Endometriosis is a condition that causes the endometrial tissue to grow outside of the uterus. It can cause severe pelvic pain that can interfere with your ability to complete your daily activities. Fortunately, there are ways that you can manage the pain at home.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a home remedy that has been used for thousands of years. It can also be used to alleviate the pain caused by endometriosis. To get the best results, you will need to use the castor oil when you first feel the pain. You will need to apply the castor oil directly to your stomach. You can also use Lavender oil along with the castor oil.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Naproxen and ibuprofen can provide you with quick relief from pain. These medications work by blocking the production of prostaglandins. These are substances that cause pain. You will need to make sure that you take those medications with food or drink in order to prevent them from upsetting your stomach.
Additionally, you do not want to use them for longer than one week at a time. If you want more natural remedies, however, check out our other article on what to use when medication isn’t enough.
Get a Massage
Massages have been shown to help people suffering from endometriosis; using massage tools at home is an effective way of helping to manage pain. Massaging the area can increase blood flow and sometimes causes heat which often can help ease pain intensity. It also reduces tension in the area.
Heat Therapy
This method has mixed results. Commonly, heat can reduce pain by helping the pelvic muscles relax. There are several ways that you can use heat therapy including applying a heating pad, warm water bottle, or heated bean/rice packs to your stomach.
Taking a warm bath has also been known to help. However, some reports have said that using heat, while temporarily alleviates pain, can also be the cause of more intense pain once the heated tissues cool. It appears to be unique and different for everyone, and some even swear by icing instead of heating. Whatever you choose, be sure to be extra aware of how your body reacts during and after applying heat.
Change Your Diet
You will not get quick relief by changing your diet. However, a healthy diet can help you manage your condition by reducing inflammation. Dairy, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods can worsen your situation by triggering inflammation. You should add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet.
Chia seeds, bone broth, green leafy vegetables, salmon, and ginger are some of the foods that can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. You can also drink ginger tea. Ginger tea not only reduces inflammation, but it can also treat nausea. Many women who suffer from endometriosis also experience nausea.
The Takeaway
The excruciating pain that endometriosis causes can make it difficult to do anything. Women with this condition can get relief by getting a massage, taking over-the-counter or natural medications, and using castor oil. Additionally, anti-inflammatory foods can provide women who have this condition with long-term pain relief.
However, aside from the physical treatments like these, it’s also important to promote understanding in others to help limit misunderstanding and judgments against women who are affected by endometriosis. If you or someone you know suffers from endometriosis, support and understanding can be one of the most significant ways to help them.
