A problem for some after one or more surgeries are abdominal adhesions. These adhesions can cause pain and discomfort. The medical solution is surgery, which, unfortunately, can cause more adhesions. However, there are several natural remedies for abdominal adhesions that are simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive.
These remedies include the supplement serrapeptase, castor oil packs and certain herbs like comfrey and calendula.
There are several natural remedies that can be used for abdominal adhesions. They are inexpensive and non-invasive, but they do take some persistence and diligence on your part to implement.
Serrapeptase is an enzyme produced by silkworms. Serrapeptase dissolves non-living tissue. It can be bought at health food stores and online. If you have any artificial parts, mesh, etc. in your body, you should NOT use serrapeptase. You do not want to inadvertently dissolve any materials in your body that are critical to your body function! However, there are more options for you, if this is the case.
Castor oil packs are external poultices used on the abdomen. Castor oil packs reduce pain and inflammation. Used faithfully over time they can reduce scar tissue and adhesions.
How to Use a Castor Oil Pack for Adhesions
Soak a cotton flannel or wool cloth that is several layers thick with castor oil. (You don't want it dripping wet.) Place the cloth over your abdomen. You can choose a size that is appropriate for you. If you have had multiple surgeries and many adhesions, you may need a large cloth to cover a large area. If you know your adhesions are more focused in one area (if perhaps you have had your gall bladder out, or had gynecological surgery) then you can make a pack that suits that area of the body.
Cover the castor oil cloth with a piece of plastic. Plastic wrap from the kitchen is fine. Use an ace bandage or something similar to help secure the castor oil pack to your abdomen. Ladies will find that a spandex camisole and/or leggings will hold the pack in place nicely. (But know that your garments may end up stained with castor oil; use old garments.)
Next, apply a heating pad or hot water bottle. The heat helps the castor oil to penetrate the skin.
Use the castor oil pack for 2 hours or overnight. (Do not use a heating pad overnight - turn it off when you are going to sleep; the heat will be retained for a while.) Do this 4 nights on, 3 nights off. Using this overnight may help you to sleep better! Women should not do this during their periods, though they may find that it relieves PMS menstrual cramping if used in the days leading up to menstruation.
You may want to sleep in old clothes and on old towels to make sure you don't get castor oil stains where you do not want them.
You do not need to make a new castor oil pack each day. You can add more castor oil to the pack as needed. If you use this treatment for several months, start with a fresh pack each month.
Comfrey is an amazing herb known for its ability to heal tissue. Used regularly it has been known to heal even old scar tissue. Calendula is another strong herb useful for skin and scar issues.
Comfrey and calendula can be used individually or together to make a tea to take internally or an oil to use externally for adhesions.
Now you have a wonderful massage oil for your adhesions.
Twice a day, gently massage this oil onto your abdomen. The massage itself may be helpful in loosening and healing the adhesions.
These remedies are not overnight "cures". You will need to use them regularly for weeks or months. But they are gentle and inexpensive.
Abdominal adhesions are a type of scar tissue that causes your internal organs to "stick" together instead of move freely as they are intended to. Adhesions can cause pain, discomfort and even bowel obstruction. Adhesions can also cause infertility.
Usually, adhesions are a result of surgery. Abdominal and pelvic infections can also result in adhesions.
Have you tried one of these remedies? Do you have another home treatment for abdominal adhesions? Please share it with us! Read on below for more suggestions from Earth Clinic readers.
