I have started taking an herb called Chaste berry tea to help with my endometriosis. I've only had one cup so far and I feel really down out of it in a way and I was wondering if there is any other solutions or if this will go away eventually. Also I really don't care for the taste. It took 25 mins. to choke it down.
And I was wondering if Queen Anne's Lace seed really work as a birth control? And I'm using bergamot soap for my face(acne). Does that help? And I need some suggestions for sleeping problems as in tossing and turning all night. Chamomile tea was suggested.
Chaste berry (Vitex agnus-castus) is very effective in normalizing the female hormones. Hormone imbalance is often a factor in endometriosis. You may find it easier to take it in tincture form, two to three ml in water, first thing in the morning. It works via the pituitary gland, so is most effective in the morning when the brain is most active. To get rid of the alcohol in the tincture, pour a bit of boiling water over it, and drink when cooled.
Other factors that should be considered in endometriosis are diet and stress. The diet should be high in essential fatty acids (nuts, seeds and grains) and low in meat, dairy, sugar and refined foods. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided. Gentle exercise such as walking and swimming, relaxation tapes and activities such as yoga or tai chi can help with stress and improve pelvic circulation.
For more information on endometriosis, see Rosemary Gladstar's "Herbal Healing for Women" (available at Richters) or Amanda McQuade Crawford's "Herbal Healing for Women" (Prima Publishing).
I don't know whether Queen Anne's Lace works for birth control, and cannot recommend herbs for this. Herbal Medicine is used to promote natural health function, which does not include birth control.
I don't have any experience with bergamot soap for acne. Bergamot is antiseptic, so this could be helpful. Acne can be promoted by toxins in the blood which can be eliminated with a good diet that includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and excludes sugar and chemical additives. A good liver tonic such as Dandelion root would be helpful in elimination of toxins in acne and as well as for processing hormones to help in endometriosis. Hormone imbalance can also be a factor in acne, in which case Chaste berry may help.
Chamomile is calming and can help with insomnia. Other herbs that can help are Passionflower, Valerian, St. John's Wort and Lime/Linden flowers.