Take a 1000mg capsule daily for a month or so.

Castor oil packs can help to break up congestion, ease pain and remove built up toxicity in the area. Place a cloth soaked in castor oil over the pelvic area and put a hot water bottle on top to bring warmth and increase its therapeutic effects. Leave in place for half an hour or so then cleanse the skin with warm water. Add some fresh grated ginger to the castor oil for blood moving and pain relieving effects. Do this every 2-3 nights.

Add a few drops of tea tree and oregano essential oils to your baths and make sure the bath water enters your vagina. Both are good at dealing with bacterial infections.

Take a teaspoon of cider vinegar once or twice daily in water or add to your bath water.