Natural Remedies for Endometriosis: Herbs, Supplements & Home Tips

| Modified on Aug 10, 2024
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Endometriosis is a painful condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus starts growing outside of it. This can cause severe discomfort, particularly during menstruation. While medical treatments are available, many women seek natural remedies to manage their symptoms. This article explores the most effective supplements and herbs for endometriosis relief.

Top Supplements for Endometriosis

  1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Why It Helps: Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with endometriosis.
    • How to Use: Consider taking fish oil supplements or increasing your intake of omega-3-rich foods like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts.
  2. Curcumin (Turmeric)

    • Why It Helps: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help manage endometriosis symptoms.
    • How to Use: You can take curcumin supplements or add turmeric to your diet. Pair turmeric with black pepper to enhance its absorption.
  3. Vitamin D

    • Why It Helps: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to a higher risk of endometriosis.
    • How to Use: Spend more time in the sun or take a vitamin D supplement. Foods like fatty fish and fortified dairy products are also good sources.
  4. Magnesium

    • Why It Helps: Magnesium helps relax muscles and reduce cramping, which is beneficial for women suffering from endometriosis-related pain.
    • How to Use: Magnesium supplements are widely available, but you can also boost your intake through foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.

Herbal Remedies for Endometriosis

  1. Ginger

    • Why It Helps: Ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It can help reduce the severity of endometriosis pain.
    • How to Use: You can drink ginger tea or take ginger supplements to help manage your symptoms.
  2. Ashwagandha

    • Why It Helps: Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress. Since stress can exacerbate endometriosis symptoms, ashwagandha may help reduce overall discomfort.
    • How to Use: Ashwagandha is available in capsule or powder form. Add it to smoothies or take it with water.
  3. Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)

    • Why It Helps: Vitex is commonly used to balance hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle. It can help manage the hormonal imbalances often associated with endometriosis.
    • How to Use: Vitex is available as a supplement, and to see results, it’s best taken daily for a few months.
  4. Chamomile

    • Why It Helps: Chamomile is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great herb for reducing endometriosis pain and promoting relaxation.
    • How to Use: Drink chamomile tea regularly, especially during your menstrual cycle, to help ease symptoms.

Home Remedies for Endometriosis Relief

In addition to supplements and herbs, some women find relief from endometriosis symptoms with simple home remedies. Here are two popular options:

  1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

    • Why It Helps: ACV is believed to help balance the body's pH and improve digestion, which can reduce inflammation and pain associated with endometriosis.
    • How to Use: Mix one to two tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water and drink daily. You can also add honey to improve the taste.
  2. Blackstrap Molasses

    • Why It Helps: Blackstrap molasses is rich in iron, calcium, and magnesium, which can help alleviate menstrual cramps and support overall reproductive health.
    • How to Use: Take one to two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses daily, either straight or mixed into warm water or tea.

Final Thoughts

Natural remedies can be a valuable addition to your endometriosis management plan. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or herbal regimen, especially if you are already on medication. By combining these natural remedies with a healthy lifestyle, you may find relief from the pain and discomfort of endometriosis.

Have you tried using any supplements or herbs for endometriosis relief? Share your experience and let us know how it worked for you!

Keep reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers who have used a remedy for endometriosis.


Apple Cider Vinegar

2 User Reviews
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Posted by Shereen (Montego Bay, Jamaica) on 12/09/2010
★★★★★

Well I weigh abt 310 lbs, however I have been bleeding for more than two months with all the doctors visit now seem to help until one afternoon my mom said I should try and use the vinegar on my sanitary napkin so I research the vinegar and found your site I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar with water and it help me so much I even feel like am losing pounds thanks, earth clinic


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Robin (Shakopee, Minnesota) on 01/24/2009
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

In August 2008, I was diagnosed with endometriosis after I was awakened at 3:00 A.M with very severe abdominal pain. Two weeks and three tests later, while still in pain my doctor told me 'when' the pain becomes severe for 'most of the month' and is 'unbearable' there were surgical options. At this time although I was still in pain all the time, the pain was much duller but it never went away. I tried ACV w/Baking Soda (2 Tbs. ACV w/ 1/4 tsp baking soda) mixed with a tall glass of water every morning and evening. After the 1st dose, the pain lessened in a matter of hours (after being constant for 3 weeks!). I started this regime on a Saturday, by Monday I was at work pain-free. I have had no problems at all since then. I did stop taking it for a month or so, but whenever I felt a 'pinch' or 'twitch' right around the time of my cycle, I'd start it back up. Now, I take two glasses every day to help with my fibroid, I'll never stop taking it again AND my cycles are not only regular, but pain-free also. BTW.. lost a few pounds too... a bonus!

>
Replied by Jane Ong
(Singapore)
08/25/2009

2 glasses a day, concentrated? i am having bad problem with endometriosis, seeing a few doctors but was told it will get better after menopause..but the pain is affecting my life day in day out..

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Pam E.
(Riverside County, California, USA)
11/02/2023
145 posts

Jane, you asked Robin:"2 glasses a day, concentrated?"

No...NOT concentrated!

Earlier in the same post, Robin clearly stated:

"I tried ACV w/Baking Soda (2 Tbs. ACV w/ 1/4 tsp baking soda) mixed with a tall glass of water every morning and evening."

>
Replied by Amanda
(Citco, Maine)
04/26/2013

I would realy like to know how big everyone's cysts are because mine is 11cm an I'm wondering if any remedies have work for a women with a cysts that size. plz help.

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Replied by Joy
(Battlegound, Wash)
04/26/2013

Please read the book what your doctor may not tell you about menopause by John Lee, he has two pages in his book on how those cysts come about and how to deal with them....

Don't worry if you are not in menopause, he is a specialist in Ob/gyn for his life work, many women have looked to him for answers.


Chaste Tree Berry

3 User Reviews
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Posted by Heather (Ohio) on 03/21/2022
★★★★★

400 mg of Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex) cured my pain related to endometriosis and a fibroid after the first dose. I've been taking it for 4 days now and I have my life back.


Chaste Tree Berry
Posted by Vibapia (San Antonio) on 08/30/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Re: Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex) for Endometriosis Menstrual Cramping

Every month since I've had my period, I've experienced terrible cramping to the point that I can't function, bloating, pain, irritability. It affected my work, and normal activity for a week leading up to my period and the week of. My doctor suggested putting me on birth control to thin my blood but I decided against it and looked for natural ways to heal. I bought organic non gmo chaste berry supplement (440mg) after hearing when how it brought my friend's period back after her not having it for months. I took 2 the day before my period, 2 the morning of the first day of my period, 2 that night, and 2 the next day. Basically whenever I felt symptoms of PMS I took 2 which is exactly 880mg of chaste berry herb. The pain vanished each time, I experienced hardly any pain on my period while using the chaste berry and no longer need NSAIDs or pain meds.

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Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
08/30/2016
★★★★★

Dear Vibapia,

Thank you for sharing this remedy! I hope you will keep us posted. I am wondering if the chaste tree berry will even heal your endometriosis with time.

A friend of mine was dealing with prolonged bleeding from adenomyosis (basically endometriosis on the outside of the uterus) and chaste tree berry stopped her bleeding pretty quickly. She was taking 1/2 teaspoon of the dry chaste tree berries (aka "vitex") daily. She would just slowly chew them through the day.

So glad you are feeling better!

~Mama to Many~


Chinese Herbs

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Posted by Holly (Atlanta, Ga) on 03/20/2011
★★★★★

After 4 years of ovarian cysts, uterine fibriod and endo issues (including 2 surgeries), I found an incredible website linking these estrogenic issues to the liver. Per www.sensiblehealth.com, I am taking Coptis at bedtime, Chinese Bitters upon waking, and am experiencing fantastic results. As well, have tried to eliminate estrogen mimicking foods and herbs which are also listed on the site. Please feel free to contact me. hmsr1971(at)yahoo(dot)com.

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Replied by Lislcat
(Madison, Wisconsin, Usa)
09/07/2012

This is very interesting. I've had ovarian cysts for almost 30 years, but this last year, they have become painful. It use to be that I would have pain at my right ovary, only when ovulating and only for part of a day. Last month, it bothered me the entire week of ovulation and again for the week of my period. Now, it is staying sore all the time. The link with the liver is interesting, because since having my gallbladder out and being on some strong IV antibiotics, my liver does not tolerate caffeine very well and I've been drinking quite a bit of it lately. I will go back to following a mostly vegetarian diet, with no caffeine and see if it helps. I had thought my liver was flaring up, because I tend to get cysts on my skin when this happens and I have them. Thanks for making the connection!


Cinnamon

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Posted by Ann (Michigan) on 02/11/2021
★★★★★

Cinnamon for Heaving Bleeding From Endometriosis

Take cinnamon pills 500-1000mg it slows the heavy bleeding. As long as I took the cinnamon, I stayed pretty controlled symptom-wise from 30 years old till menopause.i still ache some I wish I knew about serrapeptase in my 20's.


Coconut Oil, Turmeric

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4 star (1) 
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3 star (1) 
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Posted by Stella (South Portland, Maine) on 03/27/2008
★★★★★

I have been suffering from severe endometriosis for the past eight years. I have had multiple surgeries and a virtual chemical cocktail of pain meds and hormones. This is the first month in five years that I have not had to use pain medication and have not been bed ridden for three days. What I did-- 1 T. EVCO 1 T. Tumeric in hot water as tea every night for a month. The first month I didnt notice a change in pain, but I did sweat and obnoxious amount at night. I attribute the sweating to my hormones becomming balanced. This month I am pain free. I have also stopped eating out of plastic containers--removed any skin cleaning products, shampoo or tolitries with any suspect ingredients, stopped using tampons, and taken 3 T. of ACV daily. I am truly amazed, I'm not sure what is working but something is. Those of you who have suffered with this know-- I was ready to try anything to avoid another surgery--compared to the spectrum of options I was given by the medical community (removal of more intestines, colon, bladder, or take bunches of hormones) the EVCO & Tumeric is pretty tame. Good luck.

>
Replied by Stella
(South Portland, Maine)
06/27/2008
★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

Update on my experience with coconut oil and tumeric. To my fellow sufferers out there like everything else this seems to have only had a one time relief effect. So without many options I am soldiering on to the next maybe-cure. What I am trying now is large doses of b-complex vitamins along with liver supportive teas such as milk thistle and nettle. The theory behind this being that the liver is what balances hormones and excretes excess hormone. The belief being that a body suffering from endometriosis has an overload of estrogen or estrogen mimickers (ex. plastic, bisphenol-a etc.) That being said... b-complex appears to assist the liver in getting rid of this excess estrogen. Good luck--i will keep posting my results.

>
Replied by Sp
(Nashville, Tn)
10/22/2009

Thank you so much for the information and your update Stella. I had surgery 6 months ago to remove some the endometriosis and want to avoid any future female related surgeries.

I will try the milk thistle and nettle for my endometriosis. I am taking EVCO and turmeric on a daily basis for other ailments and love it and am seeing a positive effects on my body.

>
Replied by Erin
(Tampa, Fl)
03/16/2010
★★★★☆

I'd like to add my qualified 'yea' to this method. Eating Jalfrezi Curry which contains these two ingredients makes me feel much better, for a little while. When I'm suffering pain from a cyst it's hard to find foods that won't increase my discomfort, so it's nice to know there's a food that will ease it a bit.

EC: More about this Indian curry dish here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalfrezi

>
Replied by Adri
(Fontana, Ca)
01/23/2013

I read that the consumption of milk thistle plant extract with enhanced effects of estrogen in the body. As you digest the milk thistle, certain plant compounds in it begin to mimic the physiological functions of estrogen. As a result, hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids may be worsened.

It may be a better alternative to take chinese bitters (bupleurum root).

>
Replied by Marina
(Philadelphia, US)
07/21/2014

If you don't mind, tell me what TVCO is? EVCO, what is it? Thanks

>
Replied by Dave
(Fountain Inn, Sc)
07/21/2014

Hey Marina,

TVCO can mean Tropical Virgin Coconut Oil and

EVCO can mean Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Does that fit the context?

>
Replied by Pradeep
(Sri Lanka)
07/13/2015

My wife suffers from endormetriosis and doctors said there is no cure for this illness. she is really disapponted and has given up all hopes of living. She really wanted to have a kid but not successful because of this problem. I want her to be happy and live together. I am trying my best to help my wife to fight this diseas and new to give her a new hope of having a baby as she has nothing to live for. I was very happy reading articles here. If possibe give us more advice as to how we fight this illness.

>
Replied by M
(Nashville, Tn)
01/11/2016

You sound like a very compassionate partner. You're right, there is no cure. Tell your wife to stop eating soy, dairy, and gluten and instead eat a lot of green vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables. The more raw food the better. She can also take serrepeptase, which is an enzyme from bacteria native to the digestive system of silkworms. It is the enzyme responsible for dissolving a silkworm's cocoon. This enzyme can breakdown scar tissues, adhesions, cysts... As far as her fertility, I'm sorry she is taking it so hard. She should not give up but perhaps look at other options like surrogacy or adoption. Many people have fertility success from acupuncture treatments. Since the disease is hormonal, it can make us very depressed and moody. Hopefully if she can get a better balance on her hormones, she can start to find joy again. You are doing the right thing by seeking help and loving and supporting her. Good luck to you two.

>
Replied by Lena
(Melbourne)
08/03/2016

EVCO - extra virgin coconut oil.

>
Replied by Beth
(Vista, Ca)
05/22/2018

Dear Pradeep,

I read a book by Dr. John Lee called Hormone Balance Made Simple (available on Amazon) that details how hormone imbalance can cause the problems your wife is experiencing, as well as many others. He recommends first doing a saliva test to test the level of hormones. Then adjusting accordingly through bio-identical hormones which do not cause breast cancer and other cancers as synthetic hormones do. That book will provide so much information to help your wife bring her hormones into balance and regain her life. And she will be able to have the children you both desire!


Dietary Changes

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Posted by els7 (USA) on 10/23/2023
★★★★★

Thanks for the advice, and I would like to add that people suffering from endometriosis might want to avoid frozen fish sticks. I'm not sure what specifically it is about frozen fish sticks that causes my endometrial cysts to suddenly flare with irritation and cause cramps, but I do know that this doesn't happen when I eat homemade fried fish, or most other frozen foods that need to be heated in the oven. Just the fish sticks, and it doesn't even seem to matter much which brand, it's always the breaded frozen mystery fish sticks that cause the problem.


Dietary Changes
Posted by Elli (Utah) on 01/14/2016
★★★★★

I suffered from crazy pain and debilitating cycles. Really, I was 22 and considering a hysterectomy. Then I found how diet can play a part. ELIMINATE WHEAT, SOY, AND SUGAR. also look into Oxalates. Too many oxalates can cause vulvodia pain. High Histamine. Soy is sooo bad for endometriosis..

It sounded extreme to me too, but it has Helped so much. And its not hard. Its just life. And I (Thanks to Prayer) have a life again.


Eliminate Wheat

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Posted by Lauren English (Whitehorse, Yukon) on 11/12/2008
★★★★★

Endometriosis: A remedy that will actually stop the swelling in your stomach, and make the pain dull so much you can barely tell you have it. And help your chances of getting pregnant. Simple, don't eat wheat. Wheat makes endometriosis in your stomach swell. There is a hormone in there. Don't eat it, feel great. Don't believe me, look it up. There has been a lot of research on it now. 95% of people with endometriosis are irritated by wheat. It worked for me. My doctor said when i had surgery a few years ago, i would never have kids, and i had over 40 endometriosis "seeds" in my stomach. He opened me up a few months ago. NOTHING. And i was no longer in pain. I also add a lot of ginger to my food. If your tummy hurts, get a towel, soak it in ginger, and put it against your stomach. The ginger helps. dull the pain for a little bit anyways.

>
Replied by Erynn
(New Haven, CT)
01/16/2009

Endometriosis- no wheat. When you say Ginger, you mean fresh ginger, or powdered ginger?

>
Replied by Lauren
(Whitehorse, YT)
01/27/2009

Fresh ginger, Grind it yourself! Powdered ginger works in your food, but against your tummy it has to be fresh, it's more potent that way.

>
Replied by Sandra B
(Toronto, On, Canada)
06/19/2009

By eliminating Wheat from your diet are you eliminating Whole Wheat products as well? Sandra B.

>
Replied by Lauren
(Whitehorse, YT)
07/07/2009

You need to eliminate ALL wheat. Its in everything, so it will be pretty hard to do for the first few months, but you will feel better. I eliminated wheat, rye, corn and oats. Wheat is the main one to get rid of. But i developed an allergy to corn, so i went on a body detox. And never felt better. Now i can eat corn, oats and rye again, but NO wheat ever again. The pain was to much, to many hospital visits, to many surgeries. Wheat isnt worth it!

>
Replied by Celeste
(Mesa, AZ)
07/28/2009
★★★★☆

I have been off wheat for 2 weeks now and feel a lot better in regards to my endometriosis. I actually feel GOOD after eating a meal now rather than tired. I tried for years to just cut out refined wheat but after reading about the wheat-endometriosis connection I decided to try it for 2 weeks, I'm off it for good now. I am also going through acupuncture treatments for my endo. This helps tremendously with my energy levels and pain. I truly feel like my body is gaining better balance to heal itself through these two therapies. Hopefully by next year I'll be pregnant, or at least endo-free!

>
Replied by Lauren
(Whitehorse, Yt)
10/11/2009

I'm glad it helped you! As for pregnancy try taking maca root, and cherry blossom. They will help increase your fertility


Eliminate Wheat/Dairy, Chinese Herbs

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Posted by Holly (Atlanta, Ga) on 06/10/2011
★★★★★

I have found great relief from endo pain by taking Chinese Bitters (1tsp upon rising) and Coptis (1tsp at bedtime on an empty stomach) = terrific liver cleanse. Also, eliminate wheat and dairy... Both are the devil when it comes to endo!

>
Replied by Katharina
(London, Uk)
11/22/2011

By eliminating dairy, do you mean yogurt as well? Many books differentiate between dairy (milk and cheese) and yogurt... Thanks for your help!

>
Replied by Holly
(Atlanta, Ga)
01/08/2012

Here, dairy = cow's milk dairy. Other milks: almond, coconut, hemp, etc. are encouraged instead. Goat's milk products cause trouble for me as well.


Gentian, Buplerum

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Posted by Nat (Washington, Dc) on 06/20/2014
★★★★★

I as well was lucky enough to come across the sensible health website which explains endometriosis to the T! After becoming fed up with the conventional way of treating my endometriosis stage 4, meaning doctors wanted to place me on lupron to cease my menses or birth control to cease my menses. That was a no no I did not want to go through menopause at 23, also these meds do not even cure the disease just make you stop producing your own hormones therefore putting endometriosis to "sleep". I searched natural remedies for endometriosis and my life was changed ever since.

In addition to refraining from soy (MAJOR CULPRIT TO HORMONAL IMBALANCES) AND SWITCHING TO ORGANIC MEAT AND DAIRY and taking the recommended chinese herbs on the site which are buplerum and gentian (in order to detox the bad hormones accumulated in the liver), I can officially say that I have conquered my life again. I no longer feel the daily deliberating pain I once felt prior to getting on this regimen. I have completely forgotten that I dealt with this dreadful problem and instead of taking a hefty amount of pain killers during the time of the month, I now knock out the mild pain which I experience the first hour of starting my period with 1 advil. 1 advil a month VS 10 advils a day in the past. The sensible health author literally saved my life bc nothing else has worked


Gluten Free, Supplements

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Posted by Therese (Norway) on 02/08/2016
★★★★★

I have had endometriosis for several years. The first few years my period pains grew more and more intense. At the worst I was in agony for three days every month, and in moderate pain/considerable discomfort for the rest of the month. Painkillers rarely worked at all.

When I cut out wheat and all grains containing gluten, my period pains lessened considerably, and I am now completely pain free for 26-27/28 days every month. I still miss one day of work every month due to period pains, but cutting out wheat and eating healthily has given me my life back. Painkillers also work much better now.

In addition, I take quite a few supplements and make sure to eat a healthy diet, with lots of fruit and veg, nuts, and fiber. The most important supplements are vitamin C, evening primrose oil and good quality omega 3.

Beware that it may take weeks, even months, for this to give full effect. For me it was more than a year before I gained my present state of health, but I hear from others that they generally experience effect sooner after cutting out wheat. I know that the regiment works, however, because of the few times I have eaten wheat by a mistake and been in a lot of pain for days afterwards. I once went on holiday without my supplements, and within three days abdominal discomfort started growing, increasing day by day until I got my hands on vitamin C.

To be honest it is quite a bit of hassle to always mind what I eat and don't eat. But when the alternative is giving up on my life (my job, an active social life, excercising), it is still the easier path. I have also come to embrace the fact that a varied and healthy diet with good quality ingredients is a more delicious way of eating! I eat lots of healthy fats, never skimp on calories, and try new foods all the time. It is a rich way of eating.


Homeopathic Remedy Sepia

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Posted by Selva (Port Townsend, Wa) on 02/12/2019
★★★★★

I cured all the symptoms of endometriosis using a homeopathic remedy called Sephia many years ago. I do not remember the quantity taken, but I do remember the time for the treatment was about 45 days.


Iodine Deficiency

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Posted by Linda (Orlando, FL) on 02/22/2007
★★★★★

I have suffered from endometriosis for many years. I also have hypothyroid and wonder if the iodine deficiency mentioned in Ted's educational posting could be related to both?

>
Replied by Anna
(Uk)
04/25/2014
★★★★★

Yes iodine deficiency could definitely be the cause or part of the cause of your endometriosis.42% of women with endometriosis have thyroid problems.1 woman cured her endo by taking iodine http://www.topix.com/forum/health/endometriosis/TUA0R4LDRL0G919BH and quite a few women have cured their PCOS by following the iodine protocol.



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