5 Obscure Herbs That Can Genuinely Support Endometriosis (That Google Won't Show You)

Hey you.

If you're here, chances are you're dealing with endo in some way. Maybe you've been diagnosed. Maybe you're stuck in that limbo of "we're not sure, maybe it's endo, maybe it's just bad periods" (which, by the way, is not a thing. Painful periods are common but not normal and you deserve to be taken seriously).

This little guide is my offering for Endometriosis Awareness Month. I'm a clinical herbalist and this is what I do. I work with women who are living with complex reproductive conditions like endo, PCOS, adenomyosis, fibroids and more. And when I say work with, I mean we talk about the body, the symptoms, the patterns, the pain, the grief, the fire, the rage. And then we bring in herbs that can hold all of that.

This guide isn't going to tell you to drink raspberry leaf tea. Not because I don't love her, but because you've probably heard that advice already. These herbs are less known, a little harder to find, and used mostly by traditional herbalists, but I've chosen them for a reason.

So let's get into it.

First: a little bit of science. What is endometriosis, really?

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) grows outside of the uterus. These cells respond to hormones just like the uterine lining does, which means they build up and then break down and bleed with each cycle - except there's no easy exit route, so this blood can become trapped. This leads to inflammation, pain, and in some cases, scar tissue or adhesions.

There's also increasing evidence that endometriosis has an autoimmune component. That means there's dysfunction in the immune response, chronic inflammation, and often co-existing conditions like thyroid issues, IBS, allergies, fatigue, etc.

So when we support endo with herbs, we are not just targeting the uterus. We're thinking about the immune system, the inflammatory cascade, the liver, the nervous system, and the cycles of tissue growth and shedding.

1. Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree Berry)

Vitex is a powerful herb when it comes to hormonal modulation. It works primarily on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and has been shown in clinical studies to increase luteinising hormone (LH) while gently lowering prolactin and balancing the ratio of oestrogen to progesterone. For endometriosis, where oestrogen dominance is a common thread, vitex can be helpful in encouraging a more balanced hormonal picture, especially if ovulation is irregular or luteal phase is short. This herb takes time (think months, not weeks) and works best when matched to someone’s whole cycle pattern.

2. Arctium lappa root (Greater Burdock)

Okay, this one is a little less obscure but still not mainstream. Burdock root is one of my go-to herbs for endo because it's all about liver support and detoxification. Endometriosis is often accompanied by what's called "oestrogen dominance": too much oestrogen relative to progesterone. The liver plays a huge role in clearing excess oestrogen from the body and burdock helps that process. It also has anti-inflammatory polysaccharides and supports lymphatic drainage. It's earthy, grounding, and works well in decoction.

3. Agrimonia eupatoria (Agrimony)

This one is subtle. It's not going to blast through adhesions or radically reduce oestrogen levels overnight. But agrimony has this beautiful effect on the gut-uterus axis, especially where pain is worsened by tension and guarding. It has mild astringent and nervine properties and works on what we might call the solar plexus - the place where gut, emotion, and diaphragm all meet. If endo has you in a place of chronic bracing, agrimony brings a softening.

4. Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw)

A cousin to cramp bark (Viburnum opulus), but less well known and sometimes harder to find. Black haw is deeply antispasmodic, particularly for uterine and ovarian pain. The bark contains scopoletin and other coumarin compounds that relax smooth muscle. I use it when there's deep, radiating pain into the thighs or back, and especially where pain disrupts sleep. Can be tinctured alone or paired with valerian or kava for acute support.

5. Angelica archangelica (Angelica Root)

Angelica is a strong pelvic mover. It increases circulation to the uterus and supports downward flow. I turn to it when periods are delayed, scanty, or just feel stuck. It also has a regulating effect on the nervous system and digestion, making it a useful herb when stress and gut symptoms are tangled up with endo pain. Angelica contains furanocoumarins and bitter principles that stimulate bile and hormone clearance through the liver. I love it as a tincture or in warming teas with ginger and cinnamon.

A final word

These herbs are not magic bullets. Endometriosis is complex. Every woman I work with experiences it differently. But herbs can help - not just with symptoms but with how you feel in your body, how you process what you're holding, and how you rebuild trust in yourself again.

If you're curious about working together, consultations are 20% off until March 31st with code ENDOMONTH at checkout. I'd be honoured to hold space for you.

With warmth,

Sandi