- Free resource: Want a step-by-step plan? Download the Free Fibroid Guide for evidence-based strategies, meal ideas, and checklists.
TL;DR
- The strongest clinical signal among herbs for fibroids today is green tea extract (EGCG), which has shown reductions in fibroid size and symptom burden in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) may help cycle symptoms (PMS, mastalgia) through prolactin modulation; this can indirectly support quality of life in people with fibroids, though it hasn’t been proven to shrink fibroids.
- Liver-supportive botanicals (milk thistle, dandelion, artichoke, burdock) are frequently used in integrative protocols to aid bile flow and hormone metabolism; evidence is limited/variable, so they’re best framed as adjuncts.
- Mineral & iron support (e.g., stinging nettle, yellow dock; plus diet) may help if you’re dealing with heavy-bleeding–related fatigue/anemia, but they don’t treat fibroids themselves.
- Iodine-rich seaweeds (e.g., bladderwrack/sea moss) deliver minerals but require caution in thyroid disorders due to highly variable iodine content.
Always involve your clinician for diagnosis and treatment decisions. For background on what fibroids are and standard care options, see ACOG and NIH overviews.
What fibroids are and where herbs may fit
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are benign smooth-muscle tumors of the uterus. They’re common, estrogen- and progesterone-responsive, and can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure/pain, bloating, urinary frequency, and anemia. Conventional options range from watchful waiting to medications, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), myomectomy, and hysterectomy depending on your goals and symptoms.
Where botanicals may help:
- Reduce symptom burden (bleeding, cramps, cycle irregularities)
- Support quality of life (energy, mood, sleep)
- Complement lifestyle changes (nutrition, stress, iron repletion)
- Possibly reduce fibroid size (EGCG specifically)
Herbs are adjuncts, not replacements, for medical care—especially if you have severe bleeding, anemia, rapid growth, or are considering pregnancy.
The evidence tiers (at a glance)
- Tier A (human RCT data in fibroids): Green tea extract EGCG.
- Tier B (human data for related gynecologic symptoms, not fibroid shrinkage): Chasteberry for PMS/mastalgia and cycle symptoms.
- Tier C (adjunctive physiology with limited/indirect human data): Milk thistle, artichoke, dandelion, burdock (liver/bile support); nettle/yellow dock (anemia support).
Herb #1: Green Tea Extract (EGCG) — the standout
Why it matters: EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a major catechin in green tea, has anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic actions in fibroid cells. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, women with symptomatic fibroids taking green tea extract (45% EGCG) daily for 4 months had significant reductions in fibroid volume and improved symptom scores vs placebo.
Typical study dosing: The pivotal trial used 800 mg/day of green tea extract standardized to 45% EGCG (~360 mg EGCG/day) for 4 months. (Herbal extracts differ; match standardization.)
Safety notes: Concentrated green tea extracts have been rarely associated with liver injury. Use reputable brands, avoid fasting dosing, and discontinue if you develop dark urine, jaundice, or right-upper-quadrant pain. LiverTox offers a clinician-facing review.
Get our dosing & safety checklist inside the [Free Fibroid Guide].
Scratch product fit:
- Fibroid Relief & Balance Formula (contains green tea EGCG alongside Vitex, red raspberry leaf, dandelion root, and herbal botanicals) — designed for daily use within a plant-based protocol.
Herb #2: Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) — cycle symptom support
Why it matters: While not proven to shrink fibroids, chasteberry may help PMS-type symptoms (mastalgia, mood, cyclic discomfort) by lowering prolactin via dopaminergic effects and modulating pituitary–ovarian signaling—changes that many people with fibroids find symptom-relieving.
Evidence snapshot: Multiple controlled trials and reviews support chasteberry for PMS symptom relief; evidence is indirect for fibroids. NCCIH provides a concise safety/evidence summary for patients.
How it’s used (general ranges): Many commercial extracts provide 20 - 40 mg/day (often as BNO 1095 or equivalent), typically taken for 8 - 12 weeks before judging benefit. (Follow product-specific directions.)
Safety: Avoid during pregnancy/lactation; use caution with hormone-sensitive conditions and dopamine-related medications; discuss with your clinician.
Herbs that support liver & bile (adjuncts, not direct anti-fibroid agents)
Hormone metabolism (including estrogen conjugation/excretion) depends on liver and biliary function. Botanicals below are commonly used to support digestion and bile flow - useful for some, but not proven to shrink fibroids.
- Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): Large-scale trials show mixed/insufficient benefits in liver diseases; generally well-tolerated. Use as a gentle adjunct rather than a “cure.”
- Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus): Evidence suggests choleretic effects and functional dyspepsia relief; human data for estrogen handling are limited.
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Traditional bitter/digestive; evidence is limited; generally used as tea.
- Burdock (Arctium lappa): Traditionally used as a “blood purifier”; clinical evidence remains scarce.
How to brew (general tea method): 1–2 tsp dried herb per 8 oz hot water, steep 10–15 minutes, 1–3 cups/day, as tolerated (or follow product label).
Scratch product fit:
- Liver Detox Tea (milk thistle, dandelion root, burdock root, artichoke leaf): an adjunct to your main fibroid protocol—aimed at comfort, digestion, and daily bile support.
✅ Pair with a fiber-rich, plant-based diet (our brand standard) and regular bowel movements to support estrogen clearance.
Mineral and iron support (for heavy-bleeding fatigue)
Heavy menses can deplete iron and minerals, driving fatigue, brain fog, hair shedding. While these herbs don’t treat fibroids, they can be supportive:
- Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): Nutrient-dense tonic traditionally used for iron support; evidence is modest, but it’s widely used as tea or capsule. (Check labs and use medically guided iron if deficient.)
- Yellow dock (Rumex crispus): Often paired with nettle in tradition for gentle iron support; evidence remains limited.
Scratch product fit:
-
Blood Builder & Iron Support (nettle, yellow dock, sarsaparilla + bioactive B-vitamins) built for those with heavy cycles/low ferritin, alongside clinician-guided iron if needed.
Sea moss & bladderwrack (mineral-rich seaweeds): benefits with a thyroid caution
Sea moss and bladderwrack provide iodine and trace minerals that can support overall nutrition on plant-based plans. However, iodine content varies widely in seaweeds and can affect the thyroid—especially in people with existing thyroid disorders. Keep intake moderate and consistent; discuss with your clinician if you have a thyroid condition.
Scratch product fit:
- We leverage sea moss/bladderwrack in select formulas for mineral repletion—not as anti-fibroid agents—while emphasizing reasonable iodine exposure and monitoring as needed.
Putting it together: evidence-aligned, plant-based stack (90 days)
Daily core (evidence + symptom support)
- Fibroid Relief & Balance Formula (contains EGCG + chasteberry + supportive botanicals)
- Optional: Blood Builder & Iron Support™ if you have heavy bleeding/fatigue (coordinate with iron labs)
Adjunct tea (digestion & bile support)
-
Liver Detox Tea (milk thistle, dandelion, burdock, artichoke), 1–2 cups/day, between meals
Lifestyle
- Plant-based, high-fiber meals; daily movement; stress reduction; sleep regularity
- Track symptoms and cycles in a journal (bleeding, pain, energy, mood)
🎁 Get our printable Fibroid Symptom & Cycle Tracker inside the [Free Fibroid Guide].
Dosage & safety quick reference
- EGCG (green tea extract): ~800 mg/day standardized extract at 45% EGCG (~360 mg EGCG) used in RCTs for 4 months; monitor liver symptoms; avoid if you’ve had prior green-tea–related liver issues.
- Chasteberry: Common extracts around 20–40 mg/day; avoid in pregnancy/lactation; interact with dopamine-related meds/hormones.
- Milk thistle/dandelion/artichoke/burdock: Generally well tolerated; evidence variable; check drug interactions and allergies (e.g., ragweed family for milk thistle).
- Nettle/yellow dock: Supportive; monitor iron/ferritin with your clinician.
- Seaweed (sea moss/bladderwrack): Variable iodine—use caution with thyroid disease.
Red flags...see a medical professional promptly if you have: soaking pads hourly, dizziness/fainting, severe or sudden pelvic pain, rapidly enlarging abdomen, fever, or symptoms in pregnancy. (See ACOG’s guidance.)
FAQs
Do herbs really shrink fibroids?
Only EGCG has human randomized trial data suggesting reduction in fibroid volume over ~4 months. Most other herbs help symptoms or general wellness rather than shrinking fibroids.
How long until I notice changes?
In the EGCG trial, symptom improvements tracked with the 4-month course. For cycle-support herbs like chasteberry, allow 8 - 12 weeks.
Can I take these if I’m trying to conceive?
Discuss with your clinician. Some people use EGCG preconception under medical guidance (a U.S. multicenter trial is underway for women with fibroids and unexplained infertility), but safety and timing around ovulation/early pregnancy should be individualized.
Where to go next
- [Download the Free Fibroid Guide] (master checklist + trackers)
- Compare options: Understanding UFE and UFE vs. Myomectomy vs. Hysterectomy (decision support)
- Explore products: Fibroid Relief & Balance Formula, Liver Detox Tea, Blood Builder & Iron Support™, Fibroid Wellness Collection
References
- Roshdy E. et al. Int J Women’s Health (2013): Green tea extract (EGCG) reduced fibroid volume and improved symptoms in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
- LiverTox (NIH): Green tea extract—rare hepatotoxicity case reports, safety overview.
- ACOG & NIH/NICHD: Uterine fibroids—patient-oriented overviews and treatment options.
- NCCIH: Chasteberry (usefulness & safety); Milk thistle (usefulness & safety).
- NIH ODS: Iodine fact sheet—seaweed iodine variability and thyroid effects.
- Artichoke leaf clinical data for digestive support.
Important: This educational article doesn’t diagnose, treat, or replace medical care. Supplements can interact with medicines and conditions so be sure to speak with a licensed medical professional.
